More Information about the Weekend of Music

1. What happens on these weekends?

   Our weekends are a great time to listen to music, make your own music, learn new songs, listen to old songs and/or increase your instrumental and vocal skills. This weekend will include workshops on old-time music, Balkan singing, ballads, Banjo workshops and other listening or participatory workshops. The Saturday evening concert will present our staff, so if you miss their daytime workshops you can hear them in the evening. There will be a contra dance (suitable for both experienced and inexperienced people) with a dance caller, in the evening after the concert. There will also be a dance workshop during the day, which may include a community dance and/or learning about contra dancing. ... To top of page

2. Can I get a chance to perform?

   Weekend participants get a chance to perform in a camper’s concert. For those who do not wish to perform, an audience is always appreciated. After the scheduled events are over, people get together and jam. Singers, players and listeners are welcome .... To top of page

3. Can families and their children participate fully?

   We want this weekend to be especially welcoming for families. The cost of the weekend for children ages 4-15 is only $25.00, and free for children under 4, if they share a room with 2 adults.   Cots are provided. We put families in rooms near each other. This allows the babysitter to use one room for a sleeping room for the younger children and one as a quiet play room for older ones during the evening concert. We work out these arrangements with the parents. ... To top of page

4. What kind place is the Fallsview?

   Fallsview has a heated indoor pool, places to take walks and excellent accommodations. These are hotel rooms with a private bath, and not the bunk bed setups you find at a summer camp being used for a folk music weekend. Great meals are included ... .To top of page

5. Will there be only workshops for adults?

   There will be a number of workshops that children can enjoy including a jug band workshop, a petting zoo (with many different instruments—not animals) and family dancing. You don’t have to be a child to attend these workshops, since they are for children of all ages. If possible, we’d like families to register at least one month in advance. Once we know the ages of the children, we can design workshops around them. Be aware that most workshops are at least an hour and younger children may not have the patience to stay the whole time. A parent or responsible adult needs to be at the workshops with the children. ...  To top of page

6. What if I’d like a break from my children?

   When we have four or more children, we will provide a babysitter for around 2 hours during the day and for the evening concert. There will not be babysitting at the same time as a family workshop. The exact times and the activities depend on the ages of the children and the interests of those who wish to take advantage of this service. We work out the details with the parents at the weekend. If there are enough teenagers, we can set up something for them. The FMSNY pays for the babysitter, but if you use this service, a small tip is often appreciated. ...  To top of page

7. How does it really work?

   Babysitting allows parents to take advantage of some of the workshops and the concert. Interacting with other parents, and of course the folk music community has always been very special. To be surrounded by music, not only in the workshops, but all around as people play and sing wherever there is space, is soothing and exciting all at once. It is a time to share with your child a love of making one’s own music, away from distractions such as TV and video games. We try to set up a situation where you can have some adult experiences as well as those you share with your children. ...  To top of page

8. I have no children. How will the family programming affect me?

   These weekends are meant for adults. Providing a program for the children and babysitting helps our participants enjoy having the children around without having them disturb the workshops. Parents are still responsible for their children. Our family workshops usually include participants who do not have children with them. They may be teachers who need some ideas, people who like that specific workshop and those who enjoy being with children. ...  To top of page

9. How do I get there?
   

   Most participants drive up -- we will send you detailed directions when you register.  We try to match up those needing rides with those who can take riders.  There is bus service to Ellenville, NY and we will provide shuttle service from the bus station to the hotel. ...  To top of page

10. I have more questions, can I talk to a person?

    If you have questions about the program, please call the Folk Music Society's Program Chair, Eileen Pentel at 718-672-6399.  If you have questions about registering or the facilities, please call the Registrar, Evy Mayer, after 11 AM, at 718-549-1344. ...  To top of page

11. How can I find out more about the performers. How do I sign up?

    You can print out a flier with details about the performers and a registration blank.  It is available in 2 formats:  html (300K) or pdf (1.2M).  You can also register online at http://fallweekend.eventbrite.com/ ... To top of page

12. Be prepared to enjoy yourself.
    

    ... To top of page