You do not need a Zoom account to participate. All you need is a device that has both a camera and a microphone. Zoom will work with a tablet, smartphone, laptop, or a desktop computer (as long as it has a camera and a microphone). For the best experience, we recommend using a laptop or a desktop computer.
If you choose to download the Zoom Client, which provides you with easy access to Zoom via an icon on your desktop), go to https://zoom.us/download. Select "Zoom Client for Meetings." The program will download. Click on the file to load it to your computer.
If you have to use a mobile devices, you may need to get the app:
Have good lighting on your face. Don’t have a window or lights behind you.
Get close to your camera and mic.
Have the camera at head level (place on stacked books).
If possible, plug in headphones or earbuds to hear better and eliminate audio feedback (echoes) UNLESS you are engaged in a class that involves movement.
If you can, plug an ethernet cord into your device, open network preferences, turn off wi-fi, and select the ethernet connection.
JOINING A ZOOM MEETING
To join, click the link that was provided to you. If the link doesn’t work, go to zoom.us and click “Join a Meeting”
Enter the meeting ID that was provided to you.
When prompted, click “Open Zoom”
Enter the meeting password that was provided to you.
Click “Join Meeting”
Regardless of how you enter the Zoom meeting, you will first enter a Waiting Room. The instructor will receive a notice and will let you in when ready.
Follow the prompts to enable your computer's microphone and camera. Once you have joined the meeting, a window will pop up with your picture. You will be able to see and hear the other participants.
NOTE: If you are not on the class list, the instructor will not allow you into the room! If you are supposed to be in a class but are not let in after a reasonable amount of time, you may contact us in the office: maria@commongroundothehill.org or commonground@commongroundonthehill.org
ZOOM ETIQUETTE
Please arrive on time!
Once you are in the meeting, you should make sure that your login name is actually yours, instead of your email, nickname or shorthand for your computer. If necessary, you can change your login name by going into the Participant box and clicking the "More" button to the right of your login name. Select "Rename". Type in the correct information so that your instructor can identify you. Click OK.
Please keep yourself on MUTE during class, unless responding to the instructor. This prevents confusion and noise, and also reduces the bandwidth used. This allows the class to run much more smoothly.
If you have a question, either wave at the instructor (if your class is small enough), or go to the "Reactions" button on the Zoom controls at the bottom of your Zoom screen and choose the "waving hand" icon. A yellow hand will appear over your image, so the instructor will know that you have a question.
Wait until the instructor has acknowledged you before unmuting and starting to speak.
When it is your turn to speak, press and hold the Space bar to unmute. NOTE: If the Space bar does not unmute you, hover your mouse over the microphone in the bottom left corner of your Zoom screen. It will have a red line through it, indicating that your microphone is muted. Click the image of the microphone to unmute. When finished, click again to mute.
ZOOM SAFETY
For the best and safest experience in workshops on Zoom, Do NOT Share Zoom links with others! Although all participants must be allowed into the room by the instructor, it is possible that "zoom bombers" could slip in using a link that was shared, which will disrupt the class
SETTING UP FOR OPTIMAL SOUND
We suggest the following audio settings. Once you have set up your audio, the settings will be saved; you will not have to update the settings every time you go in.
Move your cursor to the lower left corner of your Zoom screen. Look for the picture of the microphone. Click on the up arrow to the right of the microphone. (NOTE: If there is a red slash through it, it means the microphone is turned off. You can turn the microphone back on by clicking the microphone image.) A list of microphones, speakers, and test setting will appear.
Click "Audio Settings" at the bottom of the list. A Settings menu box will appear. Adjust your settings to match these images:
Once you set up this page, click the Advanced button. Set up as follows (for Windows). If you have a Mac, you will not have both options available. Just set as close to this as possible.
GENERAL TIPS AND TRICKS FOR USING ZOOM
Meeting controls are at the bottom of the screen, visible when you hover your cursor in that area.
Click on “Participants” in the meeting controls to turn on or turn off a view of the participant list (the participant list is different from the images of participants, which you can adjust but not turn off). In general, it is easiest to turn off the participant list once you are admitted to the class.
Click on “Chat” in the meeting controls to turn on or turn off a view of the chat screen. *NOTE – when the speaker is screen sharing, you may want to turn off Chat so that you see more of the screen.
Chat allows you to type in questions or information. You may select the chat recipient - either a specific individual, or the entire class.
Understanding the different views of meeting participants
Change between gallery view and speaker view using the button in the upper right hand corner of your Zoom screen.
Gallery view lets you see thumbnail displays of participants, in a grid pattern, which expands and contracts as participants join and leave the meeting. The button to switch you to Gallery view looks like a tiny grid of squares.
Speaker view provides a larger view of whoever is speaking, while a small number of other participants is visible on the side or on top of the screen. The button to switch you to Speaker view looks like a rectangle with little boxes above it.
If the instructor is sharing images on the screen but part of the image is blocked by a view of participants, hover the cursor over the top of participants.
Look for the single rectangle at the upper left of the participant block.
Click on that to minimize the participant view.
To maximize the participant view later, click on that same block, choosing the multi-square icon.
Pinning a Video
If you want to see a particular person in the larger screen view (for instance, the instructor, or a participant who is displaying their work) without having it switch every time someone else speaks, you can “Pin” that person.
Hover your cursor over that person’s image.
Click on the box with 3 dots in the upper right hand corner of their image.
Click on “Pin Video”
To turn off this view, hover over the image, click on the 3 dots and choose “unpin video”
NOTE: THERE ARE A LOT OF GREAT ZOOM TUTORIALS AVAILABLE ONLINE. TRY GOOGLING "HOW DO I [INSERT SKILL HERE] ON ZOOM"
ARE CLASSES IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL THIS YEAR?
Traditions Week 1 is VIRTUAL (June 23 - 27)
Traditions Week 2 (July 7 - 11) and Traditions Week 3 (July 14-18) are IN-PERSON on the campus of McDaniel College.
I NEED REGISTRATION HELP!
Here are a few tips that will help you navigate our registration system:
Make sure to read all questions carefully, and complete every section.
When selecting courses:
A list will appear on the right side of the screen that breaks down Traditions Weeks by Week and Time Period (Morning - Periods 1 & 2) and Afternoons (Periods 3, 4 & 5). The image below shows the top portion, where you can choose options for Week 1 Morning or Afternoon.
To see classes, scroll down the list to your desired week and time period. Click the OPEN link located to the right.
You now see an expanded view showing available classes within you selected Week/Time Period. Use the far right bar to move who whole class list up or down. Use the smaller bar (to the left of the large bar) to move up and down within your selected Week/Time Period. In the image below, the small bar on the right will allow you to see more available classes within the Week 2/Afternoon time slot.
Scroll to your desired class and select it by clicking on the square.
The square will turn green with a check mark in it and you will see "1 selected" appear at the top of the class list, as in the image below.
When you have selected your desired classes with that Week/Time Period, use the Close button to minimize that portion and select the next Week/Time Period desired.
NOTE: if enrolling a child in World Village, you MUST enroll the attending adult FIRST, and then add the child and each additional child as another participant (see direction on adding a participant below).
After you make your all of your selections, click the Selection Done button to close the Week/Time Period menu.
You will now see your selected classes listed.
If you wish to remove a class from your list, click the orange trash can in that class' upper right corner.
If you wish to add or change your course selection, use the orange button at the bottom of your class list.
Now you will see a green bar on the block that shows the name and period of the course you selected.
Coupon Codes
If you have a coupon code, add it now.
Fill out Pricing Options
NOTE: Make sure that you select any additional options such as HOUSING or LINENS.
Select a Payment Plan
You can pay in full or put down a deposit of $100, with the remainder due on June 13. If you select Deposit, you can click "1 payment" to see the amount that will be charged on June 13.
To add another participant, repeat the entire process by clicking the Add Another Participant button.
When all participants have been added and courses selected, you will be ready to process your payment.
