On 9/11/2013 5:57 PM, Linda Leslie wrote:
I am very curious about how the programmers have decided to schedule
in this way, Kalia. Did they get together and decide to do it this
way, or did this just naturally happen? In the last few years, I have
noted that it can be a real challenge to try and schedule gigs, since
the time frame varies so significantly from dance to dance. A few
dances, such as the Concord MA Scout House, follow the quarterly rule
(with exceptions for traveling callers/bands from far away). But
others seem to schedule up to a year (or more!) in advance. I would
also enjoy knowing the thoughts of other callers on this subject.
Thanks! Linda
Hi Linda,
In addition to calling, I've been programming the Eugene dance for more
than 7 years, so I experience both sides of this issue. We have 2 dances
each month from Sept through June. Which kind of corresponds to an
academic year. I break this up into two parts -- Fall (Sept through Dec)
and Spring (Jan through June). I begin booking the fall dances in April
and May, usually done by the end of June. I begin booking the spring
dances in Sept and October, usually done by mid-November. My MO is that
I don't send out an all-points-alert for dates. I generally contact each
caller and band individually for specific dates (or a wide or narrow
choice of dates) -- at least for the initial dates I can fill. As Jim
pointed out, I think that individual contact shows appreciation for
individual skills and qualities whereas a broadcast does not. Contacting
folks individually is more work, but it also allows us to visit about
possible band-caller combinations and preferences that I may not know
about. But in the end, if there are still open dates, then I will send a
(relatively narrow) broadcast.
I have noticed that some other venues in Western Oregon have gone to
filling their entire season (Sept through June) at one time. Those
programmers contact folks in May for the entire following year. I think
that is for the programmer's convenience, and also that they may be
afraid that they won't get talent when they need it.
From my perspective, as a caller, I am really reluctant to make a
calling commitment a year in advance for a nearby community dance. Six
months is no problem, but committing in May to calling a small community
dance the following April -- I am not comfortable with that. Too many
conflicts can arise, either in the dance/calling world or
professionally, as I travel a lot for my work. True, I may miss some
calling opportunities, but that can't be helped. (In contrast, I am not
talking about caller/band tours which are often booked 8-12 months or
more in advance.)
Woody
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Woody Lane
Caller, Percussive Dancer
Roseburg, Oregon
http://www.woodylanecaller.com
voice: 541-440-1926 cell: 541-556-0054
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