Check out the last Web Chat: Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers!
The slideshow, video, resources, and transcript from our March 2023 Web Chat are now available. Executive Director Katy German hosted this discussion about volunteer management and addressed key volunteer-related questions.
Special Courses at Camp in 2023
We’re excited to host four special courses at camp this summer, with Heidi Wilson, Gene Murrow, Dave Wiesler, and the Early Music Week staff!
The lottery deadline for special courses is March 13; be sure to register by then for the best chance at getting a spot. Scholarships are available for all courses!
March 2023 Song of the Month
Sue Burgess introduces “Free and Easy to Ramble Along.” Sue writes: “A man goes on his rambles in Ireland and Scotland, having a good time meeting women, and perhaps breaking a few hearts along the way. In 2007, I was interested to hear well-known singer Peta Webb sing a version where the genders are reversed and the story told from a woman’s point of view.”
From the Mic Episode 11: Will Mentor
In episode 11 of From the Mic, Mary talks with Will Mentor, who began his calling career in Fairfield, Iowa, in 1995. Since then, he has called dances, dance weekends, and weeklong dance camps all over the United States. Canada, and Europe. His guiding principle as a caller is “It’s about the dancers!”
CDSS Receives $75,000 Grant
CDSS has received a $75,000 Cultural Sector Recovery Grant from the Mass Cultural Council. Mass Cultural Council, an independent state arts agency, is charged with bolstering Massachusetts’s creative and cultural sector. MCC’s efforts advance economic vitality, support transformational change; and celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity across all Massachusetts communities.
2023 Lifetime Contribution Award Recipients: New England Dancing Masters
We are proud to announce that Mary Alice Amidon, Peter Amidon, Mary Cay Brass, and Andy Davis—collectively known as the New England Dancing Masters—are the 2023 recipients of the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award. For the past four decades, they have spread the joy of traditional music and dance across North America.
February 2023 Song of the Month
William Pint introduces “The Rose in June,” the sad tale of a Scottish fisherman lost at sea.
Camp registration open now!
Magic is waiting for you at our 2023 summer dance, music, and song camps! Whether you’re a beginning fiddler or a professional bagpiper, a third grader or a grandparent, a brand-new contra dancer or a seasoned morris squire, you are welcome here. Join us for nine weeks of camps at four camp locations across the U.S. this summer. Learn more.
2023 Summer Camp Jobs
Are you looking for summer employment? Retired and seeking adventure? Between jobs or in a transitional period? Generally looking to spend some quality time surrounded by music, dance, and song?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then we have several positions open at our dance, music, and song camps that are ideal for you! Positions are 1-6 weeks long and compensation ranges from full scholarship to paid staff, depending on the job and the session. Find out more.
From the Mic Episode 10: Chrissy Fowler
In episode 10 of From the Mic, Mary interviews Chrissy Fowler. Chrissy co-founded a dance series in Belfast, Maine, which has evolved into a thriving participatory arts nonprofit—Belfast Flying Shoes. In her Flying Shoes bio, Chrissy describes herself as an organizer, leader, dancer and cheerleader. She likes to cultivate community by organizing fun stuff, including BFS programs and Puttin’ On the Dance, a conference for Northeast dance organizers.
January 2023 Song of the Month
Judy Cook introduces “Bed Is Too Small,” an anonymous American lullaby that she learned in Girl Scout camp.
Winter 2022 CDSS News
The Winter 2022 CDSS News is now available! Step into Jane Austen’s world with Graham Christian; learn about positional calling from Louise Siddons; listen to gender conversations with Scott Higgs; and get a year-end update from the CDSS Board, Community Resources Manager, and member survey. Plus much more!