1. hobbies and interests
2. guitar

http://dulcimer.wcu.edu
11th annual
July 18-23, 2010
Cullowhee, NC
Join us as we kick off our second decade
as “the Harvard of Dulcimer Schools.”
★ New faces and returning favorites
★ Study with several
National Dulcimer Champions
★ New kids program for grades 4-8
Bring the grandkids!
★ Best value for tuition,
food and accommodations
With host-instructors Larry and Elaine Conger
From Our Hosts, Larry and Elaine Conger
We hope you will choose to join us for Western Carolina University's Mountain
Dulcimer Week, July 18-23, 2010. We are thrilled that we have been chosen
to host a week full of learning more about our beloved mountain dulcimer. Our
goal this year is to secure the finest instructors/performers from all over the
country ... from New York to Texas and California to Kentucky, while providing
you with a plethora of workshop choices that will challenge your skills and
inspire you to become better players.
This week is not about showcasing our staff. Instead, it is about you, the
participant, and what we as staff can do to help you reach your goals as a
dulcimer player. We invite you to come and immerse yourself in the music
offered during the week, listen thoughtfully, take notes, make observations and
ask questions that will help satisfy your need to learn more about this beautiful
instrument of the Appalachian Mountains.
See you this summer!
-Larry and Elaine
Schedule
Sunday, July 18 - Friday, June 23, 2010
The following may be subject to some changes.
Arrive on Sunday for the following:
2-5 p.m. Check-in and Welcome Packet pickup, Norton Residence Hall Lobby
5-6 p.m. Orientation for new participants at Hinds University Center
(Instructor staff will meet at this time, too.)
6-7 p.m. Get-to-know-you Banquet in Hinds University Center (non-resident
participants and guests purchase tickets on enclosed Registration Form)
7-9 p.m. Entertainment followed by Folk Dance Mixers and Contra Dances next door
Typical Weekday Schedule:
7-8:15 a.m. Breakfast in new university dining hall
8:30-10 a.m.
Dulcimer skill courses
10-10:30 a.m.
Coffee break
10:30-11:30 a.m. Skill courses continued
11:30-1 p.m. Lunch in new university dining hall
1-3 p.m. Electives
3-4 p.m. Rest in the dorm, shop at the Dulcimer Emporium in the Norton Lobby, and/or informal jam (or in whatever order you prefer!)
4-5 p.m. Dulcimer Ensemble in Coulter Band Room (must sign up in advance) or organized jam with a different instructor each day
(may also shop or continue resting)
5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner in new university dining hall
7-9 p.m. Evening activities:
Mon.: Intimate Concerts in Norton Hall (you’ll be prompted
about sign-up process at check-in on Sunday)
Tues.: Open Stage in Coulter Recital Hall (both solos and ensembles welcome; sign- up sheet in Dulcimer Emporium)
Wed.: Optional Field Trip: Unto These Hills, Cherokee, NC or Intimate Concerts in Norton Hall
Thurs.: Instructors-in-the-Round: Community Concert at
The Fine and Performing Arts Center
Friday:
7-8:15 a.m. Breakfast in university dining hall
8:30-10 a.m. Dulcimer skill courses
10-10:30 a.m. Coffee break in Coulter Recital Hall lobby
10:30-noon Farewell Assembly in Coulter Recital Hall (including
performances by kid’s class, ensemble class, dulcimer raffle, meet
the baby dulcimers, and participant superlative awards)
12:15-1 p.m. Final dorm check-out – see you next year!
Location
Located within a two-day drive of one third of the nation’s population, Western
Carolina University and its surroundings blend the best of the traditional and
the new in a beautiful mountain setting. Its outstanding modern university
facilities are set in the small, friendly mountain town of Cullowhee, NC.
Peaceful and informal, the campus lacks crowds and traffic but offers a wealth
of natural beauty and cool mountain evenings. The local countryside is full
of nostalgic scenes that harken back to the early days of Appalachia, but the
campus is close to four-lane roads. The nearby town of Sylva has excellent
shopping, supermarkets, restaurants and medical care.
Approximate auto travel
time to Cullowhee is 1 hour
from Asheville, NC; 3-1/2
hours from Charlotte, NC; 3
hours from Winston-Salem,
NC; 3 hours from Atlanta;
3 hours from Chattanooga,
TN; and 2 hours from
Knoxville, TN.
Weather
Mother Nature loves
dulcimers but also likes to
make our beautiful mountains
green by sending us rain.
Sometimes we have no
rain in the mountains for
weeks, or it can rain for days
- probably just like where
you live - so bring along an
umbrella.
Clothing
Informal, and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Getting Around Campus
Norton Road Residence Hall (where we stay and have evening jam sessions),
our classrooms in Coulter Building and our meals at the university dining hall
are all on the lower level of campus. A campus map is included in this catalog,
and a “Virtual Tour” of the campus can be viewed at http://wcu.edu/8276.asp.
Free Shuttle Buses will run between
Norton residence hall and the classes
each day. There will be no need for
a shuttle to and from the cafeteria
this year due to the cafeteria’s
closer proximity to the classrooms
(an easy walk). You will receive a
shuttle schedule upon your arrival.
