Open Dance Bands: Best Practices Shared by 35 Groups
This manual shares common best practices used by 35 open dance bands from throughout North America, and illustrates the diversity of approaches across communities. We hope this resource provides a great starting point for launching new open bands and additional inspiration for groups that have been playing together for years.
From Emily Addison and CDSS
This article by Sue Songer describes the power of guest musicians being able to play along with dance bands – in what is known as ‘the back row.’ It also describes how to successfully create this experience in your dance community.
From the CDSS News
This blog post explores how bands can manage the money they make off CDs.
From Jeff Kaufman
How Much do Dance Weekends Pay?
This blog postbreaks down what dance weekends pay musicians. Original post 2016 with an update in 2018.
From Jeff Kaufman
Communicating About Contra Dance Sound
This blog post provides some tips on how to communicate with sound technicians.
From Jeff Kaufman
A flyer that highlights what goes into playing for a dance in relation to what musicians get paid/dancers pay.
From Sarah Gowan
An article from Brendan Taaffe opening up discussion about money in the contra community, especially in relation to pay for musicians.
From the CDSS News
Road Trip! A Practical Guide for New Touring Bands
This article by David Firestine provides some tips on how to arrange a tour playing dances.
From the CDSS News
How to Play Contra Dance Percussion
Melissa Kacalanos explains how to play percussion for reels and jigs, using Middle Eastern rhythm notation.
How to make your own footboard, including a piezo contact microphone, from Jeff Kaufman.
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.