For many years before each dance I would to announce the tune names as well as
the dance name and author. But eventually I stopped announcing the tune names,
unless there was something special about them, because sometimes the musicians
would actually ask me not to announce the tune names -- perhaps because they
would possibly decide to use different tunes during the medley or they were
just tired of hearing announcements (as in politely "can we get started,
please?"). Also I finally came to think that including all that information
just before a dance was kind of long and wordy.
However, I always announce the dance name and the author (even when the author
is the ubiquitous "trad"). I think it's important and respectful to give the
choreographer credit so the dancers can hear it.
Also, if one or more of the tunes was written by a band member, I will try to
announce that, with enthusiasm, at the end of the dance so that that musician
can be clearly recognized and also receive additional applause.
Woody
--
Woody Lane
Caller, Percussive Dancer
Roseburg, Oregon
________________________________
On 8/27/2023 8:46 PM, Jonathan Sivier via Contra Callers wrote:
This is something that was always mentioned in calling workshops I attended
at dance weekends, etc. However, that has been quite a few years, so maybe it
isn't taught these days.
I don't write down every tune, but I try to pay attention when I'm calling
and if the tune and dance seem to go together very well I'll make a note of the
tune on the card for that dance. Then I can ask for that tune in the future or
give it as an example of the type of tune that would work well with the dance.
Of course, it doesn't always work out. Many years ago I called a dance and
the tune the band played was great with that dance. So I wrote it down. A
while later I was calling elsewhere and the band included the composer of that
tune, so I did that dance and asked for that tune. They were happy to play it,
but there was something different about how they played the tune. It was OK
with the dance, but wasn't the really great dance/tune combination I was
expecting.
Another thing I have noticed that callers don't seem to do very much
anymore is to announce the name of the dance and the author before starting the
dance. I was taught to always announce the title of the dance and give credit
to the author. Is that another habit that isn't considered important anymore?
Jonathan
On 8/27/2023 10:06 PM, Mac Mckeever via Contra Callers wrote:
We had a conversation at our dance tonight how many of our local callers get
tune names from the bands and pass that along to the dancers right before
starting.
Many visiting callers do not do this - is this just a local tradition or am I
missing something?
Most of our local bands are old time but a few are more contemporary. We do
this with visiting bands and they seem to appreciate it.
We feel the music is a major part of the tradition and deserves to be
acknowledged along with the musicians and callers. Often we find a band is
about to play a tune they wrote. Dancers also give a little cheer when we
announce a tune they especially enjoy
Where are the rest of you on this?
Mac McKeever
St Louis
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