Contra Callers

contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net

21 participants
4391 discussions

Re: [Callers] What is the best contra dance(s) ever written?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

My all-around favorite to begin any dance has long been Don Armstrong's "Broken Sixpence". It moves a lot, introduces dancers to each other, is easy for beginners to comprehend, and would look familiar to square dancers. It's all about the fun! John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

12 years, 9 months

Favorite contra albums

by Kalia Kliban

I've been listening a lot lately to Elixir's album "Rampant" and Wild Asparagus's "From the Floor Up". I really like them just as upbeat music to listen to. KGB's waltz album "The Red Light of Evening" is in that class, too. What are some of your favorite contra band recordings, and what is it about them that really gets your tail wagging? Kalia

12 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes?

by JohnFreem＠aol.com

I have been known to sing along with the band on a fiddle tune now and then. One of the bands that I used to work with played tunes that most bands didn't play. I would often be asked by the band to sing along as they played "Waltz Across Texas". This was usually well received by the dancers. Some would join in on the chorus. The band and I usually sang along with "Just Because" when it was used as a polka. The dancers seemed to appreciate our playfulness. I have also, rarely, sung along to Petronella. Then, there are the times when a band didn't show up, or I was asked to call with no notice. I have had to sing and hum for several dances over the years. John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ

12 years, 9 months

Sung fiddle tunes?

by Maia McCormick

I've been talking with my band lately about coming up with some contra tunes that I/they/we can sing. a) suggestions for tunes? (Contra and waltz alike.) b) when do you usually stop calling and start singing? What do you do if the dance gets off track and you need to throw in some more calls? c) other relevant things to consider when the band/caller tries to sing for a less experienced group of dancers? Thanks! Maia

12 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Favorite contra albums

by John Sweeney

Wild Asparagus - Live At The Guiding Star Grange Two magical live CDs with lots of energy. The tracks on this are the most requested tracks wherever I call to CD. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England john(a)modernjive.com 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent

12 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes?

by rich sbardella

Maia, I suggest you go to Dosido.com and check out the thousands of Square Dance Singing Calls available there. Most are structured with a 64 step chorus repeated for 7 total cycles. Some are contemporary, and some are more traditional. I've included a link with a familiar tune that would easily work. I inserted Tony Parke's New England style (prompted) Malden Square figure into the Dick Leger singing call Yankee Doodle Dandy, but it could just as easily have been a contra figure. I could recommend many more tunes if you wish. Most strongly phrased tunes would work. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB16Q348CWA Rich Sbardella Stafford Springs CT --- On Tue, 11/27/12, Maia McCormick <maia.mcc(a)gmail.com> wrote: From: Maia McCormick <maia.mcc(a)gmail.com> Subject: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes? To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 3:14 PM I've been talking with my band lately about coming up with some contra tunes that I/they/we can sing. a) suggestions for tunes? (Contra and waltz alike.) b) when do you usually stop calling and start singing? What do you do if the dance gets off track and you need to throw in some more calls? c) other relevant things to consider when the band/caller tries to sing for a less experienced group of dancers? Thanks! Maia _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

12 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Sung fiddle tunes?

by Chrissy Fowler

I think it can be fun when the band sings a bit. Besides Redwing/Union Maid, others for which I know at least some lyrics include old-time fiddle tunes like Cluck Old Hen, Greasy Coat, Liza Jane, Sandy Boys, Coleman's March, etc. And some Quebecois ones too (La Bastringue!) I also think it's fun when the dancers do (think Nelson dancers with Chorus Jig, or Maine dancers on occasion with Sandy Boys ("Oh Sandy Boys!") or a Quebecois one (maybe Dedicado a Jos?) that just begs for loud la-la-las. Chrissy Fowler Belfast, ME

12 years, 9 months

Re: [Callers] Favorite contra albums

by rcd＠rochester.rr.com

One of my all time favorites is "Fresh Wares" by the Groovemongers. It's a delightful arrangement of tunes, each a jewel. And, it has stood a real test of time for me. After more than ten years, I still enjoy it. Rich ----- Reply message ----- From: "Kalia Kliban" <kalia(a)sbcglobal.net> To: "Caller's discussion list" <callers(a)sharedweight.net> Subject: [Callers] Favorite contra albums Date: Tue, Nov 27, 2012 4:26 pm I've been listening a lot lately to Elixir's album "Rampant" and Wild Asparagus's "From the Floor Up". I really like them just as upbeat music to listen to. KGB's waltz album "The Red Light of Evening" is in that class, too. What are some of your favorite contra band recordings, and what is it about them that really gets your tail wagging? Kalia _______________________________________________ Callers mailing list Callers(a)sharedweight.net http://www.sharedweight.net/mailman/listinfo/callers

12 years, 9 months

Calling from memory?

by Maia McCormick

Do you do it? Or use cards? Do you think it's important to commit dances to memory? Do you memorize your entire collection, or just a few? (And if just a few, which sorts of dances are the most prudent to memorize?) Peace, Maia

12 years, 9 months

Named Moves

by Greg McKenzie

Mark wrote: > Taking Beth's point, however, I fully support her premise of keeping > terminology as simple and logical as possible. I'm likely to call something > like "Balance the ring and twirl to the left." > So...can we get rid of that "Angry Robin" figure now? - Greg McKenzie

12 years, 9 months

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Contra Callers