FORMS REQUIRED:

Commitment to Community Policy and Standards

Camper Joint Liability Waiver 2015

Caz Medical Form 2015

B – Class Signup Form 2015

Guest Form 2015

>>> ONLINE Session B Signup Form 2015 <<<

SESSION B – 2015 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

If you are registered and have not yet selected your classes, please fill out the electronic form (link directly above) and email john@cazfamilycamp.org . Please do not send in a paper copy of your class selections as class lists are being sent out the week of July 13th.

2015 Daily Time Schedule

7:30 – 10:00 am         Early Morning Activities
8:00 – 9:30 am           Breakfast
9:30 am                     All Camp Chorus & Kid City Opens
10:00 – 10:55 am       Period 1
11:10 – 12:05 pm       Period 2
12:15 – 1:15 pm         Lunch
1:15 – 2:15 pm           Quiet Time
2:15 – 3:30 pm           Free Time
3:30 pm                      Kid City reopens
3:45 – 4:40 pm           Period 3
4:55 – 5:50 pm           Period 4
6:15 – 7:15 pm           Dinner
7:30 – 10:00 pm         Evening Activities (vary from Monday to Saturday)
Campfire & Evening Jams
10:00pm                    Quiet time

 

Session B

Early Morning Activities

7:30 – 8:30 am Yoga Stretch (All Ages Welcome)
Drop-in class. Begin each morning by stretching into your day. This class will help you have higher energy levels throughout the day and will help you maintain the energy level you need for all of your Cazadero classes. Each morning we will do stretches for the whole body, including: hips, hamstrings, shoulders, neck, back and wrists. All levels and ages welcome. Bring your own yoga mat. (Melanie Green, no limit)

8:00 am Morning Wake Up Band (All Ages Welcome)
This is an impromptu, volunteer camper band dear to our hearts for its many surprises. We have woken up to the sounds of tuba solos, angelic choirs, roving ukulele bands and energetic rattles in the hands of our very young campers. Meet at Kid City to warm up at 7:50 am daily and start the musical procession through camp. (Kerry Yates, no limit)

9:30 – 9:55 am All Camp Chorus (All Ages Welcome)
“Look up and sing!” Each morning start your day off right. After many years, the Caz Family Camp tradition returns! Now everyone has the opportunity to let their voices rise up into the big beautiful redwoods. Right after breakfast and before your first scheduled class, join us and sing with the entire camp.
(Steven Patton and Geechi Taylor, no limit)

9:30 am Kid City (2.5 – 5)
Rosemary and Kerry open the doors of Kid City at 9:30 a.m., come and drop-in with your child and help them transition before you leave for your 1st period class. Please refer to the end of class descriptions for details about Kid City.* (Rosemary Richie and Kerry Yates, no limit)

Music, Mindfulness, and You (All Ages Welcome)
Come to the field and reflect on your day of making music and art. Through an interactive art installation, campers can practice mindfulness by answering the daily question. What did you create today? (Self-guided, no limit)

 

 

PERIOD 1 (10:00 AM – 10:55 AM)

P1 – The Basics of Singing (10 – adult)
Are you interested in singing but feel that you could use more information about how the voice works? Regardless of the kind of music you like to sing, there are some basic skills that can help you make the most of your voice and improve its sound, power, range, and stamina. In class, we will touch on how to blend your voice with other singers and how to approach different musical styles as a singer. We will talk about how to improve your ear as a singer, how to take care of your voice, and how to express yourself fully as a singer, particularly in a performance situation. We will learn 1-2 songs as a group to use for learning the skills of the class, but there will not be an official class performance. (Marie Schumacher, no limit)

P1 – Beginning Songwriting (10 – adult)
Find your voice and write your song! We’ll cover the basics of songwriting and song structure, including lyrical content, rhyme and meter, melody, chordal accompaniment, and more. You need not play an instrument, though they come in handy. A key element will be in kick-starting creativity and building your unique voice with your unique perspective. Lots of peer support is guaranteed, as are lots of laughs. You are almost guaranteed to have a finished song by end of camp. Bring pencil, paper, and enthusiasm.
(Danny Carnahan, limit 15)

P1 – Big Fun On Steel Drums (6 – 12)
Classes will focus on different styles music played on the “Pans” (steel drums). Students will have fun playing in a steel drum ensemble and learn some basic rhythm, harmony, and melody. No experience is necessary. No reading is required. All instruments will be provided. (Mark Rosenthal, limit 11)

P1 – Circus Arts (6 – adult)
This class has something for everybody! Whether it is stilt walking, juggling, trying out a unicycle or standing on a globe, you will find something you love and will love performing at the Cazadero Clown and Circus Extravaganza on Saturday night! Amaze yourself (and your friends…) (Hannah Kahn & Doyle Ott, limit 15)

P1 – Classic Country Songs Ensemble (13 – adult)
Prerequisite: Able to play basic chords on an instrument played in a Honky Tonk Band and/or want to sing melody or harmony! – guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, accordion, fiddle, lap steel, etc.
Classic Country Songs! George, Patsy, Loretta, Merle, Hank – we’ll work up harmonies and simple arrangements, and sing and play through classic country songs, paying attention to some nuances and what makes them so achy-breaky awesome. Bring your instruments and we’ll pass around solos, or practice playing and singing, backing up singers, etc. If you love that old honky tonk sound, or have no experience in this genre, this class will get you hooked! (Evie Ladin, no limit)

P1 – Creative Writing Performance Workshop (10 – adult)
Spoken Word Artist / Performer Joshua Silverstein utilizes spoken word as a device for this ultimate soul liberating workshop. In this safe space students will be encouraged to dig deep, share and perform their individual ideas, feelings and emotions. By taking a risk and taking this workshop, those who participate fully will experience the awesome of letting their inner voices be heard. (Joshua Silverstein, no limit)

P1 – Creek Walks (6 – adult)
Come explore the wilder side of camp! We’ll dig under rocks, climb up canyons, and discover little critters living in the creek. You’ll be amazed at how much life there is just outside your cabin walls – frogs, dragonflies, blue jays, salamanders, and so much more. Meet me at the pool, wear shorts and sun protection, and be ready to get your feet wet! (Craig Nelson, limit 20)

P1 – Hands-on-Harps (8 – adult)
This class is for beginner or experienced musicians. Learn all about the different harps, how to improvise, and do special effects on the instrument. We will learn how chords work and play some familiar songs that we can sing along with too. Harps are provided. (Lisa Lynne, limit 12)

P1 – Intro to Jazz (8 – adult)
Through body percussion, movement and easily accessible percussion instruments (both pitched and non-pitched) we will explore grooves: latin, jazz and other world rhythms. We will use our voices and chant rhymes to find our way “in” to the “pocket”. We will demystify the performance of jazz with games and 12 easy steps. We welcome all instruments you may play already or have been wanting to play – but we will also explore answers to the question “What is This Thing Called Jazz?” with our native instruments (voice and body percussion). Pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments provided. All inquiring minds and proficiencies welcome. (Zack Pitt-Smith, no limit)

P1 – Kid City– Creative Play w/Christie the Clown (2.5 – 5, but all welcome to drop-in)
Christina brings her bag of tricks to engage and entertain our youngest campers. Clowning, puppetry, scarf dancing, storytelling, magic and more!!! Please refer to the end of class descriptions for details about Kid City.* (Christina Lewis, Rosemary Richie, Kerry Yates, no limit)

P1 – Life Stories (18 – adult)
We will be mining our lives for stories and sharing those we find with one another. Our work will be based on a series of exercises and activities that Joel has developed over the years. We’ll be learning what stories are and how they work, honing our storytelling skills in the process. Please note, though, that the emphasis of this course is not on performance. Our interest is in finding and shaping those stories we want to tell in smaller, informal settings. (Joel ben Izzy, limit 12)

P1 – Mexican Song and Dance for Families (6 – adult)
Adults and children together will learn traditional Mexican son using percussive dance, sung poetry, and rhythm instruments (such as the cajón and the donkey jaw bone!). We will warm up with singing games, and learn songs from different areas of Mexico (son jarocho from Veracruz and son de artesa from Guerrero) which explode with rhyme, polyrhythm and fun animal characters.
(Arwen Lawrence, Jorge Liceaga, no limit)

P1 – Mixed Media Mandalas (7 – adult)
Mandalas are everywhere and have been since the beginning of time. From a snowflake to a cross section of a twig, a simple circle or the Labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in Paris, human beings have been fascinated by the Mandala in all its mysterious forms. We will create individual Mandalas using different mediums. We will also be creating a collaborative Mandala, adding to it as the week progresses. Materials provided. (Kim Agnew, limit 16)

P1 – Piano: Rock and Hip-Hop Piano (13 – Adult)
Level: Intermediate, Prerequisite: Ability to read and play 2-handed piano sheet music; familiarity with major and minor chords. Come learn some cool rock and hip-hop piano! We’ll play some tunes by a range of current and recent artists, and look at how the piano parts work musically in order to make up some grooves of our own. There might be a class performance at the end of the week. Keyboards are provided, but bring your own headphones and 1/4” adapter. (Jennifer Jolly, limit 9.)

