Watch this new generation of dulcimer players perform! Congratulations to Lorinda Jones, the Heartland Dulcimer Club and everyone who made this special performance possible for us to enjoy!
The "Tradition Continues"...
... was a phrase associated with David that appeared on many of his Blair recital programs. I received an email from a Indiana dulcimer player named Tom Harleman this week that I want to share because he is a perfect example of how David and dulcimer teachers inspire the rest of us to carry forth tradition. (If you're new to the dulcimer world, Tom mentions making an instrument called a "Tennessee Music Box" below; it is a unique kind of dulcimer that almost disappeared from history until David Schnaufer and some of his friends re-discovered it. You can read about that part of the story in Pluck, or search "Tennessee Music Box" online.)
Tom writes: The night before the Aug. 25, 2018 Dulcimer Celebration sponsored by the Central Indiana Folk Music and Mountain Dulcimer Society (IndianaFolkMusic.org) I grabbed some wood from the garage and quickly built a Tennessee Music Box (dulcimer). An old pine 2x4, some 1x3 pine boards, some luan subflooring, and a staple gun. Using saws, planes, drills, eye bolts (tuners) and glue I finished the dulcimer. But the staple gun frets needed tuned. I played it briefly at the Dulcimer Celebration. This week I tuned the frets and swapped the fiddle tuners for authentic hook eyelets for tuners. To simulate a turkey quill I used a long thin scrap from a plastic bucket banjo project. Now, are you ready?
Watch Tom play "Rock the Cradle Joe" on his creation!
And, remember the wonderful song, “Barlow Knife”? Tom plays it here.
Tom's letter made a huge impression on me: his making a working Tennessee Music Box in one night, his smooth playing, and even the cheery voice of the music box. It made me reflect on people like the Dulcimer Boomers upon whose shoulders new generations of teachers stand to carry forth the traditions to teach the rest of us, especially those who are learning to play an instrument for the first time, and learning about the enormous dulcimer music canon for the first time.
When we moved to Kentucky and I first joined a dulcimer club, I had never heard of most of the music the members played. What a great way to make one's way into the discovery of America's music heritage: to learn to play and sing the music our ancestors preserved for us. I suspect that the only thing better than learning to play their legacy music is to play it on an instrument one builds like Tom did. He was inspired by David Schnaufer, and I have no doubt his experience will inspire someone else down the road who sees his video. So let's make a pledge never to take our dulcimer teachers for granted; to tell them how grateful we are for their hard work, patience and willingness to be our conduits to past and future music. To thank them often for inspiring us to exceed our own expectations for ourselves.
And that's how The "Tradition Continues".
If you would like to send Tom a note to compliment his playing or to ask him a question, contact him at tomharleman@gmail.com.
And please leave a comment underneath his YouTube videos; it will help more people find them.
Reposted from https://www.davidschnauferpluck.com/post/the-tradition-continues
"Wellyn" revisited
Bob Force wrote “Wellyn” back some fifty years ago, and it is still timeless. Bob writes: “I find it fascinating Wellyn crossed over oceans and cultures and landed a young, next generation Asian dulcimer player, [in 2010} at a major fest playing it. Cross cultural, for sure.” Enjoy Bob Force’s original composition “Wellyn” played on the beach. The dulcimer player look like he’s having the most fun—of course! Courtesy of Robert Force.
Message from the Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club: Take a class with Rudy Ryan
The Knoxville Area Dulcimer Club cordially invites all people in their area to take an Appalachian Dulcimer Class with Rudy Ryan. See details for registration below.
Merry Two Rivers Christmas in 2021
GODC members Lana and later Georgia, Mary Lawrence, Marsha and Barbara S. headed over to Two Rivers Mansion in Nashville to perform for their Christmas Open House. The day was lovely as was the music and the performers!
