Re: [Callers] How to devise a program

Aahz wrote: You may in fact be one of the rarer contra callers with excellent enunciation and a killer sound engineer (because it's a lot harder to get good speech over live music), but I think it's really inappropriate for you to encourage no-walkthrough as a general practice. Thank you Aahz. You are absolutely correct. I was trying to restrict my post length by focusing only on programming. My comments should have been prefaced with a stipulation that this programming will not work if you do not know and apply some of the core contra calling skills of; clear enunciation, concise word choices, projection, using the most effective word order, and impeccable timing. To that I would also add; knowing how to earn and hold the attention of the crowd, clear transitions between social and instruction times, and an effective strategy for integrating the hall. (I mentioned in my post that integrating the hall was the primary reason for the programming style I use. The caller's style, messaging, and programming have to work together without "mixed" messages.) It is true that the vast majority of contra dance callers do not do some, or many of these things. Our dances "work" largely with the help of the regulars who take responsibility. The dancers, largely, provide cover for callers who lack these skills. I am a strong advocate of work on the basic, core skills of calling. I would rather see all callers focus on the basics rather than on complex dances or fancy calling "gimmicks." The basics are where I try to put my own efforts at developing my calling skills. The basics always need work. I usually only do one or two "no-walk-through" dances in an evening. For most dances I try to work with the band for a "rolling start." I can see why someone might "hate" a dance with no walk-through. But I would urge you to direct your concern at the basic skills of the caller. If they attempt a no-walk-through dance without clear, precise calling, blame should not be directed at anyone but the caller. Remember: It's always the caller's fault. So, yes. We should all focus on the basic, core skills first. Then I recommend working on techniques and strategies for integrating the hall...unless, of course, you never call at open, public dance events. Greg McKenzie, (who was part of a rock band in high school and who consequently, himself, suffers from a slight hearing loss as he ages. West Coast, USA *************************** On Sat, Sep 28, 2013 at 8:50 AM, Aahz Maruch <aahz(a)pobox.com> wrote: