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Country Dance and Song Society

Campers' Week at Pinewoods
August 19 - 26, 2006

As of August 2, this week has a short wait list.

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Family
English & American
English Dance Leaders
English Dance
English Musicians
Campers'
American Dance & Music
Contra Dance Callers
Storytelling Week
Family Week 1
Family Week 2
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Program Description * Staff * Class Descriptions & Schedule

Campers' Week at Pinewoods
August 19 - 26, 2006

Program Director:
Sue Ribaudo

Staff:
Kathy Anderson
Mitzie Collins
Debbi Friedlander
Joanne Hammil
Jody Kruskal
Jim Morrison
Dorothy Robson
Sally Rogers
Jacqueline Schwab
Nancy Silber
Kathy Talvitie

Advisors:
Steve Howe
Karen Mueller-Harder
Hannah Naiman

Program Description: [Back to Top]

Look up our Family Programs for some general information; here is more detail about this particular program and staff.

Campers' Week is different from other CDSS programs because the campers themselves get to help shape the week's activities. Many campers contribute their talents for traditional song, dance, storytelling, and other art forms, complementing the professional staff and enriching the special sense of community that is the hallmark of Campers' Week.

There are scheduled classes led by staff twice a day for children ages 4-12. Those 13 and older can choose from a wide range of activities; some will be staff-led but many will be offered by fellow campers. In the past we have had English, American, Scottish, morris, rapper, waltz, salsa and swing dancing, singing of all kinds, storytelling and crafts, just to name a few.

Campers look forward to the morning and evening gatherings each day. The camp assembles to share songs and stories from campers and staff. It's a time for everyone to participate and enjoy the many talents that everyone brings to camp.

In addition to participating in a wide variety of classes, there is also time for relaxing by the crystal clear ponds, swimming, talking with friends, jamming or enjoying a new craft.

After a full day of dancing, swimming, singing and playing, the youngest campers (8 and under), with their parents, are helped on their way to bed by a pied piper who escorts them from the Camphouse to their cabins with a familiar lullaby. Roving monitors will make frequent rounds of the camp making sure that all is well. The rest of the campers then head to the dance pavilion for English and American dancing.

We end the night with revelry as the spirit moves. After the dance, some nights are planned, others are not. There is always a skit night, a pub night and an auction. And some people have been known to sleep.

Campers' Week welcomes families, singles and couples of any age. There has been a great group of teens and young adults who have found camamraderie during this week. Come join us and savor the joys that music, dance and friendship can bring. -- Sue Ribaudo, Program Director

Staff: [Back to Top]

Kathy Anderson is an enthusiastic, energetic caller of contras and squares who emphasizes good connection to the music, quick teaching and maximum fun. She loves to pass these skills on to others. She learned to call in the Midwest tradition where all share the playing of the music and the calling of the dances, and has been calling for 25 years all over the U.S. and abroad. We will enjoy Kathy's calling during evening dances and classes.

Mitzie Collins hails from Rochester, New York. She has been performing for schools, libraries, festivals and conferences for more than 30 years. A hammered dulcimer player extraordinaire, she is also a collector of clapping and singing games. She has numerous recordings to her credit, including Sounds Like Fun (book and CD), which is favorite with teachers, parents and kids. Mitzie will host our Evening Gatherings.

Debbi Friedlander teaches general music (K-6th) as well as third grade in Northampton, MA. She'll bring numerous percussion instruments with her, including her collection of Orff xylophones. You never know what to expect with Debbi. Last year the 5-6 year olds put on a production of Where the Wild Things Are at the beach in the water. The 7-8 year olds built fairy houses and went on a treasure hunt in the woods finding costumes and props that had been hidden along the way. Debby will teach two children's classes.

Joanne Hammil -- songwriter, performer, educator, community choral director and passionate rounds composer -- directs intergenerational and children's choruses in the greater Boston area and presents dynamic concerts and workshops for adults, families and teachers across the country. Known for her exciting and original recordings for children, her songs have been performed and recorded by many artists and have been widely published. Her rounds have become exciting standards in books and harmony circles. Joanne will teach one children's class and lead a mixed chorus.

Jody Kruskal leads children in song, dance and instrument building workshops at schools, summer camps and arts organizations, including many seasons with CDSS. He composes music for theater and dance performances and plays Anglo concertina, guitar, sax, Indonesian gamelan and his own wacky musical inventions. His contra and English dance bands include Grand Picnic, Dressed Ship and Squeezology. Jody will be our band leader and teach two children's classes.

Jim Morrison, a dancer, fiddler and itinerant instructor, has been a central figure in American morris and sword dancing. His teaching draws on a broad background in traditional and popular dance and music history, and he has lead several influential groups including Greenwich Morris Men, Albemarle Morris Men, Greenwich Sword and Old Swan Tavern Border Morris. Jim will teach some ritual dance classes and play in our dance band.

Sue Ribaudo works in New York City as a performer and music teacher, and is equally at ease working with adults and children. As an inspiring singer and song leader, she offers vocal classes at various summer music programs. She offers workshops for teachers, encouraging them to use multicultural music as a tool for learning. Sue is also a songwriter and award-winning recording artist. Campers' Week has been an important part of her family's summers for 20 years.

Dorothy Robson has over 35 years experience teaching music to children, teenagers and adults. As a music educator, she has taught children from preschool through high school, and has been music director for many school and community theatre productions in central Vermont. Dorothy founded a performing arts day camp for children in Rochester, Vermont, where she has also directed a children's church choir for many years. Dorothy enjoys composing music, playing piano, dulcimer and recorder and involving others in making music. Dorothy will teach a children's class and share songs with all ages.

Sally Rogers is the underground bead lady who is occasionally known for her music making and song writing and some organizational prowess. She has been attending Campers' Week with her family for over 10 years, having caught the bug after being on staff when her 17 year old, Malana, was 3. Sally has been a music teacher at Pomfret Community School for five years after 20 years of traveling as an award-winning performer, recording artist, songwriter and educator. She will organize the Morning Gatherings this year, so bring lots of ideas, songs and dances to share.

Jacqueline Schwab, a passionate country dancer since age 15 and a dance pianist for over 25 years, loves teaching English country dancing and its music. She is a founding member of the English dance quartet Bare Necessities, who have eleven recordings and have toured the U.S. and England. Jacqueline has three solo albums and her playing has been heard worldwide on eleven of Ken Burns's documentaries, including his Grammy award-winning Civil War series. As a country dance leader, Jacqueline aims to bring out everyone's confident, joyous inner dancer. She will be calling and playing during the evening dances and teaching classes for dancers and musicians.

Nancy Silber has taught music and directed choruses for many years and currently works at the Green Vale School in Old Brookville, NY. She is a longtime member of the Children's Music Network and is the Editor of its journal Pass It On!. Nancy has performed in shows for the Revels in New York and directed the Revels' children's chorus in San Francisco. As a songwriter and collector of songs, she has published song books and recordings. She first attended Pinewoods Campers' Week 13 years ago and is thrilled to be part of the Pinewoods staff. Nancy will share her music and dance skills with a children's class.

Kathy Talvitie plays for both English country and contra dancing. She plays piano with Hold the Mustard and A Joyful Noise and guitar with Raise the Roof. She is very active in the Delaware Valley dance community as a player, dancer and organizer and has been a regular at Campers' Week for over 15 years. We will be counting on Kathy to play for our dances and classes.

Campers' Week at Pinewoods
Daily Schedule
7:45 - 8:15 Breakfast
9:00 - 9:50 Morning classes, divided by age group
10:00 Refreshments
10:15 - 11:00 All Camp Gathering
11:00 - 12:00 Swimming, Bookstore staffed
12:15 Lunch
1:30 - 2:20 Quiet activities/Rest time
2:30 - 3:20 Afternoon classes, divided by age group
3:20 - 3:35 Campstore Open
3:30 - 4:20 Swimming, Bookstore staffed, classes
4:00 - 4:20 Tea
4:30 - 5:20 Late afternoon classes
6:00 Dinner
6:45 Singing Games
7:30 - 8:25 Evening Gathering
8:00 Pied Piper / Bedtime for children 8 and younger
8:30 - 11:00 Evening Dance Party
9:20 Bedtime for 9-12 year olds
11:00 Optional after-dance activities

Class Descriptions: [Back to Top]
Here are some classes that we have each year:

  • Contras and Squares
  • English Dance
  • Teen Class
  • Rapper and Morris
  • Singing on the Porch
  • Children's classes: including singing games, dancing, storytelling, crafts, playing musical instruments....
    (The age groupings for children's classes will be set after registration is complete.)

    Classes that are frequently offered:

  • Mummers Play
  • Community Band
  • Rounds Singing
  • Sacred Harp Singing
  • Scottish Dance
  • Swing Dance
  • International Dance
  • Beading
  • Guitar
  • Recorder

    Community Gatherings
    Sally Rogers will host our Morning Gatherings and Mitzie Collins will be our Evening Gathering coordinator. They both invite you to offer your songs and dances during these times.


    Program Description * Staff * Class Descriptions & Schedule * Top

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    Haydenville, MA 01039-0338

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