“Do We Have To?” Copyright Basics
This article by Pat MacPherson provides some considerations on whether one needs to get permission to use someone else’s work when publishing a dance or tune book or when recording a CD.
From the CDSS News
Tracking Copyrights and Composers
Susan Songer describes how she tracked down composers and copyrights for her one of her books of contra dance music.
From the CDSS News
Making Jam Sessions Great, a guide for participants and leaders
An article from Dave Firestine about how to create a great jam session, both as a participant and leader.
From the CDSS News
This blog post provides some thoughts on how to lead an open band.
From Jeff Kaufman
Madison’s Tuesday Night Dances—Fostering Talent for More Than Twenty Years
This article by Carol Ormand describes Madison, Wisconsin’s approach to developing talent through weekly dances that feature newer callers as well as an open band.
From the CDSS News
Improving the ECD Open Band Experience
Robert Reichert provides some suggestions on how to improve the experience of playing with, and the quality of music from an ECD open band.
From the CDSS News
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
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.