P1 – Rock Band, Beginning (9 – adult)
Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists with some basic skills. We’ll have fun playing two or three songs ranging from blues, rock, to R&B. We will play one tune at open mic on Friday and choose the best one for the final performance. Guitarists should know power or open chords. Bass players should be able to find most root notes at the bottom of the neck. Drummers should be able to play a simple steady groove, and keyboardists/pianists should know major chords. Bring your instruments and amps. All instruments welcome, winds and brass encouraged.
(Steve Gibson and Geechi Taylor assisted by Michelle Jacques & Mike Ruby, limit 3 drummers)

P1 – Shake Rattle and Roll – Adding Percussive Color to the Mix (Ages 9 – adult)
I need more cowbell!…or do I? In this class we’ll learn about adding percussion to your music. The group of instruments that we call auxiliary percussion can add that perfect texture. Tambourines, cowbells, shakers, afoxes, guiros, claves, and maracas all come from some world tradition and all require some playing technique, so we’ll learn about the instruments and how to best apply them, and play them. I will supply a large assortment of instruments for this, but if you have a bag of percussion you’d like to bring, please do. (Brian Rice, limit 12)

P1 – Solo Singing (10 – adult )
In this class you will have the opportunity to work on a song that you want to perform, or just want to sing better. Please bring in a song or two that you are working on, including a copy of the music for me so I can accompany you. We will cover pitch issues, breathing, dynamics, diction, how to communicate with your accompanist, and how to “make it your own”. This will be a fun class, very safe for opening your heart and singing! (Libby McLaren, limit 10)

P1 – Songs from Around the World (All Ages Welcome)
From the Aboriginal Crowd Jam to the Polyphonic chants of the Ethiopian highlands to the Balinese Ketjak and the folk songs of England, people have been making music with only their voices and the barest accompaniment since the beginning of history. Let’s explore some of these songs and chants from around the world. (Stephen Kent, no limit)

P1 – Stone Carving (8 – adult)
In this class we will turn hunks of stone into really cool objects! We’ll focus on tool safety and how to work with the material. Objects will progress from selection, to shaping, to smoothing, to polishing. Tools include files, rasps, rifflers, saws, drills, sandpaper and elbow grease. Most students will produce two or three small objects, but I’ll have some larger stones if a student has a more ambitious agenda. Tired hands and small cuts are also part of the curriculum for most students. (Mark Bell, limit 12)

P1 – Storytelling for Kids (6 – 12)
Love to hear a good story? How about tell one? We will learn and tell stories using traditional storytelling forms such as fables, legends, folktales, etc. We will also work on and practice the basic aspects of storytelling; narration, character expression and interaction, pacing, and mood. In the storytelling tradition, we will play with whatever else you might bring to personalize your story.         (Matt Bernarding, limit 12)

P1 – Ukulele, Beginning (6 – adult)
We will concentrate on traditional vamps, turnarounds and a little bit of the history and legend behind the ukulele. Several tunes will be introduced with the intent of mastering at least one during the week. We will emphasize maximizing playing time, keeping talking and lecturing to a minimum. Transpositions will be available to more advanced players that decide to further challenge themselves. The ultimate goal of the course is to give each player the skills they need to motivate them in their own ukulele practice.
(Kyle Blase assisted by Steven Patton, no limit)

 

P1 – Yoga Flow (8 – adult)
This class is suitable for yoga students of all levels. We will practice sun salutations to warm up the body, followed by standing and seated postures. Various yoga postures will be taught to increase balance, strength, and flexibility. You will learn and deepen your experience of yogic breathing, while moving through the postures. There is ongoing encouragement to find an inner steadiness in the face of discomfort. Students will be challenged and have fun. Bring your own mat. (Melanie Green, no limit)

PERIOD 2 (11:10 AM – 12:05 PM)

 

P2 – Big Fun On Steel Drums (10 – adult)
Classes will focus on different styles music played on the “Pans” (steel drums). Students will have fun playing in a steel drum ensemble and learn some basic rhythm, harmony, and melody. No experience is necessary. No reading is required. All instruments will be provided. (Mark Rosenthal, limit 11)

P2 – Caribbean Groove Ensemble (13 – adult)
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Intermediate proficiency in reading and playing on your instrument.
In this ensemble we’ll sing and play tunes with super-deep grooves from Jamaica and other islands of the West Indies. Possible styles include reggae, ska, soca, calypso, zouk, mento, and others. We’ll dig into the grooves and also learn a bit about the cultural context of the tunes and styles we play. There will be a class performance at the end of the week. Open to vocalists and virtually all instrumentalists, especially bass, drums, guitars, horns, winds, keyboards, percussion, and steel drums. (Jennifer Jolly, limit 15)

P2 – Classical String Ensemble (12 – adult; younger campers accepted based on ability to read music)
Open to all string players with some previous playing experience, sight reading a major plus. In this ensemble we will explore the idea of making chamber music together, and work on all aspects of musicality, from phrasing and expressiveness to intonation and rhythm. We will rehearse with the aim of performing at the end of the week, while having as much fun as possible.
(Sascha Jacobsen with Rebecca Steinberg, no limit)

P2 – Clowning Around (6 – adult)
Make the craziest face you can, or try on a new one. We’ll build zany characters using costumes, masks and noses guaranteed to raise a smile. We’ll find out how to do funny things and do things funny as we reach into an old box of tricks to make seriously silly clown acts. Side effects may include giggling, silly walks and goofy noises, leading to a show at the end of the week. (Hannah Kahn & Doyle Ott, limit 20)

P2 – Electric Bass (10 – adult)
Open to electric bassists of various levels, this workshop will address the instrument’s foundational role in modern music. We will explore a range of techniques and styles, while learning bass lines essential for a bassist’s repertoire. Some experience with bass or other string instrument is recommended.
(Mike Ruby, limit 10)

P2 – Hambone and more (10 – adult)
Play your body – clap, slap, snap, step and vocalize. It’s body music – music you can see, dance you can hear. Old as dirt and still fresh. Comfortable clothes and sneakers recommended. No experience necessary. (Keith Terry, no limit)

P2 – Kid City – Swimming (2.5 – 5, but all welcome to drop-in)
Join Kid City at the pool for young camper and parent swimtime. Please refer to the end of class descriptions for details about Kid City.*
(Rosemary Richie, Kerry Yates, Lindell Dixon, and Gordon McFarland, no limit)

P2 – Kid’s Rock Band (6 – 12)
Are you ready to ROCK? All children ages 6-12 are welcome to this super fun and supportive kids rock band. We’ll be blasting percussion while we sing and jam the classics. All instruments are welcome and the only thing required is to have a rockin’ time. If you already play an instrument, be sure to indicate it on the class sign-up form. Bring your instrument and amps if available. We’ll provide drums, PA, bass amp and one keyboard. (Zack Pitt-Smith & Kyle Blase, limit 2 drums)

P2 – Live Sound Production (13 – adult)
Ever wonder what those sound people are doing or what all those knobs do? Or maybe as a musician you just want to be able to speak the same language when communicating an idea or issue. This class provides a comprehensive introduction to live sound production. You’ll learn about different kinds of microphones, mixers, and the use of sound processing equipment; how to set them up and use them; speaker placement and how to control sound levels and avoid feedback. You’ll get to run the main sound system and stage monitors for open mic performances in the amphitheater. (JJ Jenkins, limit 5)

P2 – Making It Music (6– adult)
Emphasis on the making. Develop and play your own musical instrument out of recycled materials! An old hose? a bucket? What sounds can it make? Lets write a song! No musical experience needed! We will be crafting, designing sound, creating stories, performing, and collaborating. (Matt Jervis, limit 15)

P2 – Mixed Jazz Chorus (10 – adult)
This Jazz chorus is open to all singers with a little bit of experience in any chorus, and a love of standards and Jazz. An ability to read music will be helpful but not required. We’ll sing one or two songs in three or four parts, that I’ll provide the music for. Soloing will be included for any of you who are itching to do some vocal soloing. The only requirement is to have an open heart and a desire for fun! I suggest bringing a recording device each day to assist with learning your part. (Libby Mclaren, no limit)

P2 – Plaster Mask Making (10 – adult)
Ready to get messy? This class will be making plaster molds of our faces to create 3D self portraits. Pairing up, students will help each other create the plaster tape masks. One student will be the “maker” of another student’s foundation mask, while the second student acts as the “model” for the base mask (they will switch roles the following session). The model becomes the owner of the mask, who does all later work on it. The base mask captures the shape and form of the face of the person on whose face it is constructed. Students will then paint and decorate their mask into a meaningful, detailed 3D self portrait. Students need to bring a headband and tee shirt or smock that will get messy with plaster. Students will also be covering their face with Vaseline before applying the plaster tape; class is not for anyone who has an allergy to Vaseline or plaster. Materials provided. (Kim Agnew, limit 16)

P2 – Playmasters (6 – 9)
Come out to the playing field to join me for inclusion based community games. Build physical, social, and emotional skills through games like Pirate Ship, Sharks and Minnows, Band-Aid Tag, One Fish-Two Fish-Red Fish-Blue Fish. These cooperation and inclusion-based activities encourage healthy styles of play and bring harmony to anyone’s home playground. Let’s make games encouraging, energizing, and electric! See you on the field! (Iris DeSerio, limit 15)

P2 – Rock Band, Intermediate (12 – adult)
Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists with some previous playing experience. We’ll work on more sophisticated tunes than in the beginning band, and focus on well-honed individual parts and more subtle aspects of dynamics, grooving, and soloing. Bring instruments and amps. All instruments welcome, winds and brass encouraged.
(Steven Patton and Geechi Taylor, assisted by Michelle Jacques, limit 3 drummers and 6 vocalists)

P2 – Samba Pagode (13 – adult)
There are many styles of samba from Brazil, but one of the most infectious is samba pagode (pah-go-jee). This style, unlike the drum heavy carnaval samba is more suitable for a backyard barbeque than a street parade. It’s all about the singing really, but there are many drum parts to fill it out. Nylon string guitar and cavaquinho are the two string instruments that are needed to make this class happen. If you have those skills, I will have my cavaquinho for you to use (a ukulele can work as an alternative). One cavaquinho and all percussion instruments will be provided.
(Brian Rice assisted by Jorge Liceaga, limit 15)

P2 – Square Dance 101 (8 – adult)
Square dancing is a fun, easy, social dance style with interesting geometric shapes, and the joy of dancing in a group. All you need is to be able to walk and remember your right from your left! We’ll work through square dance figures, and learn moves like “grand right & left”, “box the gnat”, “ladies chain”, “georgia orangutan” and more! We’ll also learn some simple clogging steps you can use while dancing through the figures. If you are interested, you can also learn some of the square dance patter for calling dances yourself! (Evie Ladin with accompaniment of Danny Carnahan, no limit)

P2 – Taiko: Japanese Traditional Drumming, Beginning (8 – 12)
Modern Taiko is a fun and energetic form of the ancient tradition of Japanese drumming. Similar to the training of martial arts, respect, discipline and focus are an essential part of the teaching of Taiko. Susan expects each student to memorize and practice daily what is taught. Playing Taiko is a group effort, the fun comes as a reward for working, practicing, and performing together. CAZ Taiko’s motto for this year: RENSHU KIBISHIKU–ENSO TANOSHIKU, Hard practice = fun performance! If you have hesitated in the past or felt intimidated, this is the year for you to try Taiko. Memorization of parts will be minimized, fun maximized, but will still be taught in the tradition of Taiko discipline. http://www.etaiko.org Instruments are provided. (Susan Horn, limit 10)

