Schedule

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Classes

Class Desctriptions

Dance Classes

Contras: Dance Ingenuity – Donna Hunt

Music by: Pete Sutherland, Tristan Henderson, Oliver Scanlon: This class will look at techniques to improve and embellish your style of contra dancing. We will focus on making smoother transitions between figures, and other moments of connection. With emphasis on safety and timeliness, we will explore giving/sharing weight and learn some fun flourishes.

Challenging Contras – Will Mentor

Music by: Pete Sutherland, Tristan Henderson, Oliver Scanlon: What makes a contra dance challenging? Many figures? New transitions between figures? Spatial orientation? Multiple shadows? End effects? Let's try them all!

Square 'Em Up – Will Mentor

Music by: Julie Metcalf, Max Newman: Enjoy dancing in groups of eight as we reflect on stylistic and choreographic differences between New England, Western, and Southern Squares.

English Dancing For Joy – Kalia Kliban

Music by: Julie Metcalf, Kate Barnes: Explore the range of English country dancing, from the silly to the sublime. We'll learn all the basic figures and formations along the way, and discover what has kept English dancers coming back for almost 400 years.

The Magic of Waltz – Matthew Duveneck

Music by: Max Newman, Julie Metcalf: The ultimate beauty, balance and connection of Waltz lies in a couples' ability to harness suspension and to release it. We will teach some basic steps and patterns including cross-step figures-- but we will mostly explore the quality of connection possible between the music and your partner…like leaves floating down a mountain stream we swirl and interact with the current of the room and navigate the floor with grace. All levels welcome!

East Coast Swing and Two Step – Matthew Duveneck, Anna Gilbert

Music by: Kate Barnes, Dave Langford, Lise Brown: Western Two-step with two quick steps followed by two slow steps fits like a tight fitting cowboy boot with East Coast swing (same rhythm). Swing dancers steer toward the center of the floor while two steppers follow the wave flowing around the outside. In this class, we'll focus on both two-step and East Coast swing in a relaxed and comfortable way. We'll practice this to many musical styles and tempos. All levels welcome!

Argentine Tango – Matthew Duveneck, Anna Gilbert

Music by: Kate Barnes, Dave Langford, Lise Brown: A dance born in Buenos Aires during the earliest days of the last century, Argentine tango is popular all over the world. Ever mysterious, tango is considered by many partner dancers to be the ultimate form of creative dance. We will work on both the livelier Milonga style, born of multi-cultures merging in the outskirts of the city, as well as the sweeping, often melancholic tangos of the golden era (1940-50s). And, we will make time for Chacarera -- Argentine folk dancing fun! The class will compare tango to other dance forms and will explore a comfortable, joyful way to communicate through this beautiful and intimate dance. Please bring shoes you can pivot with. All levels are welcome!

Improvisational Flatfoot Clogging – Kalia Kliban

Music by: Tristan Henderson, Oliver Scanlon: You will learn a vocabulary of steps and sounds you can assemble in your own unique way. Become your own instrument! (Note: You'll need comfortable shoes with smooth, hard, non-marking soles and heels, preferably leather but plastic can work.)

Instrument & Singing Classes

Shape Note Singing – Pete Sutherland

Shape note singing, the pop music of the late 18th century and ever an all-out war on 'polite singing' enjoys more widespread popularity than ever. Pete Sutherland, an avid singer from the Sacred Harp and other shape note-singing traditions for his entire adult life, will lead a daily all-comers session. All experience levels and gender preferences (in voice parts and life). Music will be provided, but feel free to bring your own Sacred Harp, Shenandoah Harmony, Northern Harmony, copies of originals etc.

Harmony Singing – Chris Welles

Do you love singing? Does the part where the musicians break into three-part harmony fill you with joy? Starting with two part harmony, we will draw on a range of music from sacred rounds, drinking songs, traditional ballads, blues and doo wop to expand our repertoire of vocal harmony. All is taught by ear, but for fans of chicken scratches, we will provide paper music.

