There is so much going on during the week at KlezKanada that it can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you settle in for the week. Because KlezKanada 2020 looks very different, we have written up a set of FAQs specifically for our digital edition.

Don’t see an answer to your question below? Please get in touch with us in one of the following ways:
For general inquiries Email us at info@klezkanada.org or call us on 514.734.1473

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE RETREAT

What are the basic tech requirements for participating in KlezKanada’s Virtual Retreat? The following elements will help you participate fully:
–A wired internet connection with an ethernet cable is recommended for optimal performance, but wi-fi will usually work fine.
-Please ensure you have a device that meets the Zoom system requirements:
-Computers: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362023-System-requirements-for-Windows-macOS-and-Linux
-Phones/Tablets: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201179966-System-requirements-for-iOS-iPadOS-and-Android
-Certain musical exercises will require you to have headphones connected to your device.
-A USB microphone will improve your sound quality tremendously, and can also be connected to phones/tablets using an adapter.
-A music stand may be helpful

How can I help things run smoothly?
For maximum enjoyment, take advantage of training resources and attend the tech orientation (please sign up in advance here). During the week, always leave extra time to get set up before each session in case of tech issues.
You can log into your classes early to make sure your connection is working as expected.

I’ve never used Zoom before. How do I get started?
KlezKanada will provide special assistance, including a live technical orientation, to help you get set up for the Retreat. If you’d like to get a headstart on Zoom, we recommend you peruse the materials made available on the Zoom website here. Register here for KlezKanada’s live technical orientation.

VIRTUAL ETIQUETTE

What are the “do’s” and “don’ts” in a Zoom workshop, class or meeting?
DO stay muted: please stay muted unless you are called upon to speak, for example, to introduce yourself at the beginning of a session.
DON’T be surprised if you are muted during a session. The meeting hosts have the ability to mute everyone. You can always hold down the space-bar to briefly unmute yourself as needed. (Note: this does not work if your cursor is in the chat window).
DO raise your hand if you want to speak. You can click “raise hand” (located at the bottom of the participant list) and a little blue hand will appear on your screen. If you no longer want to speak, you can lower your hand
DO be extra conscientious and careful not to interrupt or talk over each other. Due to the time lag on Zoom it is very easy to interrupt each other. Be sure to leave space for others to speak in group discussions. If you do find yourself speaking at the same time as someone else, why not invite them to speak after you have finished what you are saying. 

Can I connect to more than one session at the same time?
No, it is not possible to connect to more than one Zoom session at a time. In addition, we ask that participants try to be fully present, especially in participatory sessions.  After all, “me ken nisht tantsn af tsvey khasenes” [you can’t dance at two weddings at once]. 

How can I ask the instructor a question during participatory classes on Zoom?
Just like in an in-person class, you will be able to ask instructors questions, either out loud or through the chat function.
You can click “raise hand” (located at the bottom of the participant list) and a little blue hand will appear on your screen. If you no longer want to speak, you can lower your hand.
You can also type a question into the chat window. The instructor will make sure there is time to stop and answer questions.

If I miss a concert is there a way I can see it later?
Concerts will be broadcast live and may be re-broadcasted or made available at a later date.
Classes, workshops, and other programming will be recorded for archival purposes and may also be rebroadcasted at a later date. Unfortunately, we are not able to make recordings of classes or concerts available for immediate distribution during or after the Retreat. Recording of concerts or plenary sessions is strictly prohibited. For more information please also check out our recording policy.

TECH SUPPORT

Who should I contact for help before camp to make sure that I can connect properly?
Set-up assistance and orientation sessions will be provided in advance of the festival by our behind-the-scenes technical team. 

Technical Orientation: August 24, 2020, 3-4 PM EDT Get tips on how best to use Zoom and how to set up your devices for an optimal experience. All are welcome! Please sign up in advance here.
General Community Orientation: August 24, 2020, 7:15-8:15 PM EDT Come learn what the KlezKanada experience is all about, connect with our community, and get ready for the week all together! For newcomers and veteran participants alike. This event will be live-streamed on Facebook here; you do not need to sign up in advance.
You can also email us at support@klezkanada.org for technical issues during the retreat week.

Other questions?
For general inquiries, please reach out to us via email at info@klezkanada.org. During the Retreat, we will also open up a dedicated phone helpline for any questions or concerns you encounter during the Retreat.

