Choro Camp Daily Schedule
In the daily schedule further down the page you will see three different types of classes:
- Meet by Instrumental Groups
- Rodas de Choro
- More Rodas and Special Topics
Rather than repeat the content of those classes every time they appear in the schedule, we’ll do so just once, below:
Meet by Instrumental Groups
During these classes, instrumental groups will work on the day’s repertoire, which will be organized by rhythmic style. For a look at how the instrumental groups break down, you’ll find them listed on the Program>Overview page.
Rodas de Choro
Play time! These classes for mixed instrumentation will focus first on the repertoire we have just studied in the instrumental groups. If time allows we may play other tunes in the same rhythmic style, revisit tunes we’ve studied on previous days, or stray into new territory.
More Rodas and Special Topics.
This will typically be the last period of the day. Rodas offered at this time could be devoted to additional repertoire or to more work on tunes we’ve already covered—as needed or desired. “Special topic” offerings could include anything that might be of interest to our participants. Some possible examples:
- Improvisation Workshop;
- Intro to Pandeiro or cavaquinho (for players of other instruments);
- Roda de samba or forró;
- Choro cantado (Choro vocal repertoire.)
- If you can imagine it, we’ll consider it!
With those preliminaries done, here’s an overview of the daily schedule:
Daily Schedule
Monday
Noon to 8 pm: Arrival and registration. Especially recommended for long-distance travelers. Informal rodas de choro and unscheduled activities. There are no on-campus meals this evening, but downtown Northampton is walking distance and offers many options.
Tuesday
10:30 am: Orientation. Be there!
1:30—3 pm: Meet by Instrumental Groups.
4 – 5:30: Rodas de Choro.
Evening – rodas, practice, socializing, surprises.
Wednesday through Friday
Early mornings: self-directed warm-ups, practice and informal rodas.
10 – 11:30 – Meet by Instrumental Groups.
1:30 – 3:00 pm – Rodas de Choro.
4 – 5:30 pm – More rodas and special topics.
Evenings – rodas, practice, socializing, and surprises.
Saturday
Early morning: self-directed warm-ups, practice and informal rodas.
10 – 11:30: Meet by Instrumental Groups.
1:30 – 3:00 pm – Rodas de Choro.
Late afternoon: Informal rodas, special offerings, socializing and mutual patting of backs.
Evening: Concert by artists on staff followed by rodas de choro and socializing.
Sunday
No scheduled activities. Check out of dorms by 10 am. Hang and play outside as long as you’d like. Tchau, tchau queridos…see you next year!