Category: What’s New

This episode of From the Mic features George Marshall. George says: “My philosophy as a caller is that I would like to be the enzyme in the reaction between the music and the dancers—help them interact with each other, like the glue that keeps them together.”

This episode of From the Mic features Maia McCormick. Maia says: “Calling feels like a puzzle to solve and a skill to build, and something that can be constantly honed. I’m never going to be done developing as a caller.”

Julie Henigan introduces “The Cuckoo” or “The Coo Coo Bird.” This banjo tune, played for us here by Clarence Ashley, is a cousin of the gambling song “Jack of Diamonds.”

Last fall, we surveyed 18-44 year-olds in the folk community in order to better understand the needs of this demographic and to learn how to best serve our communities in the coming years. Find our preliminary reports and a video recording of our first town hall here.

Harry Tuft introduces “Matty Groves,” an old ballad of an unfaithful wife who shares a sad fate with her lover when they are caught by her returning husband. The song may trace its roots as far back as the fifteenth century.

A Musician’s Guide to Contra Choreography

Andrew VanNorstrand, guitarist and fiddler from the beloved contra dance band Great Bear, brings his insight from more than 18 years of playing to this new booklet. Useful for both new and veteran musicians, A Musician’s Guide to Contra Choreography dives into exactly how to play for contra dances, including connecting with dancers, working with callers, and taking your playing from ordinary to extraordinary (as anyone who has danced to Andrew’s playing can attest!).

Find it in the CDSS Store as a physical booklet or a downloadable PDF.

Mara Levine introduces “Tree of Life” by Eric Peltoniemi. The song comes from the 1983 musical theater production Plain Hearts: Songs and Stories of Midwestern Prairie Women by Lance Belville, and most of the lyrics are the names of quilt block patterns.

This episode of From the Mic features Rick Mohr. Rick’s calling and choreography have delighted dancers for decades, from local barn dances to dance weeks and weekends across North America. He says “My goal is always to make a fantastic experience for the dancers, so they really feel the joy of dance and music and community. That means planning programs that really shine, practicing clear calls and walkthroughs in advance, and creating a fun welcoming vibe.”

We are thrilled to announce the new CDSS Director of Development, Charmaine Slaven!

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