~ Special Gatherings Week 1 ~
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Schedules-at-a-Glance | Evening Events | Faculty | General Info | FAQ | Registration
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
QUICK LINKS TO OVERVIEW PAGES
Special Gatherings | Distinctive Lectures | Literary/Performance Arts, Film | Music
Dance | Human Arts | Youth Program | Visual Arts
View the Common Ground on the Hill Catalog as a PDF HERE.
The Search for Common Ground
In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and human beings to have a dialog arising from our life together here and in the larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song and story, we will listen to and learn from the voices of our sisters and brothers from communities represented in our circle. We gather at Common Ground on the Hill in our twenty-fourth summer in the midst of a world experiencing continuing financial and ecological crises, wars, growing nuclear threats, racial crises, the unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration and the continued threat of terror, both foreign and domestic. Yet, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great, needed change. We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes that we desire. To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of some of those in our circle. Richard Smith will open the week with the subject of his five-day class, Understanding African American Culture. Mad River Theater Works (Bob Lucas, Destin Le'Marr, and Chris Westhoff) will join us on Tuesday, leading a discussion sparked by their Monday evening Keynote performance, Freedom Riders. Rev. Randy Mayer will bring us up to speed with the latest developments in immigration in the Sonoran Desert, including the 6th Annual Common Ground on the Border held annually in January. Carol Zaru will illuminate the remarkable 149-year history of the Ramallah Friends Schools in Palestine. David Roth will end our week with an inspiring session of community song and encouragement. Come to this class seeking knowledge and change, inspiring ourselves and others to walk that path. Period 5 ~ Walt Michael ~ Facilitator
In this, our flagship class, we draw from our experience as artists and human beings to have a dialog arising from our life together here and in the larger society. In an atmosphere of trust and safety, and inspired by song and story, we will listen to and learn from the voices of our sisters and brothers from communities represented in our circle. We gather at Common Ground on the Hill in our twenty-fourth summer in the midst of a world experiencing continuing financial and ecological crises, wars, growing nuclear threats, racial crises, the unveiling of systemic abuse, issues of immigration and the continued threat of terror, both foreign and domestic. Yet, we also find ourselves at a time of potential for great, needed change. We shall discuss and consider what we are doing, as artists and individuals, to bring about the changes that we desire. To inspire us and help focus our dialog, we will learn of the work of some of those in our circle. Richard Smith will open the week with the subject of his five-day class, Understanding African American Culture. Mad River Theater Works (Bob Lucas, Destin Le'Marr, and Chris Westhoff) will join us on Tuesday, leading a discussion sparked by their Monday evening Keynote performance, Freedom Riders. Rev. Randy Mayer will bring us up to speed with the latest developments in immigration in the Sonoran Desert, including the 6th Annual Common Ground on the Border held annually in January. Carol Zaru will illuminate the remarkable 149-year history of the Ramallah Friends Schools in Palestine. David Roth will end our week with an inspiring session of community song and encouragement. Come to this class seeking knowledge and change, inspiring ourselves and others to walk that path. Period 5 ~ Walt Michael ~ Facilitator
Instant Angelic Choir
This is singing from the ground up, especially for (but not limited to) those who may have been discouraged over the years by family, friends, self-doubt, music teachers who told you to move your lips and not make any sound, the list goes on. Take a deep breath and enter the "laboratory of no wrong notes" where even the chronically timid are encouraged to embrace the natural singing ability we ALL possess. We’ll use group sound-making, songs, rounds, chants, vocal exercises, yawns, sighs, guffaws, dreams and desires to provide the foundation for our time together. You provide the willingness to jump in and make joyful noises with us. This will increase your lung capacity. This will reduce stress. This will help you regain confidence and access joy, is open to ALL levels, and is an opportunity (not a requirement) to own fear as an ally rather than an obstacle. A sense of humor is helpful. Bring a couple of songs you know by heart. After dinner (6:45–7:45 PM) led by David Roth
This is singing from the ground up, especially for (but not limited to) those who may have been discouraged over the years by family, friends, self-doubt, music teachers who told you to move your lips and not make any sound, the list goes on. Take a deep breath and enter the "laboratory of no wrong notes" where even the chronically timid are encouraged to embrace the natural singing ability we ALL possess. We’ll use group sound-making, songs, rounds, chants, vocal exercises, yawns, sighs, guffaws, dreams and desires to provide the foundation for our time together. You provide the willingness to jump in and make joyful noises with us. This will increase your lung capacity. This will reduce stress. This will help you regain confidence and access joy, is open to ALL levels, and is an opportunity (not a requirement) to own fear as an ally rather than an obstacle. A sense of humor is helpful. Bring a couple of songs you know by heart. After dinner (6:45–7:45 PM) led by David Roth
Keynote Lecture ~ Freedom Riders. Mad River Theater
Freedom Riders is the latest edition of the canon of American History plays by Mad River. It explores the valiant and courageous personalities behind one of the most critical chapters in the history of the Civil Rights movement. The play demonstrates the importance of working together to affect change and specifically how non-violent protest was used to combat the cruelties of segregation. Set in 1961, fifteen years after the United States Supreme Court had outlawed segregation, bus lines and cities throughout the South still enforced a rigid system of separating black and white citizens. The Freedom Riders, both black and white Americans, decided to travel together on buses that crossed state lines purposefully disregarding the hateful segregation practices that were still commonplace in so many part of the United States. The unforgettable heroes and the facts behind the events portrayed in Freedom Riders are essential to a full understanding of the Civil Rights Era and American history. This event is highly recommended to the entire Common Ground community and is open to the public (Tickets $10 at the door; full-time Traditions Weeks participants free). Alumni Hall Monday, June 25, 8 PM
Mad River Theater’s play will be the subject of Tuesday’s Search for Common Ground class, McDaniel Lounge. Tuesday, June 26, 4 PM
Freedom Riders is the latest edition of the canon of American History plays by Mad River. It explores the valiant and courageous personalities behind one of the most critical chapters in the history of the Civil Rights movement. The play demonstrates the importance of working together to affect change and specifically how non-violent protest was used to combat the cruelties of segregation. Set in 1961, fifteen years after the United States Supreme Court had outlawed segregation, bus lines and cities throughout the South still enforced a rigid system of separating black and white citizens. The Freedom Riders, both black and white Americans, decided to travel together on buses that crossed state lines purposefully disregarding the hateful segregation practices that were still commonplace in so many part of the United States. The unforgettable heroes and the facts behind the events portrayed in Freedom Riders are essential to a full understanding of the Civil Rights Era and American history. This event is highly recommended to the entire Common Ground community and is open to the public (Tickets $10 at the door; full-time Traditions Weeks participants free). Alumni Hall Monday, June 25, 8 PM
Mad River Theater’s play will be the subject of Tuesday’s Search for Common Ground class, McDaniel Lounge. Tuesday, June 26, 4 PM