You will receive a confirmation email which may take 15-20 minutes to arrive in your inbox.
If you received a message that your email is not recognized, your information is not in our new registration system yet and you will need to use the Enroll Form.
8 PM Keynote (Monday, June 23) on the Common Ground on the Hill Official YouTube Channel HERE!
Keynote Lecture: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future: The Power of Voice, Unity, and Community Engagement ~ Melaney Sanchez, LInda Booth Sweeney
6:30 PM Gallery Talk (Friday, June 28) on the Common Ground on the Hill Official YouTube Channel HERE!
TRADITIONS WEEK 2 (JULY 7-11, In-Person)
6:30 PM Gallery Talks: Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall
MONDAY: Photography & Photoshop and Documentary Film Making, Chinese Printmaking, Drawing, Baltimore Screen Painting, Watercolor, Matting & Framing and Building Community Murals
THURSDAY: (in the Grove Studio) Native American Flute Making, Blacksmithing, Furniture Making, Building a Dugout Canoe, Making Earth Pigments and Indigo Dye Traditions
FRIDAY: Student Art Show
8 PM Keynote (Monday, July 7): LIVE at WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Keynote Lecture: The Arts are Stronger than Politics ~ John Willis
8 PM Evening Concerts (Tues - Fri) in WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College. These concerts are FREE and open to the public.
TUESDAY: Old-Time Night
WEDNESDAY: Blues Night
THURSDAY: Bluegrass Night
FRIDAY: Musical Potpourri
10 PM Late Night Jams on the steps of Baker Memorial Chapel (Big Baker), McDaniel College. FREE
MONDAY: Folk Jam
TUESDAY: Blues Jam
WEDNESDAY: Bluegrass Jam
THURSDAY: Old-Time Jam
FRIDAY: Potpourri Jam & Dance
TRADITIONS WEEK 3 (JULY 14-18, In-Person)
6:30 PM Gallery Talks: Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall
8 PM Evening Concerts (Tues - Fri) in WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College. These concerts are FREE and open to the public.
TUESDAY: Old-Time Night
WEDNESDAY: Blues Night
THURSDAY: Celtic & International Night
FRIDAY: Musical Potpourri
10 PM Late Night Jams on the steps of Baker Memorial Chapel (Big Baker), McDaniel College. FREE
MONDAY: Folk Jam
TUESDAY: Blues Jam
WEDNESDAY: Celtic Session & Dance
THURSDAY: Old-Time Jam
FRIDAY: Potpourri Jam & Dance
HOW DO I TAKE CLASSES ONLINE?
All classes will take place on Zoom. You do NOT need to purchase Zoom in order to use it for classes. You will receive an email with a link and a password for EACH class. Each class will have it's own information, so please keep track of which links and passwords go with each class. When it is time for your class, just click on the link and enter the password when prompted. A link to our Zoom tutorial will be sent to participants.
WHAT HAPPENS ON SUNDAY AND WHAT DAYS ARE CLASSES?
During an in-person week, orientation and registration take place on Sunday. Classes run Monday through Friday.
Sunday Schedule:
3 - 5 PM: Check-in at lobby to Gill Gymnasium
4:30 - 5:30 PM: Gallery Opening in Rice Gallery, top floor of Peterson Hall
5:30 PM - dinner in the McDaniel College cafeteria, for those with room and board.
8:00 PM - general orientation in Alumni Hall
For those staying on campus, 5:30 PM dinner at the McDaniel College cafeteria is included with your housing. Meals can also be purchased at the entrance.
If the 4th of July holiday falls on a scheduled class day, classes WILL run as scheduled.
HOW DO I CHECK OUT?
Check out is from 8:00-9 AM on Saturday, July 12 and July 19 outside Englar Dining Hall.
Failure to return your key by the scheduled time may result in a Lost Key Fee of $60.
For those who have purchased a Saturday night stay, check out is on Sunday from 7:30 - 9 AM. Linens and keys should be returned to Smith House, which is just down the hill from the Cafeteria.
You will receive an email with permission to join the new class.