P2 – Three Chords and the Truth: A Workshop for the New and the Experienced Songwriter (12 – adult)
Writing your own original song can seem like an intimidating task, but creating simple songs can be a natural and easily accessible process. In this workshop, we’ll do a set of activities to play with lyrics, melodies and grooves and piece them together into songs. We will also draw inspiration from sample songs that we will listen to together. If you have an instrument that will help with the writing process, please bring it; if not, there will be a guitar and keyboard available to use. If you don’t play an instrument but want to write songs, come anyway! There will be techniques that you can use as well. We’ll do a fair amount of writing, and you’re encouraged but not required to write outside of class, too. You will also have the option of sharing your songs-in-progress in class. (Marie Schumacher, limit 12)

P2 –Ukulele, Intermediate (11 – adult)
This class is open to anyone comfortable with all the common ukulele chords, who is interested in expanding their skill set to include more chords, fancier strums, fingerpicking and single note playing. We’ll have fun singing and playing in a variety of styles, but with a bit more emphasis on acquiring new skills on the uke. (Steve Gibson, limit 15)

Pool is Open: Lap Swim, (12:10 – 12:45 pm) The lifeguard is on hand. (Gordon McFarland, drop-in)

 

FREE TIME (2:15 PM – 3:30 PM)

Bake Your Own (Amazing) Bagels (All Ages Welcome)
Come mix, shape, boil, bake, and eat the most spectacular bagels you’ve ever tasted! We’ll experience the process in real time—a series of steps completed over three days. Rockridge resident and avid baker, Laurie Leiber, will provide step-by-step instruction and a detailed recipe. Bring a jar if you’d like to take home some starter to make amazing bagels back in the real world. (Laurie Leiber, limit 15)

Beatbox – Vocal Percussion, 2-Day Workshop (7-adult)
Learn how to turn those silly sounds you made (or still make) as a child into actual funky, fresh music with professional international Beatboxer; Joshua Silverstein! Together you will play, collaborate, and create music, utilizing only the sounds of your oral cavity (lips, tongue, cheek, throat etc.)… and maybe a microphone. (Joshua Silverstein, limit 10)

Free Dance Time Workshop (All Ages Welcome)
Following the lead and technique, dancers will learn to move in a fun expressive way. By varying our levels we’ll gain the physicality dancers use to have a greater movement vocabulary. Playing with tempos from different music genres, the class will explore the culture that is created around dance. We will generate a communal space that allows you to find your own voice in dance. (Gerhon Moore, limit 15)

Fly Tying Time with Mr. Nelson (All Ages Welcome)
What sport is also an art? Fly Fishing is an age old sport that requires the skill and creativity of fly tying. Come make your own fly fishing ties or sit back and chat as you watch how they are made.
(Mr. Nelson, drop-in)

Music, Mindfulness, & You (All Ages Welcome)
Come to the field and reflect on your day of making music and art. Through an interactive art installation, campers can practice mindfulness by answering the daily question. What did you create today? (Self-guided, no limit)

Open Mic (All Ages Welcome)
Open mic is one of the gems of Family Camp! Every day you can come to the amphitheater and perform in a safe, casual and supportive environment. Songs, instruments, solos or whole bands, dances, poems, stories, classical, rock, jazz and rap, it all happens every day. Please note, each act will be limited to three minutes, which will hopefully allow everyone to appear more than once. Don’t be shy! Dust off that song or dance and try it out on a great Caz audience! Daily from 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. Sign-up sheets are posted on the sidewall of the amphitheater. (Steven Patton and Jacob Rubin, drop-in)

Pool is Open: Free Swim The lifeguard is on hand, everyone is welcome. (Gordon McFarland, drop-in)

Untalent Show (Unusual, Unprecedented, but not Unrehearsed!) Sign Up/Meet Up @ Kid City:
Got Untalent? Come by during free time on Tuesday and Wednesday to bounce around some new ideas or rehash some old ideas for the Untalent Show. Whether you have your act rehearsed and ready or need assistance, Mike needs to hear from you or your group in order to sign up and can help workshop ideas and/or connect you to the people you need to make your Untalent Show routine a memorable one. All Untalent Show performers must present their ideas during these times. (Mike Ruby)

PERIOD 3 (3:45 PM – 4:40 PM)

P3 – Ashtanga Yoga (14 – adult)
Yoga experience required. In this class students will experience a vigorous flow style of yoga, linking breath with movement. This class is designed to strengthen, align and purify the entire body and mind. You will begin learning (or deepening your understanding of) the sequence of postures that make up the Ashtanga Primary Series. This class will be challenging and fun. Yoga experience is required.
(Melanie Green, no limit)

P3 – Belly Dance (12 – adult)
Explore belly dance by developing a strong foundation in posture, isolation techniques, muscle control, choreographic sequences, and musicality. We will break down and drill the basic components and foundations of belly dance movement, including arm and hand movements, fundamental shimmies, basic hip accents, introductory undulations, and easy to follow travelling steps and combinations. Students will be introduced to a variety of styles of belly dance movements and music ranging from Tribal Fusion to Egyptian. No experience necessary – classes are structured to fit each students varying needs and abilities. What to wear: Clothing that reveals the body line allows for easier correction of posture and technique. Please wear comfortable clothing suitable for a dance class, such as yoga or jazz pants, tank top, fitted t-shirt- bare bellies not required! Dancing is generally done barefoot though dance shoes/socks may be worn for your comfort. A sash or scarf can be worn around the hips for fun and to help define hip movements. (Denise Blase, no limit)

P3 – Buckets and Spoons (10 – adult)
Experience the fun of playing interlocking rhythmic parts with other players. Using these basic found sound instruments we’ll draw from traditional and contemporary sources. Bring drumsticks, a pair of matching teaspoons, and a pair of matching tablespoons. No experience necessary. (Keith Terry, no limit)

P3 – Circus Arts (6 – adult)
This class has something for everybody! Whether it is stilt walking, juggling, trying out a unicycle or standing on a globe, you will find something you love and will love performing at the Cazadero Clown and Circus Extravaganza on Saturday night! Amaze yourself (and your friends…)
(Hannah Kahn & Doyle Ott, limit 15)

P3 – Computer-Based Home Recording (13 – adult)
Learn the basics of getting professional sounding results utilizing popular Mac and Windows recording software and affordable portable interfaces. Discover the importance of microphone technique and placement and integrating audio with sampled or looped instruments. We’ll cover the use of signal processing software and hardware, digital editing, mixing and mastering. During the course of the session we will record a tune and burn CDs of it. Bring your laptop and let’s get recording! (JJ Jenkins, limit 10)

P3 – Creative Writing Performance Workshop (10 – adult)
Spoken Word Artist / Performer Joshua Silverstein utilizes spoken word as a device for this ultimate soul liberating workshop. In this safe space students will be encouraged to dig deep, share and perform their individual ideas, feelings and emotions. By taking a risk and taking this workshop, those who participate fully will experience the awesome of letting their inner voices be heard. (Joshua Silverstein, no limit)

P3 –”I Am” ~ Self Portraits with a Twist (ages 7 – adult)
We will begin our session warming up by creating a basic portrait map, exploring the materials and creating personal. “I Am” statements. Each artist will create a sketch foundation self portrait and throughout the course they will build up with cutouts from their personal photos, multiple drawing materials and found objects. Please bring a few med/large pictures of yourself that you will be willing to cut up (scanned photos are fine as well) and a small mirror to use for reference. Please save and bring any small meaningful objects to glue on your portrait. Paper and drawing supplies will be provided.
(Kim Agnew, limit 16)

P3 – Environmental Art (8 – adult, 6-8 if accompanied by an adult)
Inspired by the work of the artist Andrew Goldsworthy, as seen in the movie “Rivers and Tides,” we’ll be creating environmental art installations of our own, working in the creek bed beneath the bridge. Installations in past years have included labyrinths, Zen bridges, a pyramid and snakes in the stream. With Cazadero as our canvas we will use only found materials such as stones, sticks, logs, twigs, leaves, mud, water, charcoal, and socks to create sculptures. This is a process class, everything we create will be left at the end of camp to be undone by the elements. (Joel ben Izzy, limit 15)

P3 – Franken Doll (13 – adult)
Build your own cuddly snuggly monstrosity out of tons of everyday stuffed toys and other upcycled materials! We will be crafting, designing, sewing, and using hot glue. (Matt Jervis, limit 15)

P3 – Gospel Choir (7 – adult)
Have you always wanted to sing gospel music? Well here’s your chance! You are invited to be part of Family Camp’s rockin’ and soulful gospel choir! You will learn and perform spirituals, along with contemporary and traditional gospel music. Students will learn vocal and performance techniques, rhythms, and harmony. Singers from beginners to advanced, of all ages, are encouraged to join in the fun of learning and singing this exciting music. All you need is willingness, a sense of humor, commitment, a passion for making a “joyful noise!” (Michelle Jacques & Libby McLaren, no limit)

P3 – Guitar, Beginning (11 – adult)
Join me for a fun introduction or re-introduction to the guitar. We will learn the chords that are used in all your favorite music and get a chance to make music as a group, including learning how to play riffs or melodies. The class is designed for beginners but is open to anyone who wants to review open position chords and have fun playing with other guitars. (Steve Gibson, limit 10)

P3 – Interlocking Rhythm Guitar for Big Fun! (11 – adult)
This class is for anyone with some experience playing at some point in your life. We would appreciate one bass player interested in playing the bottom end of our grooves. We will play some Blues, R&B, Reggae, Rock, and other styles from around the world. We’ll be playing rhythms that fit with each other like the leaves with the branches, and we’ll leave a little room for an occasional solo. Come on over and play. It’s a safe space to expand and experiment or to groove on one note. (Isaac Butler-Brown, limit 12)

P3 – Jazz Band (12 – adult)
For people who have some experience on their instruments (school band, lessons, etc). You should be able to read music, as we will be reading some great (but not too hard) big band charts and learning to swing. We’ll also work on improvising and everyone will get a chance to solo. Experience on your instrument is necessary, familiarity with jazz is not. Fedoras recommended but not required.
(Jessica Jones, Sascha Jacobsen, and assisted by Geechi Taylor, limit 20, 2 each drums, keyboard, guitar, bass – no limit other instr.)

