27 Aug
2023
27 Aug
'23
11:46 p.m.
This is something that was always mentioned in calling workshops I attended at dance
weekends, etc. However, that has been quite a few years, so maybe it isn't taught
these days.
I don't write down every tune, but I try to pay attention when I'm calling and
if the tune and dance seem to go together very well I'll make a note of the tune on
the card for that dance. Then I can ask for that tune in the future or give it as an
example of the type of tune that would work well with the dance.
Of course, it doesn't always work out. Many years ago I called a dance and the
tune the band played was great with that dance. So I wrote it down. A while later I was
calling elsewhere and the band included the composer of that tune, so I did that dance and
asked for that tune. They were happy to play it, but there was something different about
how they played the tune. It was OK with the dance, but wasn't the really great
dance/tune combination I was expecting.
Another thing I have noticed that callers don't seem to do very much anymore is to
announce the name of the dance and the author before starting the dance. I was taught to
always announce the title of the dance and give credit to the author. Is that another
habit that isn't considered important anymore?
Jonathan
On 8/27/2023 10:06 PM, Mac Mckeever via Contra Callers wrote:
We had a conversation at our dance tonight how many of
our local callers get tune names from the bands and pass that along to the dancers right
before starting.
Many visiting callers do not do this - is this just a local tradition or am I missing
something?
Most of our local bands are old time but a few are more contemporary. We do this with
visiting bands and they seem to appreciate it.
We feel the music is a major part of the tradition and deserves to be acknowledged along
with the musicians and callers. Often we find a band is about to play a tune they wrote.
Dancers also give a little cheer when we announce a tune they especially enjoy
Where are the rest of you on this?
Mac McKeever
St Louis
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