Collectors, Take Note: Rare dulcimer for sale
George Gills of Virginia sent us photos of a pristine Keith Young dulcimer he has for sale. Keith Young was a distinguished musician and luthier in Annandale, Virginia who passed away in 2012. He was a close friend of David Schnaufer’s in the seventies and had a sterling reputation as a dulcimer builder. You can read about Keith here: If you are interested in this dulcimer, please contact George for more information: georgegills@aol.com.
McSpadden Dulcimer for Sale/NOTE: THIS DULCIMER HAS BEEN SOLD.
“McSpadden dulcimer for sale. Price $195.00. Very nicely walnut grained dulcimer built from a 100% McSpadden kit, by a dulcimer builder. No scratches or dings. It notes perfectly, built for 4 strings – I was only using 3. I am more than willing to meet with someone, let them play and check the noting for correctness of tuning. I’m sure they will find it a very good instrument, especially for the money. I will give them a week to take it home to play. If they change their mind, they can bring it back to me in Mt. Juliet, and I will give them back their money.”
Don Pedi is a national treasure!
Don Pedi Classes and Workshops Now Online!
This time of social distancing due to the Corona Virus has opened my eyes to the possibilities available on the internet as a way to offer classes and concerts.
My participation in the successful Autoharps & Dulcimers II Cyber-Gathering put on by the Ashokan Center was great fun. It showed me the merits of Zoom conferences.
I am now offering online workshops, classes, concerts, and individual lessons to meet a variety of interests, skill levels and needs-workshop titles: contact me and I will tailor a workshop or class for your club or group.
One big advantage to online teaching or performing is the opportunity to reach out to players who live beyond my ability to travel.
Please contact me to book a workshop and or a concert for your group.
Stay Safe,
Don Pedi
donpedimusic@gmail.com
Phone:
Home: 828-689-9126
Cell: 828-337-1157 (no reception at home)
www.donpedi.com
www.patreon.com/donpediBallads for Dulcimer (Intermediate)
Authentic versions of "Old Love Songs" or "Story Songs" sung in the mountains of Western North Carolina and South Eastern Kentucky and beyond.
Sacred Songs for Dulcimer (Intermediate)
Authentic versions of Sacred Songs sung in the mountains of Western North Carolina and South Eastern Kentucky. Mostly from older generation singers and the Christian Harmony School of Shape Note Singing.Singing While Playing Melody (intermediate)
Before the Folk "Revival" of the 1950s and 60's chording on the dulcimer was almost unheard of. Most dulcimer players sang while playing the melody. This class shows methods to accomplish this.Old-Time Music for Dulcimer (intermediate)
A selection of popular versions of Traditional Songs and Tunes played at festivals throughout the southeastern United States.Old-Time Dulcimer for Beginners (beginner)
Develop a solid foundation for playing Old-Time music on the dulcimer.
Includes methods and techniques for strumming and fretting, applied to playing simple songs.Playing Techniques and Tunings for Old-Time Dulcimer (intermediate)
Methods for appropriate rhythm and melody to play "Southern Old-Time" fiddle tunes.Heritage Tunes for Dulcimer (intermediate)
These are versions of fiddle tunes (and songs) that have been passed down for generations in the aural tradition. Family and regional takes on well-known fiddle tunes, possibly a rare gem.Holiday Songs and Tunes from the Southern MountainsA variety of songs and tunes from traditional sources, relating to Halloween and/or Christmas.
Songs For Children (of all ages) (intermediate)
Fun songs that are popular with the young at heart.
Old-Time Songs That Tickle Me
Songs containing nonsense and/or common sense that are fun to sing and play.
Across the Pond
Some of my favorite traditional songs and tunes from England, Ireland & Scotland.
All selected for their being enhanced by the sound of the dulcimer.
Zooming Along by Nancy Seifert
I have participated in a few virtual events. I enjoyed them and didn’t have to drive to the festival or pay for a motel room. I could sit at home in my recliner and be comfortable. I hope to attend the Quarantune teachers’ concerts tonight, tomorrow and Sunday. It is easy to ask the teacher a question by “raising your hand” which you do by clicking on a hand graphic.