Please DO NOT begin the new class until these steps have been taken and you have received the permission email!
WHEN AND WHERE IS ON-CAMPUS REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN?
WHEN TRADITIONS WEEKS ARE MEETING IN PERSON, REGISTRATION IS AS FOLLOWS:
SUNDAY: Registration takes place from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the lobby of Gill Gymnasium.
MONDAY COMMUTER CHECK-IN: We strongly encourage commuters to register on Sunday afternoon as it minimizes lines and wait times on Monday, and allows commuters to attend orientation on Sunday evening. However, commuter students may register from 7:45 AM – 3:30 PM outside the Hospitality Suite in Hill Hall.
I AM STAYING IN LEVEL 2 HOUSING. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Level 2 Housing includes several bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, and small living area as part of a suite. Unless you signed up for linens,you will need to bring your sheets, blanket, pillow cases, and towels.
The kitchen includes a stove, microwave, and refrigerator, but pans, dishes and utensils are not included. Bedrooms include bed(s), dresser, a desk with desk light built in, and a closet.
You will need to bring all toiletries and personal effects. Toilet paper is provided, but soap is not.
IS THERE HANDICAPPED PARKING?
Yes, there are designated handicapped parking spaces in each parking lot on campus.
ARE INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE AT THE COMMON GROUND STORE?
The following instruments are generally available for sale at the Common Ground Store:
harmonicas
tin whistles
recorders
ARE LOANER INSTRUMENTS AVAILABLE?
A limited numbers of selected instruments are available, as listed in the catalog. All instruments are available on a first come, first served basis. Contact the Common Ground on the Hill office with questions: commonground@commongroundonthehill.org.
Practice chanters (for bagpipe): contact Wayne Morrison at tewok@portrigh.comno later than June 1.
Drums: contact the Common Ground on the Hill office at the email above.
If instructor contact information is provided in the catalog, you may contact the instructor for further direction in obtaining an instrument for the class.
HOW DO I PAY MY MATERIALS FEE?
For virtual classes, you will need to obtain your materials prior to the start of Traditions Weeks. Please contact your instructor to make arrangements.
For in-person classes, you will pay materials fees directly to the instructor via cash or check. Some instructors also use Paypal or Zelle. Contact your instructor with questions.
ARE JAM CLASSES FREE AND OPEN TO ALL?
No. You must sign up for the desired Jam class as a paid class.
HOW DO I SEE THE SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE?
The Schedule-at-a-Glance is available as a PDF on the page for each Traditions Week. Look for the "Download Schedule" button at the bottom of most Traditions Weeks web pages.
IF A CLASS IS 2 PERIODS, DO I HAVE TO ATTEND BOTH PERIODS?
Yes. Students must attend both periods of a 2-period class, as these classes are specifically designed to provide students the time to work on projects, learn and interact with the instructor. Students who do not attend both periods of a class deprive themselves of the full experience, as well as falling behind and causing disruption to the flow of the class.
CAN I EARN FREE CLASSES?
Yes - by becoming a volunteer! We love our volunteers!
The Volunteer Coordinator will be back in touch to set up your schedule.
Earn a free classes by volunteering! Details are on the volunteer application page, at the link above.
I WANT TO SIGN UP FOR A CLASS THAT IS FULL. HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE WAITING LIST?
Contact the Common Ground on the Hill office to request to be added to the waiting list for a class. Email us at commonground@commongroundonthehill.org with the name of the class and your contact information. In the meantime, we suggest that you sign up for an alternate class.
What is Common Ground on the Hill?
In 1994, Walt Michael came back to his home state of Maryland with a mission and vision to create interracial harmony through the traditional arts.
Common Ground on the Hill is proud to be a regional folklife center of maryland state arts council's maryland traditions program, in residence at mcdaniel college in westminster, md. Common ground on the hill is funded in part by grants from
Experience
Through Participation
The quickest way to find common ground is to join with others in the arts. Start today by watching, listening, speaking, hearing, playing, and participating with those who are like and unlike you.