You will be responsible for your own
transportation to any of the evening
activities outside the dorm.
Transportation will be provided for the optional Unto These Hills excursion.
Parking
We give a lot of attention to accommodating everyone’s mobility status around
campus, and while some people like to walk, driving, carpooling and our free
shuttle buses are options for others. There is very limited parking near most
classroom locations, but a new parking area has been opened behind Reid
Gymnasium. As you know, universities are designed for college-aged populations
and do not have an abundance of handicapped parking spaces. If you are
handicapped the shuttle buses may be the ideal solution for you because they
pick you up and deliver you door-to-door.
Accommodations and Meals
Beautiful Norton Road Residence
Hall will be our residence again this
year. Opened in the Fall of 2005, this
290-bed hall is a return to “couplesfriendly” and private lodging in a new
air-conditioned (controls in rooms),
non-smoking, community-based
environment. No more than two people will share a bath, and couples will have their
own private bathroom. Each room contains at least one Ethernet port with free highspeed internet, one phone port, and a cable TV port. Each floor has two fully appointed
kitchen/lounge areas with TVs. Norton Hall’s large lobbies are ideal for our evening jam
sessions. Below are layouts of typical double and single occupancy rooms in Norton.
On-campus residence halls provide the “camp” camaraderie of staying with
other dulcimer people for the week in a central location. You’re “going back to
college.” The accommodations are clean and modern, but this is not a luxury
hotel – no room service, no wake-up call, no maid service, and bathrooms are
shared as described above. You receive linens and a couple of towels for the
week. You will need to bring clothes hangers and may want to bring along
extra towels and washcloths, extra pillow, and a small desk lamp. Those who
like a soft bed often bring a foam pad. Most of our participants favor these
accommodations, finding them quite comfortable. We save a limited number
of handicapped-accessible rooms if you register early. If you require different
accommodations you can request from us a list of area lodgings or campgrounds.
On-campus accommodations are sold as a package with all meals included,
beginning with the Sunday night banquet at the Hinds University Center and
going through breakfast on Friday morning in the all-you-can-eat university
dining hall. Tasty coffee break fare is included. WCU’s room/meals packages
offer cost savings and more convenience than having to use off-site hotels and
restaurants. This can save you considerable expense.
Costs
Registration Fees
All Participants: $299/person.
Includes all confirmed classes, staff concerts and events for the week, all musical
hand-out materials for confirmed classes, and University processing costs.
Non-Participant Companions staying ON campus with participants, $80 Fee.
Covers University registration and processing costs and eligibility to purchase
low-cost residence hall housing and meals. Also includes admission to all
concerts, open stage/ensembles group recital, and jam sessions. This fee itself
does not include admission to any classes. Meals and housing costs are listed
below. For their safety, children are not eligible to be non-participant attendees.
Non-Participant Companions of participants staying OFF campus are not
automatically eligible for any activities. They are welcome to purchase
concert tickets and Sunday night banquet tickets in advance on enclosed
registration form.
Housing and Meals
On-campus accommodations are sold as a package with all meals and coffee
break fare included, beginning with our Sunday night Get-Acquainted Banquet
through breakfast and coffee break on Friday morning.
• Double Occupancy in Norton Hall and meals: • Single Occupancy in Norton Hall and meals: $286
$336
Materials Fee
The instructors will be collecting a materials fee from each participant at the
beginning of the week to offset the cost of photocopying their workshop handouts. The fee will be $5 per person for the morning skills sessions and $1 per
elective and is payable directly to your instructor.
Meet Our Staff
Larry Conger is one of our hosts for Dulcimer Week
in 2010. He has been a popular instructor/performer
at dulcimer events across the country for close to 20
years. He makes his home in Paris, Tennessee, a small
town halfway between Memphis and Nashville. There
he operates a private music studio, along with his wife
Elaine, teaching piano, guitar and drums as well as
mountain dulcimer.
Larry received his music education at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss).
He has been involved with music as a vocation for over 30 years, serving as a
church music director, a participating artist for the Tennessee Arts Commission
and Kentucky Arts Council, arranging, composing and performing music as well
as being an instrument builder.
Larry’s credits include being named 1995 Southern Regional Mountain
Dulcimer Champion, 1996 Southern Regional Dulcimer Ensemble Champion
and 1998 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion.
Larry has several dulcimer books and recordings to his credit, including
contributions to Great Players of the Mountain Dulcimer, National Champions and
Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer II, compilation CDs featuring many of today’s
top dulcimer artists. He has also been featured on several Japanese compilation
CDs of international acoustic music. The Acoustic Breath CD series has enjoyed
widespread acclaim in Japan. Visit Larry at www.LarryConger.com
In addition to being one of our hosts for Dulcimer Week, Larry will be teaching
a Master Class and helping direct the Dulcimer Ensemble class each afternoon.
Elaine Conger is also one of our hosts for Mountain
Dulcimer Week in 2010. She is a music educator
and Orff-Schulwerk specialist who has a passion for
instilling a love for the arts in young people. Her
years as a professional musician, combined with her
experience as a classroom teacher give her a unique
perspective when working