[Nancy also passed on this information from the teachers]:
——————Quarantune Dulcimer Festival Concerts June 5, 6 & 7
We can’t wait to play music for you and your friends! This is a perfect opportunity to share a sampling of dulcimer music from many of the best players in the nation with friends and acquaintances who may not be familiar with our community for a very low price.
Please read this concert information:
There are 3 separate concerts, June 5, 6 & 7. (see schedules). You can purchase them individually OR buy a 3-day pass (reccommended)
OnlineConcertThing allows folks to name their price and “suggests” a ticket price, but each ticket is only $5. The 3-day pass is $15. Just type in what you want to pay.
We have been transparent throughout this process. Thanks to our sponsors and your support through t-shirt sales, our overhead costs have been covered. OnlineConcertThing.com will be providing a viewing platform and engineering our sound throughout the concerts so that everyone is presented in a uniform way (despite being in 30 different places!) and will be paid 25% of all concert revenue (tickets and tips) for this service. After that, all ticket costs will be evenly distributed and tips will go directly to the individual you tipped.
If you have any questions about passwords or technical issues relating to onlineconcertthing.com, please contact them directly at: hello@onlineconcertthing.com
Considering a larger contribution? Donate with PayPal button
A number of people have asked to make substantial donations. We are overwhelmed by your support and are happy to report that our overhead costs have been covered. Any further contributions will be evenly distributed among our instructors. If you would like to contribute in a bigger way, please do so through the PayPal link below.
Any substantial donation made through the “name your price” feature of our concert series is not advised since it would be subject to unnecessary third-party fees.
Times are displayed in U.S. Eastern Daylight Time.
Friday, June 5
8:00 pm - Sam Edelston
8:15 pm - Mary Lynn van Deventer
8:30 pm - Wendy Songe
8:45 pm - Katie Moritz
9:00 pm - Aubrey Atwater
9:15 pm - Guy & Sharrie George
9:30 pm - Butch Ross
9:45 pm - Ken & Brad Kolodner
Saturday 8:00 pm - Russell Cook
8:15 pm - Larry & Elaine Conger
8:30 pm - Matthew Dickerson
8:45 pm - Joe Collins
9:00 pm - Dave Haas
9:15 pm - Ilace Mears
9:30 pm - Amanda Roberts
9:45 pm - Bing Futch
Sunday, June 7
12:30 pm - Timothy Seaman
12:45 pm - Scott Freeman
1:00 pm - Mark Alan Wade
1:15 pm - Brett Ridgeway
1:30 pm - Steve Eulberg
1:45 pm - Steve and Ruth Smith
2:00 pm - Erin Mae
2:15 pm - Colin Beasley
2:30 pm - Sarah Kate Morgan
2:45 pm - Pam Bowman
3:00 pm - Stephen Humphries
3:15 - Stephen Seifert
Jerry Rockwell on TED
The venerable Jerry Rockwell made his way to TED; please enjoy his talk and bio below
13:24 / 17:48
The Mountain Dulcimer: A Musical Possibility Box | Jerry Rockwell | TEDxStroudsRun
3,979 views•Nov 8, 2019
1663SHARESAVE
23.3M subscribers
SUBSCRIBE
Here’s a relaxing and insightful introduction to the mountain (Appalachian) dulcimer. Musician/craftsman Jerry Rockwell plays some soothing tunes on a mountain dulcimer he built himself. He explains his passion for designing and building fine, handcrafted dulcimers one at a time using traditional hand tools. And finally, he demonstrates a variety of playing styles and techniques, including some traditional ways and some more innovative techniques, like two-handed tapping and playing with the Ebow. Bio: Jerry Rockwell is a musician and luthier who focuses his love of musical structure and fine woodworking on an uncommon American folk instrument, the mountain (Appalachian) dulcimer. A self-described "one-man music laboratory," he uses hand tools to build his instruments and digital tools for music publishing, recording, and streaming his performances online. During the past five decades, Jerry has played at folk festivals in England, Ireland, Iceland and around the US. He has published nine instructional tunebooks, is featured on many recordings and musical collaborations, has co-founded three dulcimer festivals, and continues to design and build custom acoustic and electric mountain dulcimers. Jerry encourages and challenges dulcimer and guitar students in workshops and online. His recent compositions explore the