How to Play for Contra Dances
Ever wanted to play for a contra dance but didn’t know the tunes? Have you wondered how to spice up your existing contra music, how to communicate with the caller, or how to communicate across the stage without words? Come learn the modern hits of New England contra dance repertoire. We’ll discuss style, phrasing, tricks, and tips - with an added bonus of a chance to play for a dance or two. We’ll study what techniques make dancers joyously whoop and holler - what a band does to increase the excitement of the dance. All instruments are welcome!
About Corwin Zekley
Corwin has deep roots in music, having grown up in traditional & world music communities in Northern California. They’ve played violin for over 20 years in a myriad of styles from traditional Celtic music to Hot-Club Jazz. Corwin has played over a thousand shows, appeared on dozens of records, and has published albums and books of their own songwriting and compositions. Since graduating from the Berklee College of Music in 2019, they’ve spent most of their time touring the U.S and internationally with multiple bands.