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 26 - 30)
Traditions Week 2 (July 2-7) is 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:
If you can't see the desired Tradition Week, click the right arrow at the top of the calendar to advance to show the next week.
To see the full list of daily classes in a week, use the View More link at the bottom.
Look for your desired class based on the time period. In the example below, the LEFT rectangle represents 2-pd classes running from 9-11:45 AM. The UPPER RIGHT rectangle represents Period 1 classes and the LOWER RIGHT rectangle is Period 2 classes. You can scroll down to see the blocks representing classes in the remaining periods.
Click on the rectangle representing your desired class. This will open a list of classes in that block, each with a check box at the right to select that class. Classes are listed alphabetically. Scroll to your desired class and select it.
After you make your selection, click the Selection Done button to move out of the course list and choose your next class. You will not be able to make a selection in a time slot that you already have filled. For instance, if you select a class that runs during Periods 1 & 2, you will not be able to add another class in Period 1.
Now you will see a green bar on the block that shows the name and period of the course you selected.
NOTE: If you accidentally clicked the wrong class, just click again on the desired block to go back in and make a new selection.
Repeat this class selection process until you have selected all your desired classes for that week and then click the Done Class Selection button at the TOP of the screen.
If you wish to take classes in more than one Traditions Week, repeat the process by clicking View More for the next desired week as at the top of these instructions.
To ensure correct pricing when taking classes in more than one Traditions Week, make sure to register ALL your classes within the same enrollment - do not create a separate enrollment for each Traditions Week!
When all desired classes have been selected, click EITHER the DONE or SELECTION DONE buttons. You will return to the enrollment page, now with your class selections listed.
Add Waitlist selections if desired, and continue applications questions.
Fill out Pricing Options
NOTE: Make sure that you select any additional options such as Housing or Linens
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.
Yes! However, we have a slightly different schedule than usual. Virtual events will be streamed LIVE on our YouTube Channel HERE! See information below:
TRADITIONS WEEK 1 (JUNE 26-30, virtual)
6:30 PM Gallery Talks are streamed live on our YouTube channel.
MONDAY: Photoshop & Chinese Calligraphy/Painting
TUESDAY: Drawing: Colored Pencil and Charcoal
WEDNESDAY: Knitting & Splint Woven Basketry
THURSDAY: Traditions & Practices Inspired by Plants
FRIDAY: Tazewell Mural Project
8 PM Keynote Lectures (Mondays only) Streamed on YouTube on June 26
Ryan Koons of the MD State Arts Council ~ "The Land We Are On: Land Acknowledgements, Limits And Possibilities"
8 PM Concerts (Tuesday - Friday): streamed on YouTube.
WEDNESDAY: Bob Rychlik and Brian Connolly. (International) PLUS Kristen Grainger & True North - 2022 songwriting Contest winners
THURSDAY: Chris James & Rod MacDonald. (Folk & Blues)
FRIDAY: Tom Mindte and Wayne Fugate (Mandolin Styles)
TRADITIONS WEEK 2 (JULY 2-7, in-person)
6:30 PM Gallery Talks: Rice Gallery in Peterson Hall
MONDAY: Photography & Photoshop, Chinese Printmaking, Mixed Media, Plein Air and Watercolor Painting
TUESDAY: Native American Sculpture and Ceramics, Sign Carving, Stained Glass, Mosaics, and Metalsmithing
WEDNESDAY: Navajo weaving, Needle Felted Animals, Asian Style Tie Dying, Hat Making, Hair Braiding, Rya Rug Making, Sweet Grass and Egg Baskets
THURSDAY: (in the Grove Studio) Colonial Tools, Hardware and Furniture Making, Old World Cooking, Welding and Indigo Dye Traditions
FRIDAY: Student Art Show
8 PM Keynote Lecture (Monday, July 3): LIVE at WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College. This event is FREE and open to the public.
3-time GRAMMY winner Tom Chapin ~ "Sing Me a Story"
8 PM Evening Concerts (Tues - Fri) in WMC Alumni Hall, McDaniel College. These concerts are FREE and open to the public.
TUESDAY: Celtic & International Night
WEDNESDAY: Blues Night
THURSDAY: Bluegrass & Old-Time Night
FRIDAY: Musical Potpourri
10 PM Late Night Jams on the steps of Baker Memorial Chapel (Big Baker), McDaniel College. FREE
MONDAY: All Genre Jam
TUESDAY: Blues Jam
WEDNESDAY: Bluegrass & Old-Time Jam
THURSDAY: Celtic & International Jam
FRIDAY: All Genre Jam
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.
Sunday Schedule:
Up through 3 PM: Veterans Initiative Footgolf Fundraiser & Picnic, with Open Mic. Food Trucks, Bake Sale and Raffles in support of our Veterans Initiative.
3 - 5 PM: Check-in at upper level lounge, Roj Student Center
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.
Classes run Monday through Friday. 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 7:30-10 AM on Saturday, July 8 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 - 10 AM. Linens and keys should be returned to Smith House, which is just down the hill from the CGOTH Store.
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 upstairs lobby of ROJ STUDENT CENTER.
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.
I SIGNED UP FOR LEVEL 1 HOUSING. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
NOTE: LEVEL 1 HOUSING IS NOT AVAILABLE DURING 2023.
Level 1 Housing is dormitory-style rooms with a shared bathroom on the hall. Each bedroom includes 2 beds, dressers, desks with built-in desk light, and a closet. Unless you signed up for Linens, you will need to bring your own sheets, pillow case, and towels. It is recommended that you bring something in which to carry toiletries.
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
melodicas
washboards
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.
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?
You will need to obtain your materials prior to the start of Traditions Weeks. Please contact your instructor to make arrangements.
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. 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.
