R&R CAJUN ACADEMY FOR KIDS
Great job everyone. The academy doubled in size this year!
Registration for 2009 will open May 1st.
R&R Cajun Academy for Kids is a fun and education program directed by renowned fiddle teacher Michelle Kaminsky. Classes are offered in traditional Cajun fiddle, guitar
and accordion. Teachers include Michelle Kaminsky, Chris Ash, Rachel Panitch and Andy Stewart (fiddle); Tim Kness (accordion); Martin Grosswendt and Mary Jo Slattery (guitar); with backup by Jack Ezikovish (drums). New this year we'll have Michael Pattavina teaching mandolin. The program culminates in a Dance Stage performance for an enthusiastic crowd of dancers on Sunday afternoon as "Les Jeunes Cajuns" (the students) play and sing tunes they have learned during the weekend.
Rhythm & Roots Festival is committed to keeping traditional Cajun music alive and well in New England. Therefore, participation in the Cajun Academy for Kids is free and admission to the festival is free for kids 12 and under. Students 13 years
and older who are also attending the festival will need to purchase a ticket.
Local children whose families are not attending the festival are invited participate in the Cajun Academy for Kids. Classes are held in the Ninigret Park Picnic Pavilion outside the ticket gate. All parents (local and festival patrons) should plan to stay at the picnic pavilion while the academy is in session. For further details, call Mary Burdette at 607-330-1727 or Michelle Kaminsky at 401-246-2720.
Basic Requirements:
- The academy is open to students 8 to 17 years of age.
- Students should be able to participate all three days,
including Sunday's concert.
- Students of all playing levels are welcome and will be
divided into classes according to their playing ability
and comfort level.
- Beginning fiddle and accordion students should, at a minimum,
be able to play a D or A scale or be able to play a simple
song such as 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'
- Guitar and mandolin students should know chords D, E, A and G and be
able to change from chord to chord.
- Students must bring their own instruments. However we will have a few accordions for kids to try if they are interested. Please let us us know if you'd like to borrow an accordion.
- If you have a tuner, please bring it.
- Also bring a cool hat for Sunday's performance!
Schedule:
Classes meet in the Ninigret Park Picnic Pavilion, located between the camping
area and concert area ticket gate. Sunday's performance will be in the Dance Pavilion.
- Friday, September 4 (Picnic Pavilion) (please note the time change!)
- 5:00-6:00 pm: Orientation. Meet the teachers. Run through
the tunes.
Bring your instrument! You'll be playing the first
night!
- Saturday, September 5 (Picnic Pavilion)
- 10:00-Noon: Sectional, Vocal and Ensemble Instruction
- Sunday, September 6 (see various locations)
- 10:00-Noon: Sectional, Vocal and Ensemble Instruction
(Picnic Pavilion)
- 3:00 pm: "Graduation Gig"on the big stage in the Dance Pavilion right after Magnolia's set. Be backstage please at 2:30.
Cancellations:
If you need to cancel for any reason, please call or email
us so that others may have a chance to participate. Contact Mary Burdette at 607-330-1727 or burdette@rhythmandroots.com
To register: Registration begins May 1.
At that time you'll be able to click on the Mardi Gras Mask at the top right of this page.
Parents please note:
- Please plan to stay while classes are in session.
Bring your coffee, a book, blanket or chair. Relax, watch and listen.
- We are staffed to teach only. If your child needs a trip
to the restroom, etc., please attend to his or her needs. Also bring any special items that your child may need. Thank you.
Photo: 2007 Cajun Academy for Kids - Click for more
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