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NGI Recipient: Casey Murray

Session Attended: Country Dance and Song Society - Harmony of Song & Dance (2014)

I am writing you to share with you the wonderful experiences I had at Pinewoods Harmony of Song & Dance week.

It was such a cool experience for me, it’s hard to put into words. I’m not the most “outgoing” person but the atmosphere there made it easy for me to come out of my shell and connect with the people there. On the second day I sat in on an Irish session with Grey Larsen. It was super cool to learn a tune just by closing my eyes a listening to it over and over again. And that’s how everyone was learning it. It was a super cool feeling. And after that session we all went out and sat on the porch of the camp house and jammed for a bit. That was the most connected I’ve ever felt to people I didn’t know through music.

The evening dances were so magical for me. It was awesome to feel the connection between the dancers, musicians, caller and nature. For me music and dance is all about the connection and energy that is put into it, and it was super cool to feel that there with everyone on the floor.

I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend there with such amazing people. And I’m super thankful for my sponsor, Andrew VanNorstrand as well. I’ve learned so much from him, both musically and in life in general.

Thanks again for helping make this experience possible.