Here's a common version of Beaumont Rag that's square and well phrased:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FTuWotf7TQ

Jeff

On Mon, May 2, 2022 at 1:09 AM Roger Diggle via Contra Callers <
contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:

> Beaumont Rag is a tune that is incredibly versionated.  Without knowing
> their particular version, no way to create a dance that fits.
>
> Another way to look at the problem ...  If they really want to play the
> tune for dancing, there is no reason they cannot concoct a version of
> there own, using the grab-bag of pieces that are laying around, to
> create a square version.  Next questions: Do they actually understand
> what a square version is? Do they have a feel for the kinds of things,
> in actual square tunes, that sometimes confuse the caller and/or
> dancers?  Do you or they know a musician or caller that could help with
> that?
>
> If they feel like they'd like to use more pieces than can be
> accommodated by typical A-A-B-B construction, there are several
> possibilities.  Think about A-A and B-B each being rectangles that form
> a square  You could concoct a C-C part.  Then play the tune,
> alternately, A-A B-B / A-A C-C.  Also possible - perhaps a 16 bar
> rectangle that does not internally repeat  [as chestnut Maggie Brown's
> Favorite does]  Or A-B-C-D, [like chestnuts Opera Reel and Chorus Jig]
> If I were doing this project, I would be inclined to play the A-A
> rectangle alternating with other rectangles, beginning by alternating
> A-A B-B  until the dancers get a grip, then throw in other alternations,
> but always the A-A in the lead.
>
> I have a batch of dances that fit variants of A-A-B-B-C, if they'd go
> for that.  Could even be A-B-C-D-E.  If anyone is interested, I'll
> supply those dances.  Most are old contra-corners patterns, which
> deserve more circulation than they get - with some stretch limousine
> treatment.
>
> Roger Diggle
>
> --
> Food for thought is no substitute for the real thing.
>     -- Walt Kelly, cartoonist extraordinaire
>
>
> > *From:* Laur via Contra Callers
> > *Sent:* Wednesday, April 27, 2022 3:50 PM
> > *To:* Contra Callers <contracall...@sharedweight.net>
> > *Subject:* [Callers] Need help fitting to a tune
> >
> > A local band here plays Beaumont Rag As a part of their routine dance
> > set. It’s a popular band.
> > I’ve never experienced  a contra dance The  band has  chosen to play for
> > a dance work. It doesn’t work for the dancers and it’s agonizing for the
> > caller.
> >
> > Can anyone suggest a dance that could fit? At this point I’m planning to
> > request they don’t include the tune.
> >
> > I know there’s an English dance written to match but not interested in
> > that for this set.
> >
> > Laurie
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net
> > To unsubscribe send an email to
> contracallers-le...@lists.sharedweight.net
>
> _______________________________________________
> Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net
> To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-le...@lists.sharedweight.net
>
_______________________________________________
Contra Callers mailing list -- contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net
To unsubscribe send an email to contracallers-le...@lists.sharedweight.net

Reply via email to