FOR FIRST-TIME REGISTRANTS and SCHOLARSHIP STUDENTS
There is so much going on during the week at KlezKanada that it can be a little overwhelming if it’s your first time there. Here are a few tips to help you settle in:
• It can get VERY cold at night at KlezKanada, with temperatures falling to freezing. With the exception of the Retreat Centre, accommodations are unheated. We recommend that you bring and extra sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothing for the evenings and nights.
• Extra blankets can be requested at the front office, however these do get snapped up quickly so please consider bringing an extra sleeping bag.
• Instruments can be left in the Retreat Centre overnight to keep them from getting too cold.
• If you are a new to your instrument or new to Klezmer, consider taking our beginner’s classes and ensembles. We make sure that there is an offering for beginners in every period. In PM3 there is a Slow Jam, especially geared those new to the music.
• Schedule changes and announcements are posted on notice boards by the door to the Retreat Centre, the sign-post by outside the Dining Room, and inside the Dining Room. The most up-to-date changes and announcements are posted inside the Dining Room.
• Where are the classes?? Don’t be afraid to stop people and ask for directions to the class locations. There is also a shuttle service available to take you to your classes.
• Dance Dance Dance! We highly recommend that you take a dance class each year, but especially in your first year. The AM2 dance class is open to all levels and is a fun way to learn the steps and style of Yiddish dance. Taking the class during the day will set you up to dance all night! As a musician, the dance classes an important part of learning how to play for dancing.
DEADLINES AND FEES
What is the fee for scholarship students?
There is a fee of $350. (This fee does not apply to The David A. Stein Memorial Filmmaking scholarships).
When is the scholarship fee due?
THE FULL FEE MUST BE RECEIVED BY JULY 1, 2012. Applicants who have not submitted the fee by that date will have their place offered to a student on the waiting list. As always, if there are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from submitting the immediately, please contact the Scholarship Coordinator to discuss your individual situation.
What happens if I have to cancel?
In the unfortunate event that you have to cancel our cancellation/refund policy is as follows:
Cancellations before July 15th will receive a full refund minus $25 administration fee. Cancellations after July 15th forfeit the $100 deposit. No refunds for non-arrivals, late-arrivals, or early departures.
Can I attend for a portion of the week?
No, we expect participants to attend KlezKanada for the full week.
But I have to leave early for school/audition/job etc – is that ok?
There are always extenuating circumstances. You should plan to attend for the full week but if you must leave a day early, let us know as soon as possible. We do not offer a reduction in fees for students or registrants that need to leave early.
GETTING THERE
How do I get to KlezKanada from Montreal?
We offer a shuttle service from Montreal to KlezKanada (and back) on the first day on the first day and the last day of KlezKanada. The cost per person is $20 one way/$40 roundtrip. This service is free for scholarship students. Advance sign-up is compulsary for this service – there is no room on the buses for registrants that have not requested a seat on the shuttle.
I received a scholarship, can you help me pay my travel?
Unfortunately we are not able to provide travel stipends to our scholarship students. Our shuttle service from Montreal to Camp B’nai Brith and back is free for scholarship students. Travel to and from Montreal is the responsibility of the student.
Can you provide me with driving directions?
Driving directions and a map are available on our website here.
ARRIVAL
When should I arrive at KlezKanada?
If you are driving to KlezKanada, please do not arrive before 3pm on Monday, August 20nd. We recommend that you arrive in time for dinner, as there will be orientations and activities in the evening.
What do I do when I arrive?
When you arrive, please stop at the gates and sign-in at the front office. Shuttle buses will stop at the front office to unload. They will give you an arrival packet with camp rules, KlezKanada information, and a name tag – please read the information in your folder carefully. A member of the Camp B’nai Brith staff will help you find your accommodation so that you can settle in.
FOOD and ACCOMODATIONS
What are the accommodations like?
Cabins: Camp B’nai Brith of Montreal is, for the most part, organized into circles of cabins (like a summer camp). Each circle of cabins has as separate building with shared showers and washrooms. Cabins sleep between 4 and 8 people each. **Scholarship students are housed in cabins.**
Tents: The tents are pioneer tents with raised floors and electricity. There is a separate building with shared showers and washrooms. Tents 1 to 2 people each.
Family Houses: Family houses have two suites per house. Each suite has a private bathroom and can sleep up to six.
Residence: Two options: 2 people per room with shared bathroom, or 4 people per room with shared bathroom.
Chef’s House: Two options: 2 people per room with a private bathroom, or 2 people per room with a shared bathroom.
Retreat Centre: The retreat centre is fully heated and staffed. 2 people per room. Each room has a private bathroom.
Offsite: Guests who choose to stay offsite are responsible for finding their own accommodation.
What should I bring for my cabin?
• Bedding is provided but we recommend that you bring a sleeping bag as it can get very cold at night. Temperatures can drop to freezing.
• Bring your own towels and toiletries
• Flip-flops for the showers
Where do scholarship students stay?
Scholarship students stay in these cabins, generally with four to six other students. Couples can usually be accommodated if you let us know far enough in advance.
Can I stay with my friends?
You may make roommate requests. These requests should be emailed to our Scholarship Coordinator or Registrar. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Is the food kosher?
Yes. CBB is strictly kosher.
I am a vegetarian/vegan, will there be food for me?
Yes. Please make sure you have alerted us to this on your application.
Can I keep food in the cabin?
