Re: Tune talk for Contra dances
Two interesting and (sorta) related topics: pickup bands, and arrangements. I have put together ad hoc bands on quite a few occasions, based on my knowledge of competent local musicians. In the ongoing bands in which I work, we of course have arrangements, usually of two tunes, sometimes three.
Pickup bands can be wonderful, and are usually at least adequate if you have a "stable" of good musicians from which to draw. But of course one can't get too ambitious about trying "arrangements" with a band that's never played together (as a whole). KISS is the real secret hear ("keep it simple, stupid" for those who think I'm referring to the rock band).
The real questions on multi-tune arrangements include making transitions smooth, changes in texture logical, subtle, and not clashing, and non-distracting. Key modulations, which sometimes can add energy to a dance, can also change coloration, not always for the better! I sometimes like "alternating" arrangements, swapping back and forth between two tunes, but they have to be the right tunes.
One place where major pickup action goes on is the New England Folk Festival (NEFFA) which has a traditional "festival orchestra" that's basically anyone who shows up. Huge band, huge sound, always seems to work. Since I'm not a dancer (don't go to dances unless I can play!), I can't speak to the experience on the floor, but from the sidelines "that trick always works," to paraphrase Rocky the Flying Squirrel.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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