The Open Band Orchestra:

The Bellingham local, traditional dance community has been dancing “contras, squares, and circles” at the Fairhaven library for 40 years. After starting with monthly dances, it wasn’t long before there were to 25 to 35 dances a year. Bands and callers from Bellingham and beyond supply a variety of music and dances. Early on, some dance events in the schedule were designated as open band/open mic dances, usually two or three a year.

The open band dances are where musicians can just show up to play and where new callers can try their hand at calling. There are designated people to lead the band on melody and rhythm and also a caller to support callers by handing over the mic and offering guidance. For the last dozen or so years, the open band regulars have maintained a set list that they add to and subtract from for any given evening’s dance. There are many open band regulars, so they now refer to themselves as the Open Band Orchestra (OBO). Generally, weekly practices are held for the six weeks leading up to each open band dance. There is a mailing list that updates folks about the open band schedule and to announce any practice sessions.

Over the last dozen years, the OBO has exuberantly played from a repertory of about 150 jigs and reels (and 20 waltzes) for energized dancers. The list continues to grow as players share their newest favorites. The initial list was compiled at a magical, weekend dance camp where there were no organized, professional bands. Instead, it was a bunch of folks showing up with their instruments, happy to play together, and many more folks showing up with their feet, ready and eager to dance together.

The music in the set lists is available as PDF sheet music for musicians who sight-read, but since most of the music is traditional music, most of it is widely known, and experienced players will do fine to drop in. Just be early enough to make sure the space and sound equipment can accommodate everyone comfortably.

-Info compiled by Sally Sheedy, a long time contributor to the OBO past BCDS website master