Klez Kamp 2003

[Joe Kurland & Peggy Davis <ganeydn...>]

Well, here are a few comments about my KlezKamp 2003 experience. I 
was really glad to be back in the Catskills. It just feels like the 
right place to be. The hotel had its own quirks, as the Paramount 
did, and I felt very much at home. Having a good-sized pool and large 
lobby was great.

My job there is directing the children's program, so I was not able 
to attend any class completely, but I was there for a good part of 
Josh Horowitz's Dissonance class and some of Michael Wex's sessions. 
Our band has been discussing (and playing) dissonance and it was very 
good to hear both Josh's lecture and the ensuing discussion. The 
printed material he gave us was very thorough. Wex's classes are 
always illuminating and thoroughly enjoyable. I gained insight not 
only into Yiddish but English and even Icelandic. He clarified for me 
questions I had about Hebrew pronunciation within Yiddish and about 
Yiddish dialects.

I also had two excellent learning opportunities, a song-coaching 
class with Joanne Borts, and a flute lesson with Ken Maltz. Joanne 
emphasized one's emotional/personal connection with a song, and got 
great results out of everyone in a very mixed-level class. Ken 
focused on phrasing with me, which gave me a lot to work on.

It was really nice having the extra day of Shabbes to extend the week 
and to give us a chance to relax. I enjoyed having a chance to talk 
to friends and new acquaintances. German Goldshteyn told me some 
interesting stories about his life as a klezmer.

I think my favorite part of the student concert was the part before 
dinner, when the Oomchicks played. They were a delight.


Peggy Davis

Peggy H. Davis Calligraphy & Wholesale Klezmer Band
Colrain, MA 01340
624-3204
www.HebrewLettering.com
www.WholesaleKlezmer.com

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