P3 – Kid City: Brazilian Music and Movement with Lindell
The crab, the bear, the monkey! We will be exploring the movements of Capoeira and getting our
singing and clapping on in Kid City. Please refer to the end of class descriptions for details about Kid City.
(Rosemary Richie, Kerry Yates, and Lindell Dixon, no limit)

 

P3 – Northern Latin American Music Ensemble (12 – adult)
We will explore songs and dance music from Mexico and the Spanish Caribbean. With our ears, simple charts and lyrics, we will sing and accompany delicious songs from the Latin American song book, some known, some more obscure. Bring your voice, and if you wish any melodic or rhythmic instrument whether Latin or not. We will have some minor percussion instruments and some regional Mexican guitars available. (Arwen Lawrence, Jorge Liceaga, no limit)

P3 – Pandeiro – The Tambourine of Brazil (12 – adult)
The Brazilian pandeiro is more than just a tambourine, it’s an entire battery of percussion wrapped up in a very unassuming package. This versatile instrument is a mainstay of Brazilian music, but can do much more. Join me on a journey to explore this extraordinary instrument of Brazil. Several instruments will be provided, but bring your own if you can. (Brian Rice, limit 12)

P3 – Piano: Beginning for Teens and Adults (13 – adult)
Level: Beginning, Prerequisite: None.
Come learn the nuts and bolts of playing the piano in a fun and supportive class! We’ll cover the layout of the piano, basic note reading, chords, grooves, charts, and improv, and we’ll play some cool tunes along the way. There may be a class performance at the end of the week. Keyboards are provided, but bring your own headphones and 1/4” adapter. (Jennifer Jolly, limit 8)
NOTE: This class will begin on WEDNESDAY.

P3 – Pool is Open: the lifeguard will be on hand, everyone is welcome. (Gordon McFarland, drop-in)

P3 – Storytelling for Kids (6 – 12)
Love to hear a good story? How about tell one? We will learn and tell stories using traditional storytelling forms such as fables, legends, folktales, etc. We will also work on and practice the basic aspects of storytelling; narration, character expression and interaction, pacing, and mood. In the storytelling tradition, we will play with whatever else you might bring to personalize your story.             (Matt Bernarding, limit 12)

P3 – Taiko: Japanese Traditional Drumming, Beginning (8 – adult)
Modern Taiko is a fun and energetic form of the ancient tradition of Japanese drumming. Similar to the training of martial arts, respect, discipline and focus are an essential part of the teaching of Taiko. Susan expects each student to memorize and practice daily what is taught. Playing Taiko is a group effort, the fun comes as a reward for working, practicing, and performing together. CAZ Taiko’s motto for this year: RENSHU KIBISHIKU–ENSO TANOSHIKU, Hard practice = fun performance! If you have hesitated in the past or felt intimidated, this is the year for you to try Taiko. Memorization of parts will be minimized, fun maximized, but will still be taught in the tradition of Taiko discipline. http://www.etaiko.org
Instruments are provided. (Susan Horn, limit 10)

P3 – Theater: Strega Nona (Ages 7-15)
Come act in this fun 25-minute play based on the wonderful Strega Nona stories by Tomie dePaola. This play is full of fun characters and we will perform it on Saturday night for the whole camp! The script will be sent out and casting will happen before camp starts so you have time to start working on your lines if you like. To participate, enroll first and then it is required that you contact cazaderogwen@gmail.com so we can figure out your casting for the summer. Note: participants will be learning from written scripts, so they must be old enough to read. All levels are welcome!
(Gwen Loeb and Virginia “Ginny” Reed, Limit 20)

P3 –Violin/Fiddle, Beginning (10 – adult; younger campers accepted with instructor approval)
This class is open to any first time violin players or those who want to improve their skills. We will be focusing on posture, rhythm, bow techniques, and learning some fun and simple tunes by ear! Music reading is helpful but not required. Violin may be available depending on size (email r.steinberg57@gmail.com) or bring your own. Let’s have some fun! (Rebecca Steinberg, limit 9)

PERIOD 4 (4:55 PM – 5:50 PM)

P4 – A Cappella Voice Band (10 – adult)
With the popularity of the movie Pitch Perfect and the reality show the Sing-Off, a cappella singing is a rapidly growing trend in mainstream pop music. Yet the form has been around for a long time, tracing back to street corner doo-wop and self-directed college groups. In this class, we’ll be learning two pop songs arranged for voices only, sung in 4 parts. If you love to sing harmony and are intrigued by the idea of being in a rock band of all voices, this will be a great time for you! It’s recommended but not necessary that you have some experience singing in harmony with others. We’ll use sheet music to learn the songs, but the tunes will be catchy, so if you’re more of a learn-by-ear person, you should have no trouble getting into the groove! We may even throw in some simple beat-boxing and choreography to liven up the act!
(Marie Schumacher, no limit)

P4 – The Beat Laboratory- For Funky Scientists…. (6 – adult)
What is the Beat Laboratory? What is Music? How do we organize sound into funky beats? In this very kid-friendly class we will experiment with the very nature of sound and anyone and all instruments are welcome. We will learn to sample, create, loop and construct/deconstruct melodies with the use of various machines. We will dissect pulses, look closely at timbres, run test on melodies and record our creations to release to the world. Come explore your inner mad scientist in this super fun and supportive environment. (Kyle Blase, no limit)

P4 – Big Fun On Steel Drums (10 – adult)
Classes will focus on different styles music played on the “Pans” (steel drums). Students will have fun playing in a steel drum ensemble and learn some basic rhythm, harmony, and melody. No experience is necessary. No reading is required. All instruments will be provided. (Mark Rosenthal, limit 11)

P4 – Capoeira for Beginners (6 – adult)
Capoeira is an African Brazilian Cultural Art form that combines Dance, Martial Arts, and Acrobatics and is all done to music. Capoeira has something for everyone, learn that cartwheel you’ve always wanted or learn how to play a musical instrument. Hey why not both? This class is for Beginners but anyone with prior Capoeira experience welcome. All ages welcome. Please wear loose fitting clothes and bring water with you. (Lindell Dixon, limit 15)

P4 – Clawhammer Banjo for the Rank Beginner (12 – adult)
Old-time clawhammer banjo is a unique sound in American traditional music. Once you get the basic technique, it’s pretty easy to make music, and play along with all kinds of songs. We will start from scratch with basic technique and learn some songs and tunes from the standard repertoire. We will also discuss some basic music theory that is useful for any instrument, in any genre. Requests welcome! With advance notice to evie@evieladin.com, banjos can be available for rent or purchase. (Evie Ladin, no limit)

P4 – Creative Writing Performance Workshop (13 – adult)
Spoken Word Artist / Performer Joshua Silverstein utilizes spoken word as a device for this ultimate soul liberating workshop. In this safe space students will be encouraged to dig deep, share and perform their individual ideas, feelings and emotions. By taking a risk and taking this workshop, those who participate fully will experience the awesome of letting their inner voices be heard. (Joshua Silverstein, no limit)

P4 – Didgeridoo Workshop (8 – adult)
Learn to play the ‘Didge’ with one of its acknowledged contemporary masters. The Australian Aboriginal people believe that the Didgeridoo has been played since time began. Expand and ground your journey on this planet with learning the fundamental principles of circular breathing and the endless drone, animal calls, an introduction to Aboriginal culture and more. No experience necessary, instruments provided or bring your own. (Stephen Kent, limit 15)

P4 – Hip-Hop Ensemble (11 – adult)
In this collaborative ensemble, lyricists of all skill levels explore the art of spoken word and perform original verses for a final performance…with a live band! Those in the band should be more advanced players, capable of improvising and holding a steady groove. Concepts like remixing and sampling will be applied in our arrangements of hip-hop covers/originals.
(Mike Ruby, Jacob Rubin, and Isaac Butler-Brown, limit 3 guitars, 1 keys, 2 bass, 3 singers, 8 rappers)

P4 – Hula-Hoop Dance (10 – 100)
Hoop-Dance is a combination of fun, movement, dance, and connecting with yourself and others with a circle! In this beginning/intermediate class, you will learn the fundamentals of hooping on the waist, hips, chest and legs, as well as lifts, jumps and off-body moves and tricks that are fun and energizing! You’ll explore your own dance in a hula-hoop and co-create choreography with the group. Hoops provided for class and available for purchase. (Kaye Anderson, limit 15)
P4 – Hip-Hop Dance for Kids (8 – 15)
Students will gain an awareness of the body by learning about musicality and rhythm. Through movement exercises, repetition, and choreography we will be expressing music and sound with our body. In addition to learning to use various hip hop styles to match the music, we’ll acquire the performance quality necessary for dance.(Gerhon Moore, limit 15)

P4 – Kid City: “De La Cuna a la Luna” (2.5 – 5)
Arwen and Jorge lead children on a journey through the imagination using singing games and rhymes in Spanish and English, and fun musical instruments. (Rosemary Richie, Arwen Lawrence, Jorge Liceaga)

P4 – Intro to Music FUNdamentals (6 – 10)
In this class we will explore the basic building blocks of music: rhythm, melody and harmony. Through movement, music games, drumming, singing, as well as beginning keyboard instruction, young students will be introduced to the creative world of musical expression. This class promises to be fun and provide a solid foundation for further musical studies! (Denise Blase, limit 9)

P4 – Our Own World (6 – adult)
Come build cityscapes and townships from the ground up using recycled and upcycled materials. Roads, buildings, farms, public transportation… we build it all! We will be crafting, designing, taping, and using hot glue. (Matt Jervis, 15 limit)

P4 – Plaster Mask Making (10 – adult)
Ready to get messy? This class will be making plaster molds of our faces to create 3D self portraits. Pairing up, students will help each other create the plaster tape masks. One student will be the “maker” of another student’s foundation mask, while the second student acts as the “model” for the base mask. They will switch roles the following class session. The model becomes the owner of the mask, who does all later work on it. The base mask captures the shape and form of the face of the person on whose face it is constructed. Students will then paint and decorate their mask into a meaningful, detailed 3D self portrait. Students need to bring a headband and tee shirt or smock that will get messy with plaster. Students will also be covering their face with Vaseline before applying the plaster tape; class is not for anyone who has an allergy to Vaseline or plaster. Materials provided. (Kim Agnew, limit 16)

P4 – Pub Session (12 – adult) (precocious younger kids at instructor’s discretion)
Learn great popular jigs and reels and other Celtic tunes in a pickup band including all sorts of instruments. We’ll find a fun role for everyone and make a joyful noise. Ability to read music very useful, but not necessary if you can learn by ear. (Danny Carnahan and Lisa Lynne, limit 12)

P4 – Recorder Class (All Ages Welcome)
A wonderful first instrument, this wooden or plastic wonder can make you a whistling songbird in a stunningly short amount of time. We will learn the first few notes of the recorder, and do some music reading, playing by ear, and maybe even compose our own song. No previous music experience is necessary, but if you played recorder before and want to brush up on your skills, you are also welcome to take the class. A nice parent child bonding activity. Please bring your own recorder.
(Jessica Jones, limit 10)