relaxing, meditative sounds of the electric dulcimer. Jerry’s recent tracks have found their way onto more than 120 playlists on digital streaming platforms. Jerry Rockwell is a musician and luthier who focuses his love of musical structure and fine woodworking on an uncommon American folk instrument, the mountain (Appalachian) dulcimer. A self-described "one-man music laboratory," he uses hand tools to build his instruments and digital tools for music publishing, recording, and streaming his performances online. As a teenager on Long Island, Jerry developed a passion for stringed/fretted instruments and jazz and rock guitar. Then, while a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, he heard the freewheeling mountain dulcimer music of Richard and Mimi Farina and began searching for a dulcimer and tools for building his own. Thirteen years of dulcimer building, playing and teaching sparked a move to Ohio in 1983 and eventually led to formal music studies and a BA in music at The Ohio State University. As an inspired nontraditional student, he took courses from counterpoint to electronic music to acoustic physics, and a concentration on music theory and composition was the basis for ongoing development and growth as a musician. During the past five decades, Jerry has played at folk festivals in England, Ireland, Iceland and around the US. He has published nine instructional tunebooks, is featured on many recordings and musical collaborations, has co-founded three dulcimer festivals, and continues to design and build custom acoustic and electric mountain dulcimers. Jerry encourages and challenges dulcimer and guitar students in workshops and online. Jerry's recent compositions explore the relaxing, meditative sounds of the electric dulcimer. His recent tracks have found their way onto more than 120 playlists on digital streaming platforms. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
2020 2.17 GODC's First Ever Whole Club Gathering at the Tennessee State Museum
It was a new and at times overwhelming experience for us at our first meeting at the Tennessee State Museum, but we soon slipped into the groove. One of my favorite moments was listening to the superb playing of Tennessee Waltz while enjoying the Nashville skyline through the gigantic glass wall in the Grand Hall. Others:
watching the tiny children dancing without a care in the world to the Club’s music.
kids learning to play their first song—quickly—on the sample dulcimers, and the fascination with Tom’s banjo
the smiles of joy on the faces of many of the 40+ visitors
the impromptu jam that started during our break.
Magic happens whenever a bunch of players are around!
Click on photos to move the slideshow below. Overhead group shot courtesy of Allen McClellan. Additional photos by Tony Cook.
Where In The WORLD is Yoshie? by Judy Beier
Some may ask, “Who Is Yoshie?”
Yoshie Kinefuchi played dulcimer with the Twangtown Dulcimer Players from 2015- 2018, during the time she and her husband Masami, Consul-General to the Southern States from Japan, were living in Nashville. Yoshi joined the Twangs after being introduced to the dulcimer by Judy Beier. Judy and Yoshie met in a Tai Chi class at the GreenHills Y.
At the completion of their assignment in Nashville, Masami and Yoshie returned to their home in Tokyo. Yoshie shared her love for the dulcimer with her choir back in Japan. Their concert video can be found in an older blog, along with a picture of her first grandchild.
Read this recent letter from Yoshie to find out "Where in the WORLD is Yoshie?"
Excerpt from Yoshie’s letter to Judy:
Masami is officially appointed Ambassador of Japan to Timor Leste (East Timor) as of February 5th.
He had the honor to meet with the Emperor last week and the Emperor accredited his appointment as Ambassador.
We are leaving on March 11th for Dili.
Timor Leste is a small island nation, located North of Australia and East of Indonesia. It gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Unfortunately, Indonesian soon invaded the country and Timorese people were governed by Indonesia for 24 years.
But due to political change in Indonesia, a referendum took place in 1999, and to Indonesia's surprise, 98% of Timor people voted for independence. Then Indonesia army suddenly struck Timor Leste and destroyed and burned everything!!! Very sad history.
