Organizers April 2008

organizers@lists.sharedweight.net

3 participants
4 discussions

by Chris Weiler

In years past, there has been an unofficial spot in the bleachers of the main hall. In Natick, it was the bleachers to the left of the stage when you were facing them. I'll print out a tasteful SharedWeight sign and tape it to the wall in the High School dance hall as a gathering point in the bleachers. Maybe people can write something on their nametags so we can know each other? (SW?) Otherwise, just introduce yourselves! Best, Chris Amy Cann wrote: > No matter what time we pick SOMEone is going to be doing something vital, > I'll bet - > > what if there was a shared-weight place? > > If we picked a particular spot and used it to meet whoever else was there > at the moment, even if we couldn't make a particular time? > > Or both? A target time, but a weekend-long homebase spot too? > > Someone needs to bring a bunch of balloons or something... > > cheers, > Amy > >

16 years, 4 months

[Musicians] NEFFA!

by Chris Weiler

Hello everyone! I'm looking forward to another great NEFFA this weekend. I hope that I can see and chat with as many of you as possible while still getting some dancing in! I've been going over the schedule looking for a good time for a SharedWeight gathering. I think that at 6:30 on Saturday would be a good time to meet in the cafeteria where the food vendors are. We can grab a couple of tables and sit together. I'm open to other times/places if someone has a better idea. Safe travels! Happy Dancing, Playing and Calling! Chris Weiler Goffstown, NH

16 years, 4 months

[Musicians] response to 'the balance thing'...info request

by Linette Charpentier

Hi everyone, I just subscribed to sharedweight.net last night and was reading through the archived messages. I am a classically trained violinist of almost 30 years, who has been playing fiddle music for the last 12 years or so. (After reading 'the balance thing', I don't think I will dare to call myself a fiddler yet at this point, or if I do, it will definitely have 'beginner' preceding fiddler.) Besides certain songs that have specific dances for them, such as La Bastrange, I did not realize the significance of exactly how a melody line can influence a dance pattern. This concept was actually introduced to me last evening at the Worcester Contra in a conversation with Chris. Then, as mentioned previously, I read through 'the balance thing'. It explained an aspect of fiddlin' that I was completely oblivious to. Input from the caller in the form of adjectives describing the type of character they want in a tune is what I am familiar with in deciding which pair of tunes will be played for an upcoming dance. Once the dance begins, my main focus has been that the pace is where the caller wants it to be according to the proficiency level of the dancers and the difficulty of the dance, and on staying rhythmically steady and energetic while still keeping the tune musical. Coming from a classical background, the things I find the most elusive thing about fiddling definitely fall under the stylistic aspects of playing. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend much, if any, of NEFFA coming up in a few weeks due to prior commitments, but I was wondering if there were any other such events coming up in the near future. Any advice or recommended resources to help demystify what seem like 'the unspoken rules' of fiddlin'? Thanks, Linette

16 years, 5 months

[Musicians] Glen Echo Open Band Podcast

by Chris Weiler (home)

I just was tipped off to this website: http://www.openbandonline.com/ Sounds like a great way to practice playing for contra dances. You can use this software: http://www.ronimusic.com/ The "Amazing Slow Downer" to turn the podcasts into a slow jam. Enjoy! Chris Weiler Goffstown, NH Too embarrassed to play with real musicians yet.

16 years, 5 months

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Organizers April 2008