Welcome in the Spring
Morris and Sword Dances for Children

by Paul Kerlee

Click to listen!

Click to listen!

ISBN 0-937203-63-7 Book $17
ISBN 0-937203-82-3 Book+CD #1 of Morris Musicians only $24.95
ISBN 0-937203-93-9 Book+2CDs (#1 and #2) - Morris Musicians AND Orff instrument demos $29.95

With songs, vigorous leaps, claps, shouts and clashing of sticks or swords, join music educator and morris dancer Paul Kerlee as he chases away the shadows of winter and heralds the seasons in Welcome In The Spring. This is an exhilarating introduction to seasonal ritual dances that long ago grew up in the english countryside and were joyfully carried to America at the turn of the century.

For over twenty years, Paul Kerlee has been an acknowledged pioneer and primary force for bringing English morris and sword dances to children. This collection may be used with children in upper elementary school and higher, or by adults seeking a satisfying entry into the world of morris dance. Sing in the seasons, or accompany your May Day celebrations with truly authentic dances.

The 9 x 12 spiral-bound book includes:

• Copy-OK musical transcriptions and optional Orff instrument settings for 15 clapping, stick, sword and hanky dances
• Complete dance descriptions for all dances; accessible, authentic arrangements
• Glossary of dance steps, customs and costumes
• A brief history of morris dancing
• How to get started with morris and sword dancing in your school or community
• Hints for teaching each dance

The companion CD(s) includes:

• CD#1=Lively, full-length performances of all dances by well-known morris musicians (including Leah Barkan, Jody Kruskal, Betsy Blachly and Marnen Laibow-Koser) playing accordion, concertina, pipe and tabor, and fiddle. Suitable for listening appreciation, practice or performance.
• CD#2=Full-length Orff instrument demos of all dances, suitable for practice or performance. (Cassette includes contents of CDs 1+2)

About the Author

Paul Kerlee earned a BA from Linfield College (OR), MA in church music from Union Theological Seminary (NY), and Orff certification from the University of Toronto. Since 1970 he has been exploring the uses of folk dance in music education. His experience with English traditions through the Country Dance and Song Society led him to use morris, sword, garland, Maypole, and English country dancing with his students. He has studied Polynesian and Japanese dance at the University of Hawaii, and has traveled the world to learn and bring home dances of many cultures. Paul has been a long-time member of Mianus River Morris team in Connecticut, leading the team for many years. His long tenure at the Hillside School in Hastings-on-Hudson NY resulted in the development of a school-wide program of morris and sword dancing. His early self-published collections of dances, Wake Up the Earth and Son of Wake Up the Earth sprang from the Hillside program. He has appeared as a workshop leader at many music education conferences.