Swing Guitar for Folkies – Chris Welles

Tired of that old G, C, D, Em boom-chick kind of thing? Learn some cool new chords and rhythms to play swing tunes like *Take Me Back to Tulsa, Minor Swing, C Jam Blues* and *All of Me*. Starting with two and three chord songs, this course will teach you how to get "that swing feel"; cover a handful of moveable chord forms you can use to play in any key; and touch on a few music theory topics like chord substitution and transposition - but not so much as to hurt your playing! Amaze your friends! Confound your detractors! Designed for people who don't think they can play jazz. You're ready for the workshop if can play familiar songs in constant tempo and are comfortable with barre chords. Handouts provided, recording devices encouraged. Prerequisites: Familiarity with barre chords and ability to keep a steady tempo.

Learn Tunes By Ear – Dave Langford

We will spend the week learning tunes by ear by breaking them down into small manageable pieces, and then gradually stringing those pieces together until we have the entire tune. All tunes will be revisited every day with the goal of having a solid repertoire of new tunes memorized by the end of the week! Related topics such as chord theory are possible as an aid to more effective learning. All instruments are welcome.

The Land of Bandemonium – Lise Brown

This is an instrument class focusing on how to play as a large ensemble, and how to create sounds which accompany and support the lead melody players. This is mainly for melody, orchestral (chromatic) instruments, although everyone is welcome to come experience that big band contra sound!

Traditions Music Session – Max Newman

Every day we will get into the groove along one tradition of fiddle music, gently defined. Old-time, New England, Quebecois, Irish. All instruments and beverages welcome.

Other Classes

Callers Geek-Out Seminar – Lisa Greenleaf

This workshop is geared towards intermediate callers who already know the basics and want to get into deeper exploration. We will take an in-depth look at teaching, working with musicians, understanding choreography, and building a strong, supportive peer group.

Drawing Pinewoods – Will Mentor

Want a lesson in drawing? Or do you just want to relax and draw the beautiful landscape of Pinewoods? All are welcome. Drawing boards, pencils, erasers and paper are provided.

Period 5: Hot Shots: One-time Offerings – Lisa Greenleaf

The last period of the day will be the most creative: All workshop ideas welcome, from crafts to couple dancing to jamming, singing and juggling! Bring your ideas to camp, or contact Lisa ahead of time.

Staff

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Lisa Greenleaf

Lisa Greenleaf has been treating dancers across the country to her high spirited, witty calling for many years, and is known for precise walk-throughs of zesty and flowing dances. Whether she is presenting cool contras, hot squares, or focused callers' workshops, Lisa engages the crowd with her humor and community spirit.

STAFF

Kate Barnes

Kate Barnes has been playing more instruments, in more genres, in more interesting locations, for longer than most of us can remember. She currently plays in the Latter Day Lizards, Bare Necessities, Celantrio and a myriad of pickup bands. Kate also keeps herself busy with teaching, recording, publishing music books, composing, ceramics and wisecrackery.
www.canispublishing.com

Lise Brown

Lise Brown went from playing classical music to Latin music, then to swing, and then to contra and English Country Dance. She believes that all music is one music, and likes to combine elements from the various genres in her playing, arranging, and composing. Lise has performed and led workshops at music festivals and dance camps throughout the US and Europe, and is the leader and arranger of the contra dance big band, Big Bandemonium.

Anna Gilbert Duveneck

Anna Gilbert believes that creativity is a kindness best shared with others. From childhood, Anna’s passion for connectedness both within herself and with others has fueled her artistic endeavors and explorations. Her passionate spirit is highlighted in her dance instruction encouraging individuals to honor and enjoy their dance at all levels.

Matthew Duveneck

Matthew Duveneck started waltzing when he was in his mother’s womb and hasn't stopped since. He embraces many folk dance traditions and especially loves Morris and couples dancing with a particular passion for Argentine Tango. During the last ten years he has found a fine balance between his passion for forest ecology research and dance— traveling around North America for both. Matthew is currently a professor at The New England Conservatory of Music, Boston where he teaches science electives and a social dance class.

