Bill Russell

	Bill Russell musician, caller Bill Russell is known for his ability to get his audience involved and participating. Although many of his songs have been recorded - by Raffi and Kathy Reid-Naiman of Canada and by Gérald Dalton of France - Bill's albums, workshops and concerts draw upon the Cajun and Creole traditions of his native Louisiana. His audiences easily make the connection among the many French traditions of North America. Bill currently makes his home in Quebec City, where he has helped preserve some of the local traditional dances. teacher guide
Performance Amuson-nous! SALUT! with Marylyn Peringer & Chris Rawlings aussi en français K-8 Adapting to the themes of the season (le Carnaval, la St-Valentin, le printemps) Bill and/or Chris share their infectious music and songs, both traditional and contemporary, as storyteller Marylyn weaves the spell of the spoken word with French-Canadian folktales and legends. This highly participatory performance is available as duo or trio presentation guaranteed to get audiences singing, clapping and moving in rhythm as they celebrate North American French culture! Limited Availability
Chantez, dansez, jouez! aussi en français 1-8 Bill Russell grew up in Louisiana and now calls Québec City his home. A popular, bilingual performer with multiple compositions and recordings to his credit, Bill introduces young audiences to Cajun and Creole folklore of North America with song, dance and play. Available Jan to Apr 2010
Fêtons le Carnaval! aussi en français 1-8 With song and dance, Bill leads the students on a trip through French-speaking North America to experience how Carnaval is celebrated, from Québec City to St. Bonafice and from Acadia to Louisiana.
Harvest Hoe-down with Anne Lederman family fundraising event Designed for beginners, the focus is on having fun! Bill calls and Anne fiddles for traditional square, round, and contra dances for a single event or evening.
Laissez les bons temps rouler! aussi en français 7-8 Who are the Cajuns? What’s the Canadian connection? What’s a fais-do-do? What is zydeco? Students learn about French Louisiana through traditional music and dance and slide presentation. Available Jan to Apr 2010
La Bastringue va commencer! with Anne Lederman aussi en français community fundraising event La Bastringue is a rousing tune played for the finale to a Québec quadrille (a six-part set of dances). The tune is a popular party song that tells a story of a young Mademoiselle who is asked to dance the Bastringue by a rather older Monsieur, who then finds that he's just not up to the task. La Bastringue va commencer! is a fun, interactive program for dinner dances, fundraisers and potlucks. Bill calls and Anne fiddles for a single event or evening of traditional danses canadiennes.
Playing with Words K-5 Bill encourages students to learn songs and rhymes and word games (sometimes accompanied by string games) that they will continue to enjoy long after his visit. Limited availability
Teacher Education Learning French through Song For teachers of French as a Second Language, this program provides methodologies and examples of teaching through songs, games and dances. Active participation throughout.