PROGRAMMING

Can you help me choose classes?
Please read through the course descriptions carefully in order to select your classes and before registering for a course. If you still need help selecting a course, please feel free to send us an email to info@klezkanada.org and we’ll be happy to help as best we can.

How do I decide which level is right for me?
Music workshops are labelled as Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced, or for All. Consider your technical skill and level of experience: if you don’t consider yourself a technically advanced musician but have performed Yiddish music publicly for years, you might consider an advanced workshop. In contrast, if you are a professional performer but new to klezmer, you might benefit more from an intermediate class, as it will cover more basic stylistics.

How can I get a printed brochure?
You can find all of our 2020 programming here: https://klezkanada.org/laurentian-retreat/programming/. These materials can be viewed online or printed from your home.

DURING THE RETREAT

The class I signed up for isn’t right for me. Can I switch to another class?
If you’ve signed up for a week-long workshop, and after the first class you find that the level or content aren’t right for you, let us know by emailing us at info@klezkanada.org, and we will give you access to another workshop of your choice of an equal or lesser value.
Please be sure to contact us after the first class, as we cannot guarantee it will be possible to switch after the second class. Participants will not be able to switch classes during a class session.

Where do I find recordings, charts, and other materials for my class?
You will be provided with online access to the materials for the courses that you are registered for. Registering in advance will allow you more time to review the class materials ahead of the sessions!

Will classes be recorded and posted? If I miss a class is there a way I can see it later?
Classes, workshops, and other programming will be recorded for archival purposes and may be rebroadcast at a later date. Unfortunately, we are not able to make recordings available for immediate distribution during or after the Retreat. 

Is it okay to miss a day of class during a workshop, if, say there’s a lecture I want to go to at the same time?
If you know in advance that you might miss a class during a workshop, please inform the instructor as early as possible. They will let you know whether it is possible to miss class, and how to make up for missed material if so. In general, if you are participating in a week-long workshop, we encourage you to stay and participate as fully as possible!

Can we play or sing together on Zoom? If we can’t play together, how will workshops and ensembles be conducted? How will I be able to “play along” in workshops?
We understand the current limitations of Zoom and other technologies, and how this will change some of what happens in our classrooms.

With this in mind, our faculty and staff of expert artists, teachers, and creators have adapted their regular classes, workshops, and concerts to best meet the needs of this digital moment. While things may be different, we’ll also take advantage of the unique capabilities these platforms offer to make learning interactive and rich in a variety of ways.

Can I record my classes?
If you want to record a class you are participating in, please check with the instructor before doing so. Any recordings you do make of classes may not be shared publicly without the permission of the instructor and other participants. The recording of concerts and performances is strictly prohibited.

COMMUNITY

Will you have an orientation for the Retreat? When will it be?
To help participants get ready for our Virtual Retreat, KlezKanada will host several different orientation sessions:
Technology Orientation: August 24, 2020, 3-4 PM EDT Get tips on how best to use Zoom and how to set up your devices for an optimal experience. All are welcome! This event is free, but registration is required
General Community Orientation: August 24, 2020, 7:15-8:15 PM EDT Come learn about what the KlezKanada experience is all about, connect with our community, and get ready for the week all together! For newcomers and veteran participants alike. No registration is required for this event. Watch it live here on Facebook.
Azrieli Scholarship Program: Sunday, August 23, 2020, Time TBA A special orientation session for Azrieli Scholarship recipients. (EMAIL)

I’ve heard so much about KlezKanada’s “community”. What is it like? How do I become a part of it?
Every year our Retreat brings together a diverse crowd of people from right here in Montreal, from across Canada, and from all over the world. We welcome Jews and non-Jews of all backgrounds, levels and modes of religiosity, ages, races, languages, and beliefs. We are committed to the work it takes to build a community that is ever more inclusive and equitable.
How do you become a part of it all? If you come to our Retreat you’re already a part of our community!