Tristan Henderson

Dynamic is certainly the word to use to describe Tristan Henderson! He played a variety of music genres before jumping into traditional music and is quickly becoming a sought after accompanist, session musician and performer in Vermont. His unique ability to play any instrument with strings (and a few without) was set into motion when he picked up the guitar at the age of ten. Tristan is an adventurous and powerful rhythm player who can also hold his own on melody, singing or picking, and he never ceases to inspire with his boundless energy and joyful performances. He was a 2013 winner of the Young Tradition Vermont talent contest with bagpiper Hazen Metro and in addition to Pete’s Posse he can be found performing with Atlantic Crossing, Cape Breton duo ‘Ben Miller & Anita MacDonald’, and anywhere else his diverse bag of tricks is desired.

Donna Hunt

Donna Hunt calls contra and square dances with interesting choreography and variations. She is known for utilizing clear, concise instructions to minimize teaching time and maximize dance time. She offers programs of exciting dances in a variety of figures and formations for the dancers’ enjoyment. Donna infuses the dancers with confidence, regardless of their skill level, and she enjoys guiding new dancers and challenging experienced ones.
donnahuntcaller.com

Kalia Kliban

Kalia Kliban has been part of the Bay Area dance community since the mid-80s, performing and teaching morris, longsword, American and English clog and English country dance. She is program director for BACDS's upcoming Fall Frolick weekend and has also programmed BACDS Family Week. Her clear and humorous teaching style has gotten feet tapping at camps and gatherings throughout California and beyond.

Dave Langford

Fiddler and guitarist Dave Langford, a founding member of The Latter Day Lizards, also performs with Big Bandemonium, Les Z Boys and others. A veteran of 25 plus years of playing for public dances, concerts, weddings, late night sessions and anyplace there is fun to be had, Dave combines multiple styles of fiddling with fierce energy and drive. He has been a staff member for numerous music and dance weeks and weekends all across the U.S. and beyond.

Will Mentor

Will Mentor is a contra and square dance caller from Northern Vermont known for his clear teaching, upbeat wit, and relaxed stage presence. He loves to choreograph evenings with a variety of dances and tempos that at times surprise and always delight, all the while keeping intact his guiding principle as a caller: "It's about the dancers!"

* Julie Metcalf

Julie Metcalf, fiddler and violist, can often be spotted at contra and English dances in the Boston area, either on stage playing fiddle or on the dance floor. Coming from a family of musicians, she was encouraged to make music from an early age; Julie picked up the violin for the first time when she was 4 years old and has been playing ever since. Julie holds a degree in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music, where she studied traditional and contemporary styles music. She has played Celtic chamber music with the Folk Arts Quartet and Mexican music with Boston's Mariachi Palenque. Julie currently performs with the Agnostic Fiddle Insurgency and The Gig Hunters. Julie is also an accomplished jawharp player. She plays jawharps from around the world, as well as other unusual instruments including the marxolin and mouth bow, in concert with Larry Unger.

* Max Newman

Guitar and mandolin player Max Newman has made a living as a practitioner of traditional music for the past decade and half. Dance music is his central focus, as well as the community that stems from it. In addition to making music, Max co-organizes several events, including Youth Dance Weekend, a camp dedicated to developing leadership among the next generation of contra and English participants. He also worked for CDSS as the Youth Projects Intern, leading workshops and developing materials for dance organizers, callers, and musicians.
www.maxnewman.com

Oliver Scanlon

A soulful fiddler, mandolinist and spellbinding tunesmith, Oliver Scanlon began his journey of musical discovery with a stint in the Vermont Youth Orchestra, picking up the viola when he was nine. Shortly after he was introduced to his mentor Pete and the immense parallel universe of fiddle music! His keen interest in fiddling led him to seek further learning and performing opportunities through Mark Sustic’s “Fiddleheads” program, and soon he began attending music camps where he studied various styles with Alan Jabbour, Kimberley Fraser, Andrea Beaton, Eric Favreau and other master fiddlers. In 2013 he both co-founded Pete's Posse and became the youngest member of Pete’s long running dance band The Clayfoot Strutters. Recognized not only for his classy and mesmerizing playing, but also for being a meticulous sound tech, Oliver stays quite busy when not on the road with the Posse!

