Supporting the John C. Campbell’s Folk School’s music and dance scene means sustaining a legacy of creativity and connection. By investing in our campus, you contribute to the preservation and improvement of the Keith House Community Room, the Music Studio in Davidson Hall, and the Open House pavilion. These spaces hold deep historical significance and offer unique opportunities for artistic expression. Join us in nurturing a community of musicians and dancers, and together, we can create an enduring impact on the lives of individuals, fostering creativity, and promoting the joy of music and dance for generations to come. Donate today and be a part of the harmonious rhythm that resonates within the John C. Campbell’s Folk School.
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General Studio Support
Mandolin
Upright Bass
Ear Trumpet Microphone
Funded
Not Yet Funded
Music and Dance Scholarships
Our scholarship program helps those who would otherwise be unable to attend have joyous and enlivening learning experiences. Examples of recipients might be young people without deeper financial resources, people burdened by the weight of medical debt, or those challenged by a significant life event who need respite. Imagine helping a passionate, burgeoning creative who’s poised to become a professional musician or dancer.
Music and Dance Endowment
Music and dance are as integral to the Folk School as the scenic views on our beautiful campus, and for almost 100 years, the sounds and steps of our unique culture have resonated here. Thanks to generous donors, the Music and Dance Endowment is growing and helping us preserve and advance our music and dance offerings far into the future.
The Folk School’s Music and Dance Endowment is designed to provide support for initiatives going above and beyond our ongoing class, concert, and dance programming. With the support of like-minded proponents of music and dance, this fund will allow for increased community engagement, educational outreach, and special events.
Folk School Junior Appalachian Musicians Program (JAM)
Folk School Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) offers students ages 12-18 the opportunity to learn guitar, banjo or fiddle, or to practice in a string band and connect to the musical heritage of rural Appalachia.
JAM is made possible by support from North Carolina Arts Council, Musack, and John C. Campbell Folk School. Donations help support new instruments, JAM instructors, and broaden the ages of local youth we reach.
Music & Dance Support Updates
Posted:
March 25, 2024
Posted:
December 14, 2023
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November 29, 2023
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November 27, 2023
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August 31, 2023
We extend our heartfelt appreciation...
Posted:
August 14, 2023
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July 21, 2023
Folk School co-founder Olive Dame...
Posted:
July 21, 2023
Explore The Studios
Keith House Community Room
Built in 1927, this spacious room was the cornerstone of the Folk School and continues to be the beating heart of our campus today. Outside of class time, students gather here for Morningsong, instructor demonstrations, evening concerts, and so much more. The building’s all-wooden dance floor is considered one of the best in the country.
Music Studio in Davidson Hall
Comprising the second floor of Davidson Hall, our Music Studio is a wonderful gathering space for musicians of all kinds. It’s a light-filled room overlooking a deck with long beautiful views of the herb garden and rolling hills. The spacious studio, with room enough for everyone to gather in a large circle, also has several private practice rooms. A fireplace is a special treat in this welcoming space.
Open House
An open-air pavilion allowing the garden breeze to flow through, Open House offers a way to enjoy the outdoors while dancing and playing music together. Shaded from the sun, and offering a beautiful panoramic view of the valley, Open House was built in 1947 and became the original site of the Folk School’s annual Fall Festival.
Music & Dance Coordinator
Charmaine Slaven
Originally from western Montana, Charmaine has worked for over 16 years as a Seattle-based professional musician, flatfoot dancer, dance caller, instructor, and administrator specializing in traditional American roots music and dance events. She takes great joy in sharing her passion with people of all ages and abilities and has gained a great reputation for her fun methods of engagement. Charmaine has a knack for teaching and organizing and became an anchor in the Pacific Northwest old-time music and dance communities. She hopes to bring diverse music, dance, culture, and joy to the Folk School.
Music & Dance Coordinator
T-Claw Crawford
T-Claw Crawford is a dance caller, musician, and community organizer. He grew up in Nashville, TN and played punk rock and jazz until he heard old-time string music. T-Claw has toured by bicycle across eight states and New Zealand with Fiddle Pie, and old-time variety show band. He is the “Johnny Appleseed” of square dancing, having instigated his enthusiastic brand of community music and dance get-togethers far and wide. T’s favorite foods are pie and biscuits, and he enjoys river sports, honky tonkin’, yard games, wildcrafting, and cribbage. He bops around Brasstown with his beloved wife and delightful daughters.
Locate & Contact
Please contact Development for more information.
John C. Campbell Folk School
Development Office
Barbie White, Development Manager
1.800.FOLK.SCH (365-5724) x39
Mailing Address
One Folk School Road
Brasstown, NC 28902