Country Dance and Song Society American Dance Musicians Course at Pinewoods August 19 - 26, 2000

As of April 7, this session is full, but has no wait list.

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American Dance Musicians Course at Pinewoods August 19 - 26, 2000 Program Director: Laurie Andres
Tentative Schedule: [Back to Top]
9:00 - 10:15
American Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes
10:30- 11:45
American Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes
1:30 - 2:30
Open Mic	MC: Mary Devlin
Singing and Voice Production	Paul Sartin
Northwest Morris	Rosie Donovan
2:45 - 3:45
English Country: Current Favorites	Brad Foster
Contras	Mary Devlin
Callers	Bob Dalsemer
3:45 - 4:15
Tea
4:15 - 5:15
American Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes
7:45
Concert/Presentation
8:30
Evening Dance Party
11:00
After-Dance Activities

Program Description: [Back to Top]
This special course is for intermediate and advanced players with experience playing for dances.

Join a group of enthusiastic and dedicated musicians for a week long course of American country dance music in the New England tradition. Our objectives for the week will be to play with rhythm, phrasing, danceability, expression and gusto, coupled with an awareness of and sensitivity to your fellow musicians, the caller and the dancers. We will examine and probe phrasing, rhythm, ornamentation, improvisation and arranging. We will also delve into the mechanics of performing with other musicians and callers and the historical and social background to the music and dance.

For two periods every day, Laurie Andres will lead an exploration of the intimate relationship between music and dance in American country dancing. Master classes on individual instruments will fill a third period, the time of which will vary from day to day. They will draw on the talent and experience of the tiptop musicians at English & American Dance Week at Pinewoods.

To help translate theory into practice, we will break into smaller ensembles which provide a more realistic band experience. There will also be an open band for musicians and open microphone for callers session each day. And one evening will be a camper musicians and caller led dance. There will be a building open for informal music making 24 hours a day.

As dancing can only serve to enhance ones playing, participants are encouraged to dance during their free periods and at the evening dance parties. The schedule also allows participation in the full range of camp activities and social events. Please check the description of English & American Dance Week at Pinewoods for details on the rich and varied program and staff.

Participants must be able to play their instruments at dance tempos. An ability to learn music by ear, by music, or both is valued. Some music for the course will be provided before camp in both written and cassette format.

The course is designed and led by Laurie Andres who has been playing jubilantly danceable music on the piano and piano accordion for contra, square, English country and morris dancing since 1976. He has been on the staff at Pinewoods, Buffalo Gap and many other music and dance festivals since 1980.

Registration: [Back to Top]
American Dance Musicians Course is limited to 15 people. There will be acoustic pianos, but piano players are encouraged to bring an electric keyboard with headphones. We will attempt to keep a balance between melody players and accompanists. Scholarships are available.

Program Description Tentative Schedule Top

413-268-7426 FAX: 413-268-7471

Country Dance and Song Society 132 Main St/PO Box 338 Haydenville, MA 01039-0338 Office Hours M-F 9:30am - 5:00pm EST

http://www.cdss.org/