P4 – Taiko: Japanese Traditional Drumming, Beginning (12 – adult)
Modern Taiko is a fun and energetic form of the ancient tradition of Japanese drumming. Similar to the training of martial arts, respect, discipline and focus are an essential part of the teaching of Taiko. Susan expects each student to memorize and practice daily what is taught. Playing Taiko is a group effort, the fun comes as a reward for working, practicing, and performing together. CAZ Taiko’s motto for this year: RENSHU KIBISHIKU–ENSO TANOSHIKU, Hard practice = fun performance! If you have hesitated in the past or felt intimidated, this is the year for you to try Taiko. Memorization of parts will be minimized, fun maximized, but will still be taught in the tradition of Taiko discipline. http://www.etaiko.org Instruments are provided. (Susan Horn, limit 10)

P4 – Theater: The Play’s The Thing! (16 – adult)
Come be part of a great show on Saturday night. We will once again be performing a series of short plays written by top Bay Area writers! We have hundreds of them to choose from, so we can do comedy, drama, musicals, and everything in between; it all depends on YOU! Do you love to sing or do funny accents or tackle deep characters? Let us know what sounds fun to you! Casting will happen before camp starts so you can have a little time with your lines. To participate, enroll first and then it is required that you contact cazaderogwen@gmail.com so we can figure out your casting for the summer. All experience levels welcome! (Gwen Loeb and Virginia “Ginny” Reed, limit 20)

P4 – Wind In The Willows (8 – adult)
Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets, Oh my! Bassoons, oboes, trombones, French horns and saxophones. We will have a chance to put together a group of wind instruments of all levels. Come play in a comfortable group setting. Whether you already play a wind instrument and want to take that next step to improve your playing and play in a small ensemble with others or you are an absolute beginner who has always wanted to try a wind instrument this class is for you. Learn to sqwonk, honk and tweet. Check your family’s closets, and the music rental stores. If you can’t manage that let us know and we may be able to provide certain instruments. Instruments available to borrow for duration of camp: recorder, clarinet, flute, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba. (Zack Pitt-Smith, no limit)

P4 – Yoga & Meditation (14 – Adult)
Students will spend the first part of class exploring yoga as a moving meditation as they are guided through a gentle sequence of stretches. The last part of the class will be devoted to a guided meditation. Different meditation techniques will be taught. This class is especially designed for those who are interested in learning more about sitting meditation and how to cultivate these techniques into their daily lives, while also learning more about the yoga poses as a means to increase body awareness and overall health. Some yoga experience is helpful, but not required. (Melanie Green, limit 15)

*About Kid City with Rosemary Richie & Kerry Yates (2.5 – 5)

My five kids grew up coming to Family Camp starting in 1977. Our family’s collective fond memories of Cazadero cannot be overstated. We always had a ball! The unique environment that is “Kid City” grew out of my experience as a young mom coming to Caz. I realized the heart of a family camp should be the program for the under-fives. Kid City has long been a comfortable place for our youngest campers to recreate. It provides the familiar surroundings of a preschool environment: sand, blocks, and easels with paints, all in a ‘strange new place’. If the littlest ones are comfortable, then the rest of the family can relax too. I have run a small school in Berkeley for the last 30 years. I’m a trained Montessori teacher and Orff and Kodaly music specialist.

Kid City is centrally located in the shady redwood grove right across from the dining hall. The camp comes to the kids at Kid City. The staff comes to teach classes in music and dance, adult classes come to perform and present throughout the week. I’m free throughout the day to present my entire repertoire of folk songs, finger plays, and folk stories to the children. I will have several assistants who are experienced and comfortable with children. Parents are always welcome to join us, and are especially invited to share a quiet moment in the book corner before dropping their children off.

On Monday Kerry and I host an open house from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM, please bring your children and introduce them to us.

Starting Tuesday we open at 9:30 am to give parents a chance to drop off their children and say their good-byes before 1st Period starts. At 10:00 am we meet with Christina’s creative play. Then at the second period, starting at 11:10 am parents are invited to join us for a swim in the pool at this special time reserved for the young ones (it is not mandatory for parents to attend). The lifeguard will be at the pool to help, along with one of our staff.

After lunch, children rest during the All-Camp Quiet Time (1:15 pm – 2:15 pm). Kid City reopens at 3:30 pm.

As part of our program for the youngest campers, musical specialists from a variety of musical traditions will present classes during 3rd and 4th period in our shady grove. Check your session for details. The afternoon is also the time that classes or individuals make “guest appearances” at Kid City. For many years, 4th period has been reserved for Kid City Jam, attracting fine players from the talented camper and staff pool of musicians. The children are always invited to join in the fun on percussion or in song.

We provide morning and afternoon snacks at Kid City.

– Rosemary Richie

 

EVENING ACTIVITIES

Campfire: Come join us under the stars at the traditional campfire, with sing-alongs to favorites from the last 80 years. We have song sheets for traditional and contemporary folk, 60″s and 70’s pop, and some swing songs from the 30’s and 40’s. You are also welcome to share your own tunes or do some storytelling! The first hour focuses on kids music and then we move on to adult music. Bring an instrument if you’d like your voices. (Joel ben Izzy & Debbie Cox)

Amplified Jam in the Amphitheater: if you like it a little loud (you know who you are), the amphitheater is yours until 10:00 pm.

Acoustic Instrumental Jam in the Dining Hall: bring your instruments and music to share to practice in pub session style. Come practice everything you learned in your classes, all instruments welcome!
A daily booklet of activities will be sent out shortly before camp; it will detail our evening events – count on the usual:

Tuesday night: S’mores at Campfire & Contra Dance
Wednesday night: Camper Swing Dance
Thursday night: UnTalent Show
Friday evening: Performance (Alphabet Rockers!)
Saturday Open Mic: Final Performances for Smaller Classes
Saturday Night: Clowning/Circus Show and Theater
Sunday: all camp show, 9 am – 1 pm

STAFF BIOGRAPHIES

Kim Agnew resides in Oakland, Ca., she is a multi-disciplined visual artist, dancer, choreographer, percussionist and educator. Kim has a B.A. in Fine Arts with emphasis in metal sculpture, jewelry and ceramics combined with a lifetime of dance, art and performance guided by many master teachers and mentors. After college and extensive musical touring, she came to Oakland and has been teaching art and dance in the greater Bay Area, preschool through adult, public and private, since 1996. Some schools and arts organizations include; Head Royce School in Oakland, Art from the Heart in San Rafael, Cazadero Family Camp, Park Day School, Aim High, The San Francisco Ballet, Marin Ballet and Corpus Christi School among others. Kim believes in the power of creativity and encourages her students to explore, create, enjoy, collaborate, get to know themselves and the world around through art, dance and music. Her mission as an educator is to give back what has been given to her. Whether creating art, performing on stage, teaching a lesson, Kim will share all the energy and love of the arts her esteemed teachers have unconditionally given to her.

Kaye Anderson is the founder and Lead Hooper of HOOP POWER. She is also a clinical social worker who has been working with children, teens and families for over 15 years. A long time lover of dance and moving meditation, Kaye discovered hoop-dance in 2007. She immediately fell in love with moving and finding her own dance in the hoop, as well as the soothing, meditative, and fun aspects of hooping. After completing a teacher training through Hero Hoops, she began teaching both children and adults to share the physical and emotional benefits of hoop dance. Through HOOP POWER, Kaye teaches both children and adults in Berkeley and beyond! www.hoop-power.com

Joel ben Izzy for over the past thirty years, has traveled the globe, gathering and telling stories in some thirty five countries around the globe. Hiis travels have taken him far and wide, he has been to the wilds of Session A, and now looks forward to his return to Session B (his home for the last 14 years). Joel has recorded six CDs of his stories, which have won numerous awards, and is a regular contributor to Public Radio International’s “Snap Judgment.” He is also the author of the award-winning memoir “The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness,” (Algonquin, 2003) which has now been reprinted seven times and has been translated into sixteen foreign editions, and which he is developing as a stage play. At CAZ Joel pursues the more meditative side of his work, teaching Environmental Art under the bridge. He’ll also be teaching “Life Stories” at the bakery, based on the story skills classes he has developed and offered around the world. You can learn more about Joel at www.storypage.com and www.wakingstar.com.

Mark Bell is a banker, husband, and father of three living in Berkeley. Despite the profession, I’ve loved tools and working with my hands since I was a kid. Shaping and polishing a hunk of stone into something that has form and depth is almost a meditation to discover what beauty is hiding in there. I’ve realized as an adult that not everyone grew up using tools or has confidence repairing and building things. Despite varying levels of interest from my own kids, I know that learning to use tools and feeling confident that one can fix things is a great life skill that I’d love to share during family camp. I may also be haunting the ping pong tables at camp, trying to relive the glorious Intergalactic Championship from 2011…

Denise Blase is a dancer, singer, pianist, actress and teacher. She holds a BA in Religious Studies with an emphasis in dance and music as sacred tradition from Humboldt State University. Denise’s background in dance is diverse, ranging from tap, jazz, ballet, and modern to Middle-Eastern, West-African, Afro-Cuban and Creative Movement for children. She received her classical voice training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Cornish College of the Arts, as well as years of private study. Denise is also an award winning veteran of the stage having performed in professional and community musical theatre throughout the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. She and her husband Kyle Blase, run a music enrichment program, California Music Works, bringing music and dance to children from toddlers to teens. Denise and her family live in San Diego where she teaches private piano and voice lessons out of her home studio.

Kyle Blase received a Bachelors of Music at San Francisco State University in 1999 where he studied with a most fabulous array of teachers including but not limited to Dee Spencer, Hafez Modirzadeh, Molly Holm, Wayne Wallace, John Callaway and Carlos Sanchez Guiterrez. He has over 16 years teaching experience and over 10 years specializing in preschool and early elementary aged children. A five year old at heart Kyle has always treated children with respect and dignity while having so much fun in the process. He has studied voice and performance from greats like Sheila Jordan, Faye Carol, Kellye Grey, Madeline Eastman, Christine Guter and Terrance Kelly… He has sang as a Tenor, Alto and Baritone with SFSU’s Jazz Choir with Molly Holm; Mad River Transit Jazz Vocal Ensemble at Humboldt State with Harley Mullienberg; JCW Vocal Ensemble with a Christine Guter; The Oakland Jazz Choir under the directorship of Walter Bankovitch and Katie Koeplin and as a bandleader. As a guitar and ukulele player he has studied primarily with TRU (AKA Anthony Michael Peterson). This spring Kyle will receive a Masters in Education specializing in play based music for young children

Isaac Butler-Brown is a freshman at Wesleyan University and a long-time Caz camper and student of Steve Gibson and Libby McLaren. Isaac has been playing music for over ten years and was part of the Berkeley High jazz program, as well as the Bandworks community. He currently studies music and sociology, as well as composing for and leading the 10-piece soul/funk/hip-hop ensemble CHEF. He is very excited for his fifth summer teaching at Caz!