It was the UN Peace Keeping Organization that realized ceasefire and the nation's independence in 2002.
So it is a small and young country in the South Pacific, but it has a great strategic importance for Japan and Asia.
We are happy to go there and excited to meet with new culture and people.
The language they speak is a bit complicated. Their official language is Tetun and Portuguese, and working language is Indonesian and English. This is due to its historical background and geographical location. They aim to join ASEAN and has strong ties with their neighbor, Australia and Indonesia; as well as Portugal (Timor was a colony since 1514 for more than four hundred years).
https://www.britannica.com/place/East-Timor
East Timor | Geography, History, & Facts | Britannica
East Timor, island country in the eastern Lesser Sunda Islands, at the southern extreme of the Malay Archipelago.It occupies the eastern half of the island of Timor, the small nearby islands of Atauro (Kambing) and Jaco, and the enclave of Ambeno, including the town of Pante Makasar, on the northwestern coast of Timor. Dili is the capital and largest city.
www.britannica.com
I hear it is a peaceful island nation with beautiful beaches and mountains, and the people are very kind.
Japan is one of the biggest donors of Timor Leste and has been supporting their development and peace.
I will let you know about my new life there soon!
Tull Glazener Workshop by Stephanie
It was full house on Saturday the 25th as the GODC hosted the Tull Glazener Workshop.
We began the morning with waltzes and then moved to Tin Pan Alley Tunes and ended with fiddle tunes. Appreciated the time Tull spent on Dulcimer Daze as this is a favorite of the Twangs and enjoy now having the parts.
Do you really need another book?
Tull shared his history and his start with the mountain dulcimer. He was given his first dulcimer and thought it only a toy and placed it in the closet. Later when he attended a music festival he heard the dulcimer played for the first time by none other than David Schnaufer. He then realized it was an instrument that could make music and began his pursuit of the dulcimer.
Appreciate all those who participated and supported the event.
Seifert and Seifert at the Grand Old Dulcimer Club
Stephen leads the workshop while Nancy, his proud mom, looks on.
Serendipity was on our side at our September monthly GODC meeting as Stephen joined thirty-six of us to teach a workshop tailor-made for the GODC at the same time that PBS released Ken Burns’ impressive, multi-part documentary, “Country Music”. The themes of Stephen’s teaching and the themes of the documentary clicked together perfectly: music birthed by diverse traditions along with the historic effort of musicians to build on that tradition over time while personalizing the music they love and play. Let’s remind ourselves from time to time that we get to play together in Music City, and we have the best in the business here to teach us … how fortunate is that?!
Enter the G* Strings!
The G Strings, one of the many groups associated with The Grand Old Dulcimer Club, performed an exceptionally lovely version of “Amazing Grace” for the crowd at Larry and Elaine Congor’s annual workshop this August at the Lake Barkely, Kentucky resort. *Geriatric Strings (!)
For your enjoyment:
On the Road Again (Day 3) The Recap by Elaine Williams
This has been a wonderful workshop. I wish everyone could come along with us and experience this. We have met people from as far west as Oregon, down south in Florida and to the east in North Carolina as well as from Arkansas and many other states. We have found the dulcimer community a great group of people. The teachers are so talented and knowledgeable. Today I took a class from Aaron O’Roarke who is probably one of the best dulcimer players I have ever heard. If you ever get to meet him make sure you ask him to play Boil Them Cabbage Down. And on to class with Dottie Sheppard learning to sing along with church songs. My last class of Welsh Church music with Nancy Galambush. Stephanie spent her class time with Linda Brockinton and Jeff Furman on technique. After the concert (picture of all performers included) I participated in learning Contra Dance but quickly decided I had two left feet. Until next time..... (Click photos to see Elaine and Stephanie’s slideshow).