Pete Sutherland

Pete Sutherland is a warm voiced singer, songsmith and accomplished multi-instrumentalist, known equally for his potent originals and his intense recreations of age old ballads and fiery fiddle tunes. Pete has been on staff at dance and music camps coast to coast and is a widely known year-round teacher and performer at home. Sutherland is a veteran of many touring and recording groups including Metamora, Rhythm In Shoes, The Woodshed Allstars, Woods Tea Company, Ira Bernstein’s Ten Toe Percussion and is a founding member of the long running ‘contradance jamband’ The Clayfoot Strutters. He is also a producer with over 80 projects under his belt, and a prolific songwriter covered by the likes of Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Nightingale and Altan.

Chris Welles

Chris Welles

* PROGRAM ADVISORS, plus

Steve Howe

Life at Camp

ABOUT PINEWOODS CAMP

CDSS has been at Pinewoods Camp since 1933. Located on 25 acres of woodlands near Plymouth, Massachusetts, it provides the setting for educational vacations filled with music and dance. Spacious, wooden outdoor dance pavilions are nestled among the towering pines. Cozy two-person cabins offer accommodations between two beautiful lakes, which are ideal for swimming, kayaking, canoeing and relaxing. The main pebbly beach has a long dock, with deep-water swimming to the anchored raft offshore. Scattered along the shores of the two lakes are other, more private, entries to the water. Gatherings, parties and concerts are held in the lakeside Camphouse, next to the main beach. The open-air, lakeside Dining Hall offers delicious meals and a congenial atmosphere for meeting new friends. With their large stone fireplaces, both the Dining Hall and the Camphouse provide a warm place to gather in cooler weather.

Plan your packing so that you can carry luggage to your cabin over narrow, sometimes uphill paths. There are carts available in the parking areas to help with loading or unloading.

Pinewoods is about a one hour drive from Boston, MA, and about five hours from New York, NY. It is accessible by train, bus and van service.

GETTING TO CDSS PROGRAMS AT PINEWOODS BY PUBLIC TRANSIT

It is easier than ever to get to CDSS programs at Pinewoods Camp from Boston's Logan Airport or South Station! Book a flight or train that arrives by 1p.m. and reserve a seat on the 2:00 van to camp – this is the earliest we will be ready to receive you. The van runs from Terminal A and South Station right to camp, where the greeters will help you unload at the place most convenient to your cabin. You can also reserve a seat for your 9:45 departure on the last day of camp, suitable for flights, or trains, noon and later. Please reserve your van seats at least 10 days before you arrive. We cannot guarantee space for late reservations. Also, talk with us if your flight times are incompatible with these vans, we may be able to schedule additional vans at other times.

ARRIVAL TIME

The program begins with swimming and an informal tour of camp on the afternoon of the first day; followed by an orientation meeting and dance after dinner.

Arrival time is after 3:00pm on the starting Saturday. Departure is by 10:00am the final Saturday.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

You will need to bring a flashlight to find your way around at night. A battery powered or wind up alarm clock and insect repellent may be useful. If you are on a special diet, you may need to bring your own particular food. An ice chest for drinks and snacks to share at after-dance parties may be handy. A specific packing list is sent with acceptance information.

Don't forget to pack your swimsuit, raincoat, sweater, towels, bed linen, and blankets or a sleeping bag. An extra blanket could be needed.

STORES

The nearest stores are a 15-30 minute drive away.

HOUSING

All participants are assigned on-site housing in the month before camp starts. Space is limited; we can't guarantee that all specific requests will be filled. Requests may be made on the Registration Form or with information sent later.

A cluster of cabins on the Hill
(photo by Bruce Holmes)Most housing is in double-occupancy cabins with bathrooms close by. There are some buildings with several single rooms, as well as a few houses with a variety of bedrooms and bathrooms. Double cabins tend to be quieter than singles or houses.