Danny Carnahan has been performing and recording Celtic and his own original music for over 30 years, playing octave mandolin, guitar, fiddle, and singing on dozens of albums. He’s taught several summers at Caz Family Camp, as well as at Lark in the Morning and CCMC. When not taking turns with wife Saundra chasing their son Teddy, he can be found on stage with Wake the Dead, the world’s only Celtic All-Star Grateful Dead Jam Band. In his spare time Danny writes musical mystery novels and articles for magazines. For more info, contact Danny at dannycarnahan@earthlink.net

Debbie Cox is a folk, swing and jazz singing midwife from Oakland has been leading the Caz family campfire jams for the past 5 years. Debbie enjoys all types of music. She sings and plays guitar in Bay area coffee houses as well as sings in a jazz combo for private events and benefits. Her day job keeps her busy and happy, but she is thankful to have music to round out her life.

Iris DeSerio was born and raised in Berkeley, California, and grew up attending Caz Family Camp with her family. She is a musician, athlete, and environmentalist. She attended Berkeley Public Schools and played competitive soccer, softball, and field hockey. Iris studied cello under the late Millie Rosner and played in various ensembles and quartets with the Oakland Youth Orchestra (OYO), Young Musician’s Program at UC Berkeley, and San Domenico High School’s Virtuoso program. After graduating UC Santa Cruz with a dual-degree in Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies, Iris taught gardening at Willard Middle School in Berkeley and at Hunter’s Point Boys & Girl’s Clubhouse in San Francisco each for two years. In 2013, she completed a three month internship at Greenstring Farms in Petaluma where she later served as a teaching assistant. Iris finished her second year teaching 4th/5th grade as a member of the Bay Area Teacher Training Institute (BATTI), and spent a month last summer teaching in Senegal. Recently, Iris earned both her California Teaching Credential as well as a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from University of the Pacific in Stockton.

Lindell “Pincel” Dixon: Contramestre Pincel has been training in Capoeira for 18 years and teaching for 14 years. He is a part of the United Capoeira Association and a graduate student under the renowned Mestre (Master) Acordeon. Professor Pincel has spent the last 11 years teaching adults and kids of all races, ages and backgrounds in Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco in numerous after-school programs and special programs for youth. He has had the opportunity to travel all over the world teaching workshops, doing shows and demos and learning from world-renowned Mestres. He is currently a teacher and Director of Academics and manages the UCA’s children’s programs and admissions at the Capoeira Art Foundation in Berkeley. http://www.capoeiraartsfoundation.org/

Steve Gibson has been teaching guitar, bass, and mandolin in the Bay Area since moving to Berkeley in 1984. In 1993 Steve, along with Jeremy Steinkoler, founded Bandworks, a “school of rock” for all ages. Recently Steve has performed and recorded with the Jolly Gibsons, (co-leading the group with Jennifer Jolly), The Marie Schumacher Band, Eda Maxym, The Kevin Beadles Band, Jemimah Puddleduck and many more. www.bandworks.com

Melanie Green is a yoga teacher, mother and co-owner of the Berkeley Yoga Center. She has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching since 2000. Melanie makes yoga accessible to all. While encouraging students to focus on their breath, drishti, and sensations, she teaches her students to deepen their practice as they honor their bodies. She values the spiritual aspects of yoga integrated with the asanas. Melanie focuses as much on the profound inner lessons of yoga: attention to the breath, letting go of thoughts and ego and perseverance through practice, as she does on the physicality of the poses. This process has been informed by Melanie’s own experience with scoliosis – which is how her journey of yoga began. In each class, the student is invited to let go and have fun. Melanie’s yoga background includes extensive study in Ashtanga. She has also trained in Iyengar, Pre/Postnatal and Vipassna Meditation. Her daily practice informs her teaching and gives her an abundance of experience from which to teach others. Melanie always finds ways to integrate lessons from her own yoga practice into her daily life with her children and partner. Melanie has also been volunteering her time for the last eight years and teaching yoga to children; currently she teaches yoga at Oxford Elementary, a local Berkeley Public School. In addition to her regularly scheduled classes, Melanie also offers private instruction and workshops. www.melyoga.com

Susan Horn began studying Taiko in 1986 with Tanaka Sensei of San Francisco Taiko Dojo. A few months later, she was accepted into the world’s most famous Taiko group Kodo’s first apprenticeship program. After returning to the U.S., she continued to study and perform with Taiko Dojo, returning often to Japan to study with several other world class performing groups. Eventually she began teaching and formed her own group and Dojo in Emeryville. Since the opening of Emeryville Taiko in 1998 Susan has had hundreds of students and has taught in after-school enrichment programs in Berkeley and Alameda. In January 2012, Emeryville Taiko was invited to perform, teach and participate in a Taiko festival in Bauru, Brazil. http://www.etaiko.org/

Sascha Jacobsen was born into a musical family, going as far back as his great, great, great, great-grandfather, who was a bassist for the Moscow Opera. Sascha has performed with Rita Moreno, Hugh Jackman, Martin Short, Peter Gabriel, Josh Groban, Bonnie Raitt, Randy Newman, Bobby McFerrin, Darren Criss & Amber Riley (of Glee), Eddie Duran, Marc Shaiman, Dave MacNab, Raul Jaurena, Maria Volonte, and others. He has performed with the Santa Cruz Symphony, and the American Musical Theatre in San Jose, the Monterey Symphony and the Sarasota Opera,and has toured the world with the Argentine Tango group: Trio Garufa. He is the founder of the Musical Art Quintet which performs his original works. Sascha’s passion for music and dance has led him to collaborate with great dance groups such as The Flamenco Theatre Company of San Francisco, Tango Fatal with Choreographer Jorge Torres (Forever Tango) and the Chitresh Das Dance Company with Jason Samuel Smith. Sascha is also dedicated to teaching and has coached the students at SF School of the Arts, Sacred Heart College Prep, Oakland School for the Arts, Balboa High School, St. Ignatius Prep and talented private students.
www.saschajacobsen.com; www.musicalartquintet.com; www.triogarufa.com; www.classicalrevolution.org

Michelle Jacques is the Artistic Director/founder of the CHELLE! And Friends and the newly formed JUKE JOINTa cappella music ensemble. Michelle performs educational programs for the San Francisco Symphony’s Adventures in Music program, interactive arts education programs at Stern Grove, Bay Area Discovery Museum, children’s monthly summer concerts for Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California, and is a guest lecturer at the University of San Francisco.
Michelle teaches music in elementary schools and is a conductor for the Oakland Youth Chorus, and LEAP. Michelle is also the choir director for Plymouth Church of Jazz and Justice. Michelle toured throughout the U.S and Europe with the a cappella quintet Street Sounds, performing with and alongside many well known artists including Manhattan Transfer, Wynton Marsalis, Linda Hopkins, Chick Corea, Ladysmith Black Mambaza, Pete Seger, Al Greene, and The Persuasions. Michelle also performed in Germany, Belgium, France and in Switzerland, for the United Nations World Conference of Human Rights, The Gurten Music Festival, and The Montreux and Berne Jazz Festivals.
Michelle is the recipient of the City Of Oakland, Individual Artist grant for 2008, winner of the 1992, Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards (CARA) for “Best Folk/Progressive Song”, “Home Africa, studio recordings with the renown producer Greg Landau for Pamela Rodriguez, Susana Baca, Kepa Junkera, and the soundtrack for the Sundance Film Festival Official Selection, 2010 movie “La Mission” with Benjamin Bratt, and served on the board of directors of Arts First Oakland. www.chellenfriends.com

JJ Jenkins is a Bay Area-based engineer and producer who has worked in every facet of the audio industry. As a live sound engineer, he has done everything from pro and commercial installations and repairs to mixing monitors and front of house. He has mixed FOH for a variety of touring acts including Stephen Bishop, Country Joe McDonald, Holly Near and Sweet Honey in the Rock. In his capacity as a studio engineer, he has recorded and mixed a wide variety of projects in genres ranging from pop, rock, R&B, country, blues and world music to comedy, spoken word and soundtrack discs along with original cast albums for the San Francisco Mime Troupe, including their OBIE award-winning show “Seeing Double.” JJ is also a published author and has written many technical articles on audio and recording for a number of trade magazines including Mix and Electronic Musician. On the lighter side, JJ is also the co-author of Crazy Campsongs, a book of original fun songs that can be used with existing melodies. He is co-owner of independent label Jenpet Records which releases music by popular Bay Area artists including CHELLE! & Friends along with JJ’s own band ARIEL. As a musician, he has shared the bill with such luminaries as Santana and Metallica. JJ is a member of NARAS (The Recording Academy), ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) and has been affiliated with the Audio Engineering Society and American Federation of Musicians Local 6.

Matthew Jervis is a designer, musician, author, and teacher. Since 2006 Matthew has been focusing on the creativity process and application in education and the workplace. He has spent years developing
after school programs that focused on problem solving and design thinking. Matthew has appeared numerous times at the Maker Faire, consulted with educational group such as the Boys and Girls Club, has been a guest of corporate retreats, home school groups, scout groups, as well as public and private elementary and middle schools. Matthew is currently teaching Creative Strategies and Thinking at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco as well as designing new enrichment programs for local schools. Matthew lives and works in Berkeley, CA where he raises two kids.

Jennifer Jolly has been “radiatin’ the eighty-eights” since the age of four and has taught and performed throughout the Bay Area since the late ’80s. After studying classical piano as a child with Roy Bogas, she dove headfirst into blues, boogie-woogie, New Orleans R&B, rock, funk, singer-songwriter, country, and jam bands (including a brief stint with Phil Lesh of the Grateful Dead). In recent years Jennifer has jumped into African, Caribbean, Cajun/zydeco, and country swing music. She also provides accompaniment for choruses and musical theater productions. Jennifer currently performs primarily with Kotoja (Afrobeat/highlife), Zulu Spear (South African), Big B and His Snake Oil Saviors (country swing/honky-tonk), Jean Fineberg & The Party Monsters (classic R&B), The Jolly Gibsons (New Orleans/groove), and The Bait and Switch Blues Band. She also subs regularly with Tom Rigney & Flambeau (Cajun/blues). Previous credits include The Rocksteadies (rocksteady/reggae), Bass Culture (reggae), Hot Links, and The Broken Angels (w/David Gans). Jennifer is on the faculty of the California Jazz Conservatory (The Jazzschool), where she founded the World Groove Ensemble and teaches a wide variety of keyboard classes and workshops. Jennifer has been teaching at Caz Family Camp since 1999. When not at a keyboard she also plays a bit of melodica, flute, guitar, bass, drums, and double seconds (steel drums).