11.15.2018 On the Road Again ... Blogging Sisters (Day 2) by Elaine
I started my day with classes on flat picking and fingerpicking with Judy House and Linda Brockinton in the first two sessions of the day. The session in the afternoon was with Jeff Furman working on hammer-ons and pull-offs as well as smoothing our playing with chords. It was so exciting when something clicked and “the lightbulb came on in my head”. Of course, looking and shopping in the booths is a special treat between sessions.
11.15.2018 On the Road Again (Day 2) by Stephanie
As we nestle in this German town in the mountains of north Georgia we learn, learn and learn. Today for me was Butch Ross, Ann Lough, and Linda Brockinton. A day of 70's music, playing in G without a capo and hymnals with many teaching points. Ended the evening with a concert. Everyone needs to check out Matthew Dickerson on hammered dulcimer for some beautiful music. And look who we ran into.
11.15.2018 Yoshie Concert Video is finally here! by Judy Beier
Check out the October 7, 2018 blog entry News From Yoshie if you have not already. Now you can see the the second half live performance. Yoshie and friends from her choir in Japan present the dulcimer segment just after the piano duet. Enjoy.
10.7.2018 News from Yoshie by Judy Beier
For about three years, the Nashville dulcimer community had the privilege of having Yoshie Kinefuchi join us in learning and playing the mountain dulcimer. Now living back at her home in Tokyo, she is sharing her love for the dulcimer with her Japanese community.
Enjoy the following photos and excerpts from recent letters from Yoshie:
Our concert last night (September 15 was a great success! We had a big audience; about 170 people in spite of rain. The feedback was very positive. They said the program was very good and our performance was excellent. The first part was the choir; we sang 10 Japanese songs. The second part consisted of a piano duo concert, country & folk music with dulcimer, viola and recorder, one Egyptian song, three songs for finale. I had the microphone before our performance in the second part and gave a brief introduction of the dulcimer: its history and structure, and how we enjoy it. The audience was very interested and listened to my explanation carefully. Some people came up to me after the concert to see my dulcimer up close and wanted more story about it.
It was truly a delightful evening. Many people said they loved the sound of the dulcimer. So I guess we gained at least 170 new fans of the dulcimer in Japan!
It was sometimes difficult for us to get together and practice regularly as everybody is busy in their own life, but each member practiced her part at home and tried our best to put them together in harmony.
I suppose the concert was successful because we put our hearts together. We had a very good time. Here is some information on our choir: The name of our choir is "Soot El Wald" (meaning "Voice of flower" in Arabic). This is a sister group of the Japanese women's choir in Cairo that was established around 1990. At that time, there was little activity that Japanese women could enjoy there, so a few music-loving women got together and started a singing circle, and little by little more women came to join them. We used to practice once a week and sometimes visited local senior homes, schools and orphanages.
Over the years, the members of the original group have returned to Japan one after another, and around 2010, we established a new group in Tokyo.
So the members of our group are all returnees from Cairo. (Sadly, the original group in Cairo is no longer active due to security reasons over there.) This year's concert was held at Suginami Public Hall in Tokyo on Saturday, September 15th. This was our second concert in Japan.
You were asking about the place we had the concert.
It is a concert hall called "Suginami Public Hall." It has a big concert hall, a small hall and a salon. We used the salon (the smallest space, accommodating approx. 150 people) for our performance.
It has a wonderful structure and the acoustic is really good. Unfortunately the website is only in Japanese, but I hope you can get the idea of it.
The gowns we wore are all hand-sewn by a friend of our member. We love the gowns too!
Submitted by Judy Beier who met Yoshie and her husband Masami during a Tai Chi class at the Green Hills YMCA. (Mr. Kinefuchi was serving as Consul General from Japan for the Southern States.)
When Yoshie overheard someone ask Judy about playing music at Uncle Dave Macon Days, Yoshie said: “What is a dulcimer?”
Judy and Yoshie met for several sessions on Saturday mornings before the Tai Chi class began. After a few lessons Yoshie started playing regularly with the Twangtown Dulcimer Players. Now you know the rest of the story!
