Saturday April 11
1-4 pm Mill Valley
Dance 8-11 pm

~ ~

Sunday April 12
1-4 pm Petaluma
Dance 6:30-9:30 pm

 

$45-55 Per day

Sliding scale

 

Registration open

Download the Registration Form Now

For more information
contact Susan Amato
at susan@nbcds.org

 

 

 

 

 

Contra Dance Band Workshop

 

Along with fellow musicians learn & rehearse fiddle tunes under the gentle guidance of two of the leading contemporary musicians playing on the national contra dance circuit today.

Then be a part of the band that plays for the first half of that evening’s contra dance, and feel the elation and joy of watching dancers dance to your music!

  • Become familiar with different types of tune medleys (jigs, reels, waltzes) that fit particular contra dances.
  • Understand phrasing and tempo, learn nuances and instrumental ‘tips of the trade’ that make successful dance music.

Sheet music will be provided prior to workshop. Sight-reading skills useful but not required.

All instruments and levels of musicians are welcome.

Please bring your own music stand. Keyboardists, please bring your own monitor.

Each of the two workshops will cover tunes unique to that day. Feel free to choose one, or attend both.

Rodney and Jeff bring depth of talent and breadth of experience giving them unique qualities well-suited for leading these workshops.

This is a rare opportunity to participate in such a rewarding and integrated musical experience!

 

 

INSTRUCTORS

Rodney Miller

Rodney Miller has been playing for contra dances since at least the 1970's. In 1983 he was designated a Master Fiddler by the National Endowment for the Arts. He has played for 1000's of dances, and 100's of weekends and week-long camps. He has played at the Lincoln Center in NYC, on Prairie Home Companion, and for modern dance icon, Twyla Tharp. He was recently named the Artist Laureate of New Hampshire, his home state. He has recorded numerous albums. An early recording, Airplang, established him as a creative innovator in the contra dance world, and not only the premier exponent of New England style fiddling, which combines the influences of Celtic, French-Canadian, and Scottish styles. For good measure, Rodney throws in some Southern style, as well. Coming on Home recorded with his band, Airdance, in 2003, was recently named by Paste Magazine, an online music and entertainment monthly, "one of the top 20 albums to have in your indie-folk music collection." Rodney continues to innovate, write tunes and stretch his playing styles to the delight of contra dancers all over the U.S., and other parts of the contra dancing world. His band Stringrays recorded an album in 2013 which exhibits Rodney's continued experimental, improvisational style while maintaining his connection to traditional, highly danceable fiddle music. Rodney is also a member of the new and popular contra dance band Rhythm Raptors.

 

Jeff Spero

Jeff Spero is one of the premiere dance pianists on the west coast. He's known for his energetic and innovative style and creative arrangements. Jeff's talents are well known to dancers at dances, weekends and festivals across the U.S. His accompaniments bring a fresh perspective to traditional forms. He's a member of The Syncopaths, Chopped Liver and Jax. He's played with numerous renowned fiddlers in a variety of styles including bluegrass, Scottish with Jamie Laval, Irish with Kathleen Keane, swing and old-time. The Syncopaths have recorded two popular albums. In addition to Jeff's musical talents, Jeff is in demand as a contra dance caller and has called for dances and dance camps across the U.S. He's also a contra dance choreographer. Jeff is an author and editor of books about contra dancing. Jeff is member of the new and popular contra dance band Rhythm Raptors.

 

This event is supported in part by the Country Dance and Song Society, www.cdss.org.