Jessica Jones is a tenor saxophonist, pianist, and composer. She has worked with Joseph Jarman, Cecil Taylor, Don Cherry, and Peter Apfelbaum as well as a variety of Haitian, Caribbean and African bands. The primary outlet for her compositions for the past twenty years has been the Jessica Jones Quartet, a pianoless quartet founded with fellow tenor player and husband Tony Jones, whom she met when they were both playing in the saxophone section of the Berkeley High Jazz Band. In addition to working and recording with her Quartet, Jessica is active as a sideman. She is also as an innovative jazz educator and consultant, working with children focusing on improvisation, composition and oral traditions. She currently leads a children’s jazz program in Brooklyn for Jazz at Lincoln Center, and at Brooklyn Friends School, and this summer is leading a workshop at Stanford Jazz Camp. Jessica composed an opera that will be premiered in July in Oakland that features some Caz Family vocalists. Jessica started coming to Caz at age 11, and this will officially be her zillionth summer here.

Hannah Kahn taught herself to walk the tight wire while working with the Caravan Stage Company in British Columbia, Canada. She later studied at the National Circus School and the Lecoq School of Physical Theatre in Paris, France. She toured extensively throughout Europe as street performer as half of the female duo, “The Deepsea Sisters.” In San Francisco, she’s performed on the tight wire and as acrobat and juggler with the Pickle Family Circus. For the past fifteen plus years, she has delighted in teaching circus arts to thousands of children throughout the Bay Area’s elementary schools.

Stephen Kent is a multi Instrumentalist/Composer with his journey began in East Africa, morphed into an adolescence in the UK, exploded on the European music scene through the vocal music of Furious Pig and was transported to Australia in 1981 where, as Music Director of Circus Oz, he connected with the land, with Aborigines and with the Didgeridoo. Over the following 25 years Stephen has become one of the preeminent contemporary Didgeridoo artists on the planet with a recording career that spans well over two decades and a catalog of more than 20 CD’s, including 6 solo works showcasing the Didjeridu in a wide variety of both solo and collaborative settings that have been received with wide acclaim all over the world. The band projects Trance Mission, Beasts of Paradise & Lights in a Fat City established Stephen as a collaborative musician at heart and he’s continued expanding his musical connections all along, performing and sometimes recording with a host of musicians from many diverse parts of the world including, Airto Moreira (Brazil), Chirgilchin (Tuva), Habib Koite (Mali), Zakir Hussain (India), Omar Sosa (Cuba), Zap Mama (Belgium, Congo), Yassir Chadly (Morocco), Choi Jong Sil (Korea) Leonard Eto (Japan) and many more. He continues to innovate, now working with 2 new trio projects, Australian Bebop Ragas, and Baraka Moon and also performs with his partner Eda Maxym‘s band, Imagination Club. For the past 15 years he has produced a popular and eclectic weekly radio show, Music of the World on North America’s flagship listener-sponsored radio station, KPFA 94.1 FM. http://stephenkent.net

Evie Ladin is a banjo player, step-dancer, singer, songwriter and square-dance caller with a lifetime of experience in traditional American cultural arts. She grew up in a traditional folk scene up and down the Eastern Seaboard of the US, travels the world, and calls the rich arts scene in Oakland, California home. The polyrhythmic heat of her clawhammer banjo, resonant voice, real stories and rhythmic dance have been heard from A Prairie Home Companion to Celtic Connections, Lincoln Center to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass. Known as a driving force behind San Francisco’s Stairwell Sisters, Evie currently tours with her solo project – duo with Keith Terry, or her Evie Ladin Band. She has two CDs with the solo project, three with The Stairwell Sisters that feature some of her original songs, and two popular instructional DVDs: Buckdancing for Beginners. Before arriving in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2000, Evie studied dance and choreography at Brown University (BA ’91), and went on to study in New York, Nigeria and Chicago. For ten years she toured nationally with the music and dance ensemble Rhythm In Shoes of Dayton, OH, performing and teaching tap dance, clogging, step dancing, and body percussion. Known as a patient and thorough teacher, Evie is integral to the thriving old-time music scene in the Bay Area, leading rowdy square dances for every age, teaching banjo, harmony singing and dance, and performing in countless festivals, clubs, schools and libraries. In addition to performing in the folk genre, she tours with Keith Terry & Crosspulse, performing rhythm-based multi-cultural music & dance works. www.evieladin.com

Arwen Lawrence is half of the duo Cascada de Flores, Arwen’s special attention to poetry, emotion and phrasing has won her acclaim as one of the favorite interpreters of Mexican song and bolero of her contemporaries. The Los Angeles Times declared her song as “one of the most authentic moments of the evening, performed with such loving purity that it stayed with the audience long after the curtain fell.” http://www.cascadadeflores.com/

Laurie Leiber is a certified Pilates instructor. She has taught for eight years, currently in a beautiful, secluded studio behind her home in Rockridge where she specializes in personalized programs for both rehab and general fitness. She also loves to bake. Laurie grew up with four brothers who loved to eat and a grandmother who baked everything from challah to strudel to rugalach. Naturally fermented breads are her specialty (the best bagels are always naturally fermented). Once described by a native New Yorker as a “bagel genius,” Laurie wants to share the secret of amazing bagels with the world!

Christina Lewis is a drama therapist, special educator and professional clown. She is the artistic director and primary instructor at the Clown School of San Francisco, where she uses the medium of the clown with adults as a vehicle for personal growth. Christina also co-facilitates a clown program for people with severe developmental disabilities, and performs as her alter ego “Dotty Moppet” around the Bay Area. Christina clowns around daily with her 12 year old daughter Lucie.

Jorge Liceaga is half of the duo Cascada de Flores, Jorge carries his partner Arwen Lawrence with unique expertise, drawing from his mixed heritage of Bibriesca, syncopated Yucatecan bolero and the flamenco art tradition. The duet performs with humor and grace, on a dizzying number of traditional instruments, such as tres cubano, guitarra de son and jarana of Veracruz, vihuela, accordion, donkey’s jaw bone and percussive dance. http://www.cascadadeflores.com/

Gwen Loeb has been a professional actor, director, and teacher for over 25 years. She has worked around the country doing everything from Shakespeare to musicals. In her 19 years in the Bay Area, Gwen has worked with such theatres as the Aurora Theatre Company, Marin Theatre Company, Shotgun Players, Central Works, Center REP, and more. Gwen’s recent roles include Mrs. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice at Livermore Shakespeare Company, Pauline in A Bright New Boise and Babette in The Arsonists at The Aurora, and Columbina in Truffaldino Says No at Shotgun Players. Gwen has been a company member with PlayGround for 14 years where she has had the honor of performing in and developing countless new plays by phenomenal new playwrights. Gwen was raised spending her summers making art in the woods at Interlochen in Michigan. She loved it there so much that she eventually stayed year round and got her HS diploma (followed by a BFA from U of I). This is Gwen’s first summer at Cazadero Family Camp; she looks forward to making this her family’s beloved place to make art in the woods!

Lisa Lynne is a multi-instrumentalist and performer who has gained worldwide recognition for her original music featuring her Celtic Harp. Although she started professionally as rock & roll bassist, she now specializes in Traditional acoustic folk instruments. With 15 instrumental recordings to her credit, she is widely acclaimed for composing memorable and heartwarming melodies that transcend category and genre. Lisa has been a long time activist in bringing live music and interactive workshops to healthcare environments, schools, conferences and community programs. She founded “Hands-on-Harps” in 2001, and it continues to thrive with several hospital live music programs throughout California. Her work in Therapeutic music with her traveling harp collection has gained recognition from NBC, CNN,Fox News Atlanta, numerous magazine and newspaper articles including the Wall Street Journal. Lisa was recently chosen by Los Angeles Magazine as one the the Top 50 most inspiring women. www.LisaLynne.com

Libby McLaren sings, plays piano, accordion, and banjo. She composes original songs as well as instrumental tunes in a Celtic/ Americana style. She has both sung and been the accompanist with Holly Near, Ronnie Gilbert, The Roches, and many others. With her partner Robin Flower, she just released her 6th CD, “One Plus One”, a duo recording featuring Robin and Libby at their very best! They also have 5 additional CD’s, “Angel of Change”, “30 Second Kiss”, “A Kiss From The Angel of Change”, “Steelhead In the Riffles” and “Twenty Years Twenty Rivers”. Libby directs The Linwood Project Community Chorus, a weekly women’s community chorus currently in its 18th year that meets weekly in Oakland as an offshoot of the Caz Family Camp advanced chorus. This chorus recorded a CD, “TEN”, which was released in June 2006, celebrating 10 years of The Linwood Project Community Chorus. Libby is also a co-writer of a Billboard #1 Disco hit from 1983 that has once again become wildly popular throughout the European dance club scene. And no, she will not be performing this song at any time during camp. Libby lives and teaches privately in Oakland, plays for contra dances, and performs 3 children’s shows all over California. She also loves to fly fish. Libby has been coming to Caz, on and off, since 1967 when she first came as a camper. She is the Treasurer on the Caz Family Camp Board of Directors. www.libbymclaren.com and www.flowerandmclaren.com.

Gerhon Moore is a Chicago native and was born on the north side of the city. Going by Gery, he has been training in dance since the age of 16. Attending Columbia College Chicago he followed his passion by receiving his degree with a major in dance and a minor in cultural studies and combines the two by writing dance scholarly work. Trained in a variety of dance styles, Moore express his love for movement by also being an active yogi and instructor. Writing is another artistic outlet for him as well as music. This is his first experience at camp and is looking forward to it.

