Schedule

DAILY SCHEDULE

Class Descriptions

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

Armand Aromin

Hailing from the great state of Rhode Island, Armand Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi are seekers and singers of old songs, cultivators of local music, and chronic multi-instrumentalists. They are touted as strong tradition-bearers in their generation, and their genuine affinity for the music is evident in the emotion they draw from it. With a pair of oft-harmonizing voices tastefully garnished with fiddle, free-reeds, and tenor guitar, The Vox Hunters offer an all-natural connection to the living tradition of folk music. Their three mantras are: “Sing Local”, “Sing Often”, and “Roger Williams for President”. thevoxhunters.com

Jesse Ball

Jesse Ball spent his earliest years dancing in a sling around his parents’ shoulders. Beginning his musical adventures with classical piano, he eventually found his way back to traditional music after drawing influence from Jazz, Fusion, Andean Folk & Indian Classical genres. Now he plays for dances and concert all around New England and beyond. He's also an avid tunesmith, with compositions having found their way into the music of his bands Rift, Polaris, and Calluna. When he’s not playing music, he can be found dancing, working as a sound tech, or growing garlic.

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.

Mark David Buckles

Mark David Buckles is a conductor, composer, singer, music educator, and multi-instrumentalist. Mark David's many roles include serving as the Director of Music at Arlington Street Church in Boston, Music Director of The Sanctuary Boston, and Lecturer of Music Theory at MIT. In addition, Mark David is both a prolific composer and arranger of choral, vocal, and instrumental music, and an acclaimed performer and worship leader, leading worship and music services throughout the country with his reverent spirit and infectious energy. When he is not making music and/or spending time with his amazing daughter, Mark David enjoys chess, hiking, bread, and geocaching.

Benedict Gagliardi

Hailing from the great state of Rhode Island, Armand Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi are seekers and singers of old songs, cultivators of local music, and chronic multi-instrumentalists. They are touted as strong tradition-bearers in their generation, and their genuine affinity for the music is evident in the emotion they draw from it. With a pair of oft-harmonizing voices tastefully garnished with fiddle, free-reeds, and tenor guitar, The Vox Hunters offer an all-natural connection to the living tradition of folk music. Their three mantras are: “Sing Local”, “Sing Often”, and “Roger Williams for President”. thevoxhunters.com

Scott Higgs

Scott Higgs has been calling and composing English and contra dances for over 25 years -- delighting novices and experts alike. From Seattle to Antwerp, dancers praise Scott's engaging programs, dynamic presentation, and emphasis on fun. His business card says it all: Playful, spirited, elegant, zesty, joyful contra, English, morris, and couple dancing.
www.scotthiggs.com

Matthew Kenney

Matthew Kenney has been surrounded by the New England contra-dance music scene for his entire life. He is in the third-generation of a musical family rooted in traditional music, which has shaped his interest and provided him opportunity. He has made guest appearances with The Horseflies including NPR’s radio show Michael Feldman’s Whaddya Know, and at the Grassroots Festival (Ithaca, NY). He has shared the stage with ‪Bela Fleck‬, ‪Clyde Stubblefield‬ (‪James Brown Band‬), ‪Jay Ungar‬, Rodney Miller, and many others. In addition to Rift, he plays with JEMS, StringRays, Clew Bay, and more. Matt’s ability spans many genres. When Matt is not playing music, he can be found listening to music searching for new creative influence.

Dave Langford

Photo by Trish FinnDave Langford is an experienced and versatile fiddler and guitarist and fiddle teacher from the Boston area. A veteran of 30+ years of playing for public dances, weddings, parties and late night sessions, Dave combines multiple styles of fiddling with fierce energy and drive. He has been a staff member for music and dance weeks at Pinewoods, Ogontz, Mendocino, Augusta and Christmas Country Dance School at Berea KY as well as hundreds of weekend dance events around the U.S. and beyond. He tours widely with The Latter Day Lizards, Stomp Rocket and Supertrad.

Ari Levitt

An incredibly versatile dancer and world-class instructor, Ari is well-known for both his fun, energetic, and delightful classes that can't help but inspire students with a love and passion for dance, and for his clear, articulate teaching style that can take even the most complex steps and concepts and make them easy, understandable, and fun to do on the social dance floor. Ari has been teaching and performing nationally and internationally for over 25 years; is the director and co-founder of Waltz Week in Vienna, Harrison Hot Springs Dance & Spa Retreat, Mexico Dance Week, Waltz Fest NW, Heart-Sound Fusion, Hawaii Dance Adventure, and The New Zealand Dance Adventure; and is one of this country's leading innovators and instructors in the areas of lead and follow social-partner dance. When not dancing, Ari is a physician on faculty with Singularity University's Exponential Medicine, and is a pioneer in the burgeoning field of Experiential Wellness Medicine which, among other things, uses dance movement, technique, and connection as a modality for diagnosing and treating patients, and for bringing balance, wellness, joy, and intention to one life. You can learn more about Ari at www.rolluptherug.com, www.waltzweekinvienna.com, www.mexicodanceadventure.com. You can find Ari’s books at www.booksbyarilevitt.com.

* 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

Sarah VanNorstrand

Sarah VanNorstrand has been calling, organizing and teaching contra, square, and family/community dances for over ten years. She has a clear and engaging teaching style and a great repertoire of dances to share. Instantly hooked from her first contra dance as a teen, Sarah’s love of social dancing and her joy in sharing it is evident and infectious. Above all, her goal as a caller is to make sure the dancers are having a wonderful time connecting with the music and each other.

Everest Witman

Everest Witman provides a compelling and driving backup guitar style. He found the traditional music scene in in his early teens growing up in Brattleboro, VT and quickly fell in love with music and dancing. Everest plays in the DADGAD tuning and draws from a variety of musical traditions, especially Irish, to create a versatile and satisfying sound. Everest also plays with the neo-trad trio Nova, and these days he is particularly excited about Balfolk music and playing low whistle.

* 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 (log in to CDSS Commons and find the van reservation link on Your Registration) on the 2:00 van to camp – this is the earliest we will be ready to receive you. The van runs from Logan Airport 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. Van seats are $30 in each direction.

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; there is some refrigeration available. 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

$915

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

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.

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 with your status. The email may not have gone to everyone on the registration, so pleased do share with any co-registrants. The email urges you to login to CDSS Commons to view your registration and proof your contact information, housing and job requests, your meal preferences, emergency contact information and other details. See the Life at Camp tab for some housing and job options; here are links to several printable bits of important information.

Acceptance Information: This includes the cancelation and refund policy.

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. If you have dietary concerns, please read this give us the information needed.

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 (log in to CDSS Commons and find the van reservation link on Your Registration) on the 2:00 van to camp – this is the earliest we will be ready to receive you. The van runs from Logan Airport 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. Van seats are $30 in each direction.

A Class Questionnaire will be available soon.

Printable page of class descriptions