Please note that Camp B’nai Brith is strictly Kosher. All food brought onto the site must be kosher. We strongly advise you not to keep food in your cabins as it attracts animals. In the past few years we have had a run of raccoon thefts! If you must keep food in your cabin, make sure that it is completely sealed in an animal-safe container.
WHAT TO BRING
What will the weather be like?
Be prepared for everything. The days are generally quite summery and beautiful but Camp B’nai Brith is north of Montreal and the temperature can be much cooler than the city. Mornings can be chilly, evenings cold and nights positively freezing! Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it rains a lot. Then again, the weather is often gorgeous and the days warm enough to go swimming in the lake.
What should I bring with me?
Practice:
• Bring anything pertinent to your practice (i.e. your musical instrument!), sheet music, music stands, etc.
• Anyone with the intention of dancing (which should be all of you!) but especially those planning to attend the dance classes (which, again, should be all of you!) should bring comfortable shoes for dancing – flip flops are unacceptable dance shoes.
• We strongly recommend that students bring recorders (tape/minidisk/digital) in order to tape lessons and ensembles for later review. Don’t forget: extra batteries, a microphone, extra discs, cords, and chargers.
Rooming
• Bedding is provided but we recommend that you bring a sleeping bag as it can get very cold at night
• Bring your own towels and toiletries
• Flip-flops for the showers
Clothing
• There are no laundry facilities at KlezKanada. Please make sure that you bring enough clothing for the full week.
• We recommend that you bring warm clothing with you. It can get VERY cold at night so bring a warm sweater, a toque (for the non-Canadians, that’s a ski-hat), and a scarf. Bring warm sleepwear: long underwear, sweatpants and sweatshirts. Bring boots. We also recommend bringing a sleeping bag.
• Raingear (rainjacket, umbrella, rainboots)
• Despite the evening temperatures, the days can be very warm. You will probably want casual summer clothing for daily wear. Bring clothes that you can be comfortable in – think summer camp. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit, and sandals.
• Many participants like to dress up a little bit on Shabbes. Not formal, but nice. Men may want to bring a kippah or hat.
Other
• Camera and extra film
• Earplugs (for sensitive ears during classes or concerts, for sharing cabins with roommates who might snore….etc)
All those warm clothes and a sleeping bag – that’s a lot to pack….?
Yes it is. However, you won’t regret it when you have to run back to your unheated cabin at 2am and climb into a cold bed. The temperatures have been known to drop to freezing during the night.
Should I bring money to KlezKanada?
It is, of course, up to you how much money you bring with you to KlezKanada. There is a boutique where you can purchase the books and CDs of our faculty (which, after your marvellous experience you will undoubtedly wish to purchase) as well as KlezKanada t-shirts and paraphernalia. Most CDs are $20 Canadian each. The store accepts cash and credit cards. There is also a cash bar in the evenings.
Can I bring my dog/cat/parrot?
No, sorry – no pets.
DAILY PROGRAMMING
How are the days structured?
There are normally five formal workshop periods per day, two before lunch and three after lunch. Lectures, films and discussions run concurrently with the technique classes, performance ensembles and master classes. There is usually a concert after dinner followed by dancing and the KlezKabaret. On Friday evening there is a special schedule, with the Backwards March, Shabbes Dinner, and evening events.
Do I have to attend all of the classes?
Registrants may attend as many or as few classes as they choose. We ask that Scholarship students attend a minimum of three classes per day.
Will I have free time?
It is impossible to partake in everything offered at KlezKanada. That said, it is up to you to structure your time. There are always plenty of opportunities for informal jam sessions and long talks outside in the sun. Shabbes is, for the most part, left unscheduled.
AT CAMP
What will the weather be like?
Be prepared for everything. The days are generally quite summery and beautiful but Camp B’nai Brith is north of Montreal and the temperature can be much cooler than the city. Mornings can be chilly, evenings cold and nights positively freezing! Sometimes it rains. Sometimes it rains a lot. Then again, the weather is often gorgeous and the days warm enough to go swimming.
Is there swimming?
Camp B’nai Brith is located on a beautiful, clear lake. The camp also has a swimming pool. The pool and the lakefront are open at select times during the day. Please note that swimming is ONLY allowed when a camp lifeguard is on duty. This policy is strictly enforced.
Can I smoke?
There is a strict non-smoking policy within the camp grounds.
Is there internet access?
There is usually wireless Internet access and a couple of computers to use. However the internet connection is often unreliable and slow. Please note that internet access is not available in cabins or rooms. It is only available on the main floor of the Retreat Centre.
What is your policy for Shabbes?
We try to create a Shabbes atmosphere on Saturday. Therefore, during Shabbes there will be no PA announcements. As individuals, you are free to decide on your own behaviour and activity; e.g. playing music, swimming, hobbies, lights in room, etc., while at the same time respecting the Shabbes integrity in the public spaces.
OTHER
Conduct
All participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which fits the goals of KlezKanada and the students themselves. Scholarship students are expected to attend 3 classes per day and to avail themselves of the opportunities made open to them.
Substance Abuse Policy
KlezKanada aims to create a safe and healthy community for all ages. An emphasis is placed on creating a family atmosphere. The success of the institute relies on the responsible behaviour of all registrants, scholarship students and faculty. Cigarettes may be smoked ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS. Responsible use of alcohol by adults of legal drinking age is permitted and alcohol is served on the premises. However we expect that those who choose to drink, will consume responsibly and with respect for and awareness of those around them. Illegal substances will not be tolerated. Reports of usage will be dealt with immediately by the program administrators.