Craig Nelson got his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology at UC Santa Barbara. He is currently Assistant Researcher at the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education at the University of Hawaii. Craig has been a fixture at Caz since his early days as our family camp lifeguard over ten years ago. He still gets excited every time he goes down to the creek to find bugs and catch frogs!
http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/oceanography/faculty/Nelson.html

Doyle Ott is a theatre and circus artist with over 20 years experience performing, directing and teaching. Credits include work with Make A Circus, Splash Circus Theatre, Prescott Circus, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival, San Francisco Circus Center, Bay Area Children’s Theatre, Foolsfury, Antenna Theatre, Golden Thread, and the San Francisco Playwright’s Foundation. Most recent work includes directing his original translation of Gozzi’s masked comedy, King Stag, and he spent much of last summer hopping on a ball as the Cat in BACTheatre’s Cat in the Hat. He teaches circus and mask in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Sonoma State University, and has published scholarship on circus, theatre and education. Doyle serves as the Director of Theatre at Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, and is a certified Feldenkrais practitioner. He has studied and trained at UC Irvine, Dell’Arte International and San Francisco Circus Center, and holds a PhD in Theatre from Arizona State University.

Steven Patton has been performing in choral, a cappella and rock groups since he was in middle school. He has a vocal music degree from Drake University, and while there, he co-directed, performed in and arranged for the men’s a cappella quintet, Captain Geech and the Shrimp Shack Shooters. He also sang with Drake’s concert and chamber choir. At Drake he helped start “Andrew’s Ave.”, a touring funk-rock band with fellow Cazadero instructor Aaron Elliott who recently released their third full-length album. Currently Steven works for a music booking agency in Portland, OR and directs an a capella choir through PDX Vox.

Zack Pitt-Smith has been performing in the Bay Area music scene for 15 years as a woodwinds multi-instrumentalist. Most significantly, Falso Baiano, his ensemble that plays Brazilian choro music, has performed at SF Jazz, Yoshi’s, and LA County Museum of Art. He currently teaches music in Oakland at a public middle school and teaches out of his studio in Berkeley. His passion for bringing music to his students earned him the recognition of 2013 Oakland Teacher of the Year.

Virginia “Ginny” Reed is a native of the theatre loving Chicago area. Ginny’s career began in youth classes, playing roles such as Toto and Cinderella’s Talking Cat, at the renowned Children’s Theatre of Western Springs. Since moving to the Bay Area in 1990, Ginny has collaborated as director &/or dramaturg with the Aurora Theatre; Brava Theatre; Cinnabar Theatre; Danse Lumiere, Lunatique Fantastique; Magic Theatre; Pear Avenue; PlayGround (company member); The Playwrights Foundation; San Jose Repertory; 6th St. Playhouse; TheatreWorks; Woman’s Will; and was a co-founder of The Shee Theatre Company. For Livermore’s Shakespeare’s Associates, Ginny directed Pride and Prejudice, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Copenhagen and Proof. Additionally, she worked with Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles and McCarter Theater in Princeton, NJ. Ginny holds degrees in theatre from Northwestern University and Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. She developed an award winning arts program for grades 1-12, taught English Lit., Theatre Arts and directed productions with students from ages 5 through adults in Illinois, Iowa and Massachusetts. In California, Ginny taught and/or directed at The Branson School, Evergreen Valley College, University of San Francisco, University of the Pacific and University of California Santa Cruz. She is delighted to be joining the incomparable Gwen Loeb and the creative family at Caz. Camp!

Brian Rice is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a well rounded musician and highly acclaimed performer, educator and recording artist. Brian is an expert on Afro-Cuban and Brazilian percussion but can be heard playing a multitude of styles including Classical, Flamenco, Celtic, Persian, Balkan, Klezmer, Jazz, Folk, Broadway Musicals, and the occasional Chinese funeral making him one of the more versatile percussionists in the area. Brian can be heard on over 70 recordings representing many musical styles. Brian is known as one of the “go to” players of the Brazilian pandeiro and is a first call player for Brazilian percussion. Brian plays regularly with many bands and artists in the Bay Area and on the west coast.

Rosemary Richie completed her Montessori training with Ursula Thrush in San Francisco. She is certified in both the Kodaly Method and the Orff levels of teaching principles of music to young children. She worked for many years under master children’s folk musician Nancy Raven. She has run a small Montessori based preschool in Berkeley for over 35 years.

Mark Rosenthal graduated from Humboldt State University in 1992 with a B.A. in Music Performance. In 1994 Mark traveled to Trinidad to perform with Phase 2 Pan Groove under the direction of Ray Holman, taking fifth place of over thirty bands competing in Trinidad’s annual Panorama competition. Since returning to the Bay Area in 1994, Mark has developed steel band programs at several Bay Area schools including Head Royce, Chabot Elementary, and Prospect Sierra. Mark currently teaches general music for the Crowden Music Center and MUST or Music in Schools Today. During the summers Mark is on faculty at both Jazz Camp West and Jam Camp West. Mark continues to perform regularly with “Caribbean Pan Groove” and others. www.caribbeansteeldrums.com

Jacob Rubin has been a Caz camper since 1997 and teacher since 2007. He recently got his BFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. He has been writing and editing semi-professionally for a number of years now, and began an emotionally damaging career in stand-up comedy in 2011. Since then, he has performed at the San Francisco Punchline, the Purple Onion, and the Comedy Store in Hollywood. He performs original sketch comedy monthly with Don’t Watch This Show Live! in San Francisco.

Mike Ruby is a bassist/songwriter, originally from Oakland, CA. Having started his performance career playing drums and guitar for Bay Area organization, Bandworks, Mike made a permanent switch to bass in his early teenage years. He studied drama at Interlochen Center For the Arts and was in Piedmont High School’s advanced theater program before pursuing music full-time. Mike has resided in Chicago, IL for seven years, having graduated from Columbia College in 2011 with a Bachelor of Art in Instrumental Performance. During his academic career, Mike was affiliated with a slew of collegiate jazz ensembles and had the opportunity to study under musicians like Christian McBride, Kevin Eubanks, Joan Osborne, Charlie Sexton, Peter Erskine, Fernando Jones, Chuck Webb, New York Voices, and many more. He has performed at the Chicago Blues Festival twice and opened for BB King in Mississippi. Since graduation, Mike has toured across the country and recorded/co-produced albums with his alternative hip-hop band, House Of Whales, in addition to performing with many other affiliated acts. He is excited, as always, to return to Caz this year.

Marie Schumacher is a teaching musician who specializes in a cappella vocal singing and arranging. She applies her backgrounds in developmental psychology, music theory, and classroom teaching to her unique approach to teaching about the voice, music, and the creative process. She is the founder and artistic director of PDX Vox, a Portland-based community music program that teaches innovative a cappella arrangements of pop songs to groups of adults and kids. She has been a judge and clinician at the Rose City Sing-Off Competition in Portland, she has taught classes for Music Together of Portland, and she has coached singing ensembles, school classes, theater companies, and individuals of all ages for many years. Most recently, Marie has organized workshops and conferences on bringing music and the arts into healthcare settings. Marie is an award-winning songwriter who has released four CDs of acoustic rock music and played in several bands throughout her career. pdxvox.com; marieschumacher.com.

Joshua Reuben Silverstein is an actor, comedic writer, performer, beatboxer and educator. He’s an original member of Norman Lear’s DECLARE YOURSELF ROAD TRIP SHOW; a 3-year spoken-word/music performance tour encouraging the American people to register and vote. His two-person show, “So Fresh and So Clean,” with actor/poet, Joe Hernandez-Kolski has been receiving rave reviews since its debut at the bang comedy theater in Los Angeles. It was presented at the Comedy Central Stage and Ars Nova in New York City. Joshua was honored alongside Gina Loring and Brandon Coleman as the first American Hip Hop Artists to perform in Kuwait under the U.S Embassy. Beatboxing since the age of 5, many people know Joshua as the West Coast’s most sought after beatboxer. His various collaborations with poets, musicians and other performers across the globe have earned him the title of “the hardest-working beatboxer in L.A.”. Joshua has gone on to provide and facilitate uncountable Theater, Improvisation and Spoken Word workshops / in-school residencies, all designed to create a safe and open space where youth indulge in the freedom of creative expression. For 14 years, Joshua produced, curated and hosted, numerous multifaceted, live art showcases within the greater Los Angeles area. You can currently catch Joshua during the school year as the co-host and co producer of Emmy winning, Downbeat 720; a high school open-mic that has been a staple of Santa Monica for the last 10 years. Joshua also serves as Co-Host with Eliza Skinner at The Beatdown; a comedian emcee battle that takes place once a month at Upright Citizens Brigade in LA.

Rebecca Steinberg has been playing the violin for 13 years. In high school, she was involved in the New Mexico All State Symphony Orchestra as well as the Albuquerque Youth Symphony where she was able to travel to Europe and play in renowned concert halls in Austria and Germany. She has mainly studied classical music, but enjoys playing folk, fiddle, and Irish music as well. Rebecca is currently studying human physiology at the University of Oregon and is playing music any chance she gets. Rebecca has been going to Caz for 11 years and is thrilled to be back as a first time teacher this summer!

Geechi Taylor has been a Caz camper since ’92 and later an employee, is a graduate of New England Conservatory ’00 and has been performing and teaching jazz for the past 15 years. Teaching in the Bay Area through the Young Musicians Program at the University of California at Berkeley has allowed Geechi to pass on the tradition of Swing’n to the low income youth. Playing Jazz, Blues, R&B and Hip-Hop for the past 11 years has allowed Geechi to see the world, learning from each place he landed.

Keith Terry lives in Oakland with Evie Ladin and their son, Clay Terry. He’s a percussionist/rhythm-dancer/educator who tours nationally and internationally, performing and teaching. Keith directs the 36 year old arts organization, Crosspulse and is the founding artistic director of the International Body Music Festival, an annual 6-day Festival which explores the language of body music from culture to culture, now in its 7th year. For more information visit: http://www.keithterry.com and http://www.internationalbodymusicfestival.com

Mark Weiss was a competitive swing dancer and loves to share his passion and skills, while juggling raising a family of three with his lovely wife Elizabeth and owning and running the renowned Raymond’s Bakery across the street from camp (http://www.raymonds-bakery.com/). Besides being a great workout, allowing for the guilt-free enjoyment of his bread and pastries, swing dance is fantastic fun and open to everyone.

Kerry Yates studied classical piano in grade school. His guitar romance began in high school and included lessons with Jerry Garcia, Tuck Andress, Robert Fripp, Joe Satriani, Amos Garrett and Peter Maunu. After surviving the 60’s, musical highlights include, 14 years as Music Director for Augustino Dance Theater of Oakland, dinner with Willa and her parents, playing with Lydia Penst in high school, playing bass with drummers Ami, Jeremy, and Isaac at Caz and playing mandolin with Porch. I’ve enjoyed teaching guitar and bass lessons for the past 15 years at Subway Guitars in Berkeley.