Cat's Calling Academy
In association with Oxfolk ceilidhs
Cat has teamed up with Oxfolk ceilidhs to offer an unprecedented opportunity to budding ceilidh callers in the local area.
'Cat's Calling Academy' invites aspiring callers to work on a one-to-one basis with Cat, who will provide support and guidance on the different aspects of calling for ceilidh dances. It can be difficult for new callers to find the right forum to develop their skills, and it is hoped that this will give a much needed opportunity to develop new and emerging talent. Budding callers will be given the opportunity to call at an Oxfolk dance in the 2010-11 season.
We’ve had so much interest for the Calling Academy that we’ve decided to hold a day-long workshop, so that even if you don’t get a place calling an Oxfolk dance you can still benefit from being involved. The workshop will feature discussion groups with prominent callers Roger Watson and Will Hall and musician Simon Care, as well as practical sessions with chances to practice calling to a sympathetic audience!
The workshop will take place on Saturday 27th March at Kennington Village hall and will cost £10 per person. To book your place at the workshop click 'Buy Now' button below. This will take you to a secure payment site. Cat will confirm your booking via email and give you more details about the workshop.
See you there!
The original press release for the Calling Academy is below...
Cat's Calling Academy - Press release October 2009
Oxfolk Ceilidhs has teamed up with caller Cat Kelly to offer an unprecedented opportunity to budding ceilidh callers in the local area.
'Cat's Calling Academy' invites aspiring callers to work on a one-to-one basis with Cat Kelly, an experienced caller and teacher, who will provide support and guidance on the different aspects of calling for ceilidh dances. It can be difficult for new callers to find the right forum to develop their skills, and it is hoped that this will give a much needed opportunity to develop new and emerging talent.
Cat has built up an impressive calling CV over the last decade. From starting out by learning to call at Folk Camps, Cat has worked with many top ceilidh bands - Whapweasel, Faustus, The Committee Band, The Gloworms and The Bismarcks amongst others. Cat calls regularly for weddings, parties and PTA events but also calls up and down the country at ceilidh series and folk festivals. Cat was the driving force behind the recent rejuvenation of Oxfolk Ceilidhs and acts as ceilidh consultant to Oxford Folk Festival and Sidmouth FolkWeek.
So, who are we looking for to take part? 'New' callers could mean new to the ceilidh scene - maybe you work regularly at weddings and PTA dances and would like to experience the faster-paced buzz of calling for enthusiasts? Perhaps you call at a folk dance club or have called a few dances at ceilidhs or festivals and would like a chance to gain exposure at a well-established ceilidh series? Or maybe you are new to calling completely and would appreciate a mentor as you start to learn?
Cat will work individually with each caller before the dance, exploring issues such as repertoire choice, fitting dances to tunes, structuring and shaping an evening, and working together with the band. If you have experience calling in other areas, the sessions would focus on other aspects, such as the differences between calling for beginners and for enthusiasts, and how to change and adapt your style.
Oxfolk has dedicated an entire season of dances to the Calling Academy from October 2010 to May 2011. When you call your own Oxfolk ceilidh Cat will be on hand for advice, and will warm up the audience with a couple of dances before officially introducing you. If you are nervous or new to this and have a small repertoire then Cat can take on a little more of the evening, but if you are ready and raring to go the floor is yours!
Oxfolk and Cat would like to hear from you if you are interested in taking part in the Calling Academy. Please contact Cat giving a brief outline of your calling experience and why you would like to be involved in the scheme. Applications will be considered from anyone with any level of experience but you must be available (and willing to travel to Oxfordshire) for a meeting with Cat on at least one occasion before your Oxfolk dance. For more details contact cat@catkelly.co.uk.