How can I connect with other community members?
This year, our virtual Retreat will offer a BYOLunch (otherwise known as a Bring-Your-Own Lunch) Zoom room for our community to connect informally in KlezKanada’s virtual dining hall every day from 12:45 to 1:45 pm EST  during the Retreat. More information here. Participants can also join the unofficial Facebook page KlezKanada Connection to connect with other members in our virtual “kehile”. Share photos, videos, artistic creations, and more during the festival week and beyond!
Physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social distancing. We encourage you to come together with your fellow klezmer enthusiasts on these platforms and set up Zoom Watch Parties for our featured concerts and films. You’ll get to experience the communal spirit of our events from the comfort of your kitchen.
Azrieli scholarship students will also have the chance to be in virtual “picnic tables,” i.e. Working groups with a faculty mentor/facilitator that will provide a place for students to network, ask questions, discuss classes, and more! Picnic tables are based on students’ shared interests and focuses during the Retreat.
And don’t forget to come and march, sing, or play along in our community’s annual tradition, the Backwards March –this year adapted to the digital age– to wrap up KlezKanada’s 25th anniversary and welcome in the Shabes queen on Friday, August 28th at 6:45 PM EDT! Participate in one of two ways:

1. by registering on the Eventbrite page for free to be part of the Zoom room, which will allow you to participate in the live broadcast.
2. by viewing the Facebook Live event on KlezKanada’s Facebook page.

We invite you to read our guidelines on how we nurture respect and community among all participants.

How will the online Retreat be different from the in-person experience?
While nothing can truly replace the feeling of coming together in person, we hope that this week will be filled with many of the same opportunities for connection and culture that KlezKanada’s Summer Retreat is known for.
At the same time, our faculty and staff of expert artists, teachers, and creators have adapted their regular classes, workshops, and concerts to best meet the needs of this digital moment. So, come with an open mind, expect some similarities and differences, get ready to immerse yourselves in an experience of community and creativity! 

We’re not meeting in person. Isn’t Zoom free? Why isn’t the program free?
While a basic version of Zoom is available for free, the more advanced version we are using – as well as the other technologies that make this festival possible – are subscription-based.
In addition, your registration fee helps us to pay our artistic faculty, performers, and staff. Registration fees are kept as low as possible to make our programs accessible to as many people as possible.
KlezKanada is a registered charity and non-profit organization. Our primary source of support comes from donations from community members like you.

That lake sure looks nice. How do I rent a canoe?
Camp B’nai Brith can be reached via their website at https://cbbmtl.org/. Just kidding, we love and miss you dearly, CBB! Here’s to future summers back at the lake!

CODE OF CONDUCT AND RECORDING 

Permissions for audio and video recording at KlezKanada’s Virtual Retreat.
All programs at KlezKanada’s Virtual Retreat will be recorded for our archive and may be rebroadcast to future audiences, or used for educational or promotional purposes. By registering for our online programs, you acknowledge and consent that your video and audio may be recorded. Any material submitted by participants for classes, workshops, or other video programming will also become part of KlezKanada’s archives and may be used for these purposes.
If you want to record a class that you are in, please check with the instructor before doing so. This can be a great tool for your learning, but please remember that any recordings of classes may not be shared publicly without the permission of the instructor and other participants. The recording of concerts and performances is strictly prohibited. For more information, check out our recording policy.

Who can I contact if I feel unsafe? Does KlezKanada have an ombudsperson? What is an ombudsperson and what is their role at the Retreat? Why do we need an ombudsperson?
Yes, KlezKanada designates an ombudsperson at our Retreat every year to give participants a safe space to speak about, monitor, and resolve problems.
The ombudsperson is able to act as an impartial advocate and compassionate listener for participants should you encounter any difficulties during the Retreat. As much as possible, the ombudsperson provides neutral, objective support, and serves as a safe conduit to discuss or report problems . An ombudsperson cannot provide legally binding advice or suggestions but can give you options on if and how to proceed in particular situations.
We encourage you to reach out to the ombudsperson for any non-technical problems you may encounter, including, but not limited to interpersonal issues, or issues related to harassment, discrimination, personal discomfort, or safety. This year, the ombudsperson will be available through a specially dedicated email address at ombudsperson@klezkanada.org that will be monitored only for these purposes. As appropriate and by appointment, the ombudsperson can also be contacted throughout the week by telephone or video chat.

Please review our guidelines and policies including our code of conduct, and consequences on respect, behaviour, and community during the Retreat.

Who do I reach out to if I have an interpersonal issue to resolve? What should I do if I am feeling unsafe, harassed, or discriminated against?
If you experience any interpersonal issues that you do not want to resolve directly, or if you face problems related to harassment, discrimination, personal discomfort or safety, then we highly encourage you to reach out to our designated ombudsperson. They are there to help and act as an impartial advocate and compassionate listener on your behalf.
This year, the ombudsperson will be available through a specially dedicated email address at ombudsperson@klezkanada.org that will be monitored only for these purposes. As appropriate and by appointment, the ombudsperson can also be contacted throughout the week by telephone or video chat.
Please review our guidelines and policies regarding our code of conduct, and consequences for respect, behaviour, and community during the Retreat.

REGISTRATION

How does registration work? How do I use my access code once I’ve purchased a festival pass?
In the purchase confirmation email you receive for your festival pass, there is an individual access code which you can use to sign up for all the classes and concerts you would like to attend at no additional cost. 

As per the images below, every Eventbrite registration page has a field where you should enter the code. Click on the green “Tickets” button and then click on the blue text (as in the image below) to enter your access code. Once you’ve entered the promo code, make sure to hit “Apply” and that will bring the cost down to zero for whatever you choose.

Zoom links and course materials for anything you sign up for will be sent soon, in advance of the festival.

When will I receive the zoom links for the classes I signed up for?
Zoom links and course materials for anything you sign up for will be sent soon, in advance of the festival.

Can I register for a single session?
Yes, you can! Feel free to pick and choose what you’d like to attend!
Every class, concert, lecture, and has a link where you can register to receive access to the Zoom room or other platform where the program will take place and receive any course materials. The pricing for separate session tickets are as follows:

Single Concert $25
Single Class $20
Four-Part Course Passes – $75
Registration links can be found next to the course listing on our Programming page.

How do I register for an individual session?
Visit our Programming page to see our full schedule of programs. Every class, concert, lecture, and has a link where you can register to receive access to the Zoom room or other platform where the program will take place and receive any course materials. Pick and choose what you’d like to attend!

How do I register for the entire week? How do I register for an entire day of programming?
Want to come for the entire week? Purchase one of our FESTIVAL PASSES to save money and get access to it all! Have a full house right now? Get a HOUSEHOLD PASS and the whole week’s programming will be available for up to six people in one home across multiple screens for a substantial discount. DAY PASSES are also available if you prefer to come for just a day or two of the Retreat. After you purchase one of these passes, you’ll receive an access code that will allow you to register for individual classes, concerts, and everything else at no additional cost.

Can I share my registration links with my friends?
No. Please don’t share your registration information. Links and codes that are shared between multiple users may be subject to deactivation without a refund.

If you share a household with multiple people who would like to attend our programming, consider purchasing a HOUSEHOLD PASS that can be shared by up to six people across multiple screens in one home at a substantial discount.

Can I register for simultaneous courses?
Please don’t. To help things run smoothly for other participants and staff, and to ensure as many people can participate as possible, you should not register for multiple classes in the same time slot. If you decide after the first day that you want to switch, please get in touch with us at info@klezkanada.org.

When is the deadline for registration?
There is no deadline to register, so sign up at any time! However, some classes have limited space available, so we recommend you sign up for the classes you want to attend as early as possible.
Early registration will get you access to course materials as soon as they become available and will guarantee your spot in any classes or workshops where space may be limited.

Should I register in advance for specific concerts, workshops and lectures?
We recommend you sign up for the classes you want to attend as early as possible.
Early registration will get you access to course materials as soon as they become available. Class sizes may be limited at the discretion of the instructor at any time. Registering early will guarantee your spot in a class or workshop in case space becomes limited later on.

OTHER QUERIES

The class I signed up for isn’t right for me. May I switch to another class?
If you’ve signed up for a week-long workshop and, after the first class, find that the level or content aren’t right for you, let us know by emailing us at info@klezkanada.org, and we will give you access to another workshop of your choice.
We cannot guarantee that a switch will be possible after the second class.

I already registered for the in-person Retreat and paid a deposit. What can I do with those funds?
If you have already registered and paid a deposit for our in-person Retreat you may request a full refund, apply the funds towards the cost of the week-long festival pass, or re-designate the funds as a donation. Please email us at info@klezkanada.org and we’ll be happy to make the arrangements.

THE AZRIELI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

When is the deadline to apply for the Azrieli Scholarship Program?
The priority deadline for scholarship applications was July 15, 2020. Applications received after this date can be considered on a rolling basis as long as space is available.

What is the fee for Azrieli Scholarship participants?
For 2020, recipients of Azrieli Scholarship pay a highly subsidized participation fee of $100.