KlezKamp General FAQ

Other FAQs: Registration/Tuition | Epes Center | Music Program | Yiddish Song

I’ve been to one of those other klezmer camps/events; why should I come to yours?

The fact that there are other “klezmer camps” is because of KlezKamp. If you want to experience what "other klezmer camps" will be doing tomorrow, come to KlezKamp today. As renowned as our music offerings are, we believe that you can only really know the music you play when you really understand the culture from which it comes, KlezKamp always offer a vast array of programs and classes which put the diversity of Yiddish culture within the grasp of every participant and places the music in its social context.

But what really makes us different is our dedication to the creation and nurturing of community — Jews and non-Jews, young and old, religious and secular, straight and gay — joining together to celebrate and perpetuate the full spectrum of Yiddish culture we can — and do — create real and resonant community.

^ Back to top

This is going to be my first time at KlezKamp and I won't know anyone. How can I find people to hang out with?

Though a lot of newcomers arrive at KlezKamp feeling intimidated by the huge number of people, there's no need to worry. You will meet people in your classes, in the elevator, and at meals. There are no assigned seats, and you'll probably find yourself drifting from your AM2 class into lunch with a classmate, or moving towards a table with the person standing next to you in the buffet line. If not, just sit down somewhere and ask someone what they're studying at kamp (if they don't ask you first). Our community tends to be quite welcoming and friendly, and you'll soon feel a part of it.

^ Back to top

Do I have to attend all of the classes I signed up for?

We ask you to indicate which classes you wish to attend so that we can plan for instructors and room sizes. Except for the art classes, you may attend any classes that you wish. For music and language classes, we do recommend that you stay with the same class for the entire week, since learning depends upon following a sequence of study.

^ Back to top

I got to my class and discovered that it wasn't at all what I thought it would be, and the teacher is teaching in a way that I find difficult to learn. Can I switch to something else?

Our offerings at KlezKamp are designed to give participants maximum learning in a few short days. This happens best when students stay the course and focus on a few classes. If, however, you're in way over your head in a Yiddish language or music class, by all means chat with your instructor and see what can be done.

^ Back to top

I'm interested in so many different things; can I go to a different class each day?

We think students should stick with one class for their entire Kamp period. Our program is designed to be sequential and substantive and our instructors gear their classes as complete entities. "Sampling" them would reduce the effectiveness of individual courses and ultimately provide a less satisfying experience for the student. In performance classes, each individual player has a role and a responsibility, and leaving a group midstream often means leaving the group — your fellow students — in the lurch.

^ Back to top

Can I record my classes?

Absolutely! We encourage the use of recording devices at classes, concerts and dance parties; KlezKamp is a very intense learning experience, and often students can take in only one layer of information at a time. For video taping class sessions, please get the permission of the instructor.

^ Back to top

How can I check my email while I’m at KlezKamp?

The hotel offers free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the lobby; simply bring your laptop down and open your browser to connect. For those without wireless ethernet capabilities, the hotel rooms have telephones that may be used for connecting laptop modems. Charges for these services, as well as phone charges for each room are the responsibility of individual attendees. The hotel requires a credit card for phone service in the rooms.

^ Back to top

I have a lot of stuff that I need to have with me all day and there isn't much time to go to my room between classes. Is there anywhere that I can safely leave stuff in the classroom areas?

Though KlezKamp is a pretty safe place, we would advise that no one leave valuables unattended. Neither Living Traditions nor the Hudson Valley Resort can take responsibility for items that are left in unsecured areas.

^ Back to top

Does anything happen at night, after the evening program?

More than you'll be able to take in! There is always dancing until the wee hours, and if you wander around you'll often find small jam sessions happening in a variety of musical styles. In addition, there will be some late-night cabarets for any participants who want to perform informally. See Epes Center postings and announcements at meals for daily details.

^ Back to top

There's a long time between the end of dinner and 2am — is there any food provided in between?

There is a snack provided in the dance hall at the end of the evening program. Apart from that, there are vending machines throughout the hotel.

^ Back to top

I've heard from friends who attended previous KlezKamps that the dancing doesn't start till after the evening program, which is usually pretty late. Do you provide anything for those of us who aren't night owls?

In response to many such requests, we now offer Dance Party Unplugged right after dinner in the Empire Lounge. This gives people with young children and those who don't want to stay up so late (as well as those who can never have too much dancing) the opportunity to enjoy this key aspect of the KlezKamp experience.

The KlezKids Program is fantastic, but it ends before dinner and often the evening program, which we parents would enjoy, are not particularly appealing to or suitable for young kids. Do you offer any options for parents in this situation?

We are pleased to offer a KlezKids evening progrm, which begins with the Dance Party Unplugged in the Empire Lounge after dinner and extends to the end of the formal adult evening program (ie, to just before the dance party begins). As with the daytime program, these evening sessions, under the direction of Peggy Davis, are not simply child-care, but actually have Yiddish cultural content.

Is the food kosher?

Yes. The dining room and kitchen are under the strict Orthodox supervision of Rabbi Gershon Kreuser.

Can I come if I don't speak Yiddish or don't play an instrument?

Yes! There are plenty of offerings for all. Be sure to check the General Interest section of the program. Or sign up for the Intro to Yiddish class, or Recipes for Yiddish Dance.