General housing categories at Pinewoods are:

• Quiet or party areas
• Double or single occupancy
• Double cabin
• Building with bathroom
• Specific area or building

For Family and Campers' Weeks, housing will be assigned based on the age of the youngest family member; most children over six are assigned a roommate in a cabin near their parents.

JOBS

In the cooperative spirit of camp life, all campers have a daily job to help camp run smoothly.

Jobs are usually a half hour or less per day, every day, and the same job all week. Jobs are assigned in the month before camp starts; you have the opportunity make specific requests about your job assignment either on the Registration Form or later with your Registration Status Form.

We can't guarantee that all specific job requests will be filled, but please let us know if you have a preference or limitation (e.g., dust allergy, unable to lift heavy objects, can't stay up late, can't get up for breakfast).

At family sessions parents are generally assigned a job with their young children.

General job categories are:

• Dining room: breakfast, lunch or dinner (set/clear tables)
• Kitchen (serve food, clear, wash dishes, make coffee/tea)
• Sweeping (pavilions, community areas)
• Party help (late night party setup/cleanup)
• Clerical (office, bookstore, auction)
• Greeters (must be able to arrive by 2:00pm)
• Gopher (campstore, auction, lifting)

PHONE & COMPUTERS

Though your plate will be full with activities while at camp, for those of you who must keep in contact with work or home, there are options. There is first class mail and UPS service. We do ask that laptops and cell phones be kept out of the awareness of other campers. Even if you can't, others want to enjoy this time away from the reminders of work-a-day living.

There is a touch-tone phone for camper use; you will need a calling card to make long distance calls. Cell coverage is ok.

Fees

The fee for the week is

$895

DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS

Online payments can be made with Mastercard or VISA. We can only take the amount you approve, so balance payments need to be initiated by you.

Mailed-in registrations can be paid by Mastercard, VISA or by check, made payable to CDSS, in U.S. Funds. Mail to CDSS, 116 Pleasant St Suite 345, Easthampton, MA 01027

Submit your Online Registration or payment. You will be asked to login, or, if you are new to CDSS, create an account. There is also a Full registration form PDF document you can snailmail, fax or email us with your payment. Please note that you must fill out both the registration form and the appropriate waiver(s).

A deposit of $150/person/week, if not paying full amount, is needed with registration.

Full cost depends on the Week and, at family programs, the ages of children.

Full payment for sessions starting before August 1: due May 20

Full payment for sessions starting on or after August 1: due June 20

There is a fee of $25 on any late payment.

Deposits/payments are processed upon receipt. In the case of cancellation from the wait list or from a session, a refund will be issued as per our cancellation policy.

Pay your balance online You should have received an email that tells how much is due. You will need to fill in that amount due.

SCHOLARSHIPS

We offer work scholarships to any camper in need, and named scholarships to practicing teachers, leaders and musicians. Please read about our scholarship programs before applying. Scholarship applications will be considered at the time of registration and should therefore accompany the Registration Form.

Donation in support of Scholarships are needed and gratefully accepted. If you are able to help another person benefit from our programs, you can do so by making a contribution along with your registration or at our online store. In addition, at each week of our summer camps, we hold auctions which raise money for future scholarships.

For Accepted Campers

If you have registered and been accepted, you should have received an email from Steve Howe listing the accepted people on your registration. The email was sent to only one email address per registration. Accepted campers will also receive an email listing your contact information, housing and job requests, your meal preferences, emergency contact information and other details with a process for updating that information. Here are link to several printable bits of important information.

Acceptance Information: This includes the cancelation and refund policy.

Pay your balance online You should have received an email that tells how much is due. You will need to fill in that amount due.

Getting Ready: A page with some hints on life at camp.

Packing List: Suggestions of things to bring

Public Transport: Directions to camp

Driving: Directions to camp

Special Diet information information, also available online: If you have dietary concerns, please see this form or online survey.

Car-pooling/Rides Information: Can you offer or do you need a ride to camp? CDSS offers Van Seats between Pinewoods and Boston's Logan Airport and South Station.

Class Questionnaire, also available online: Please let us know what classes you are likely to take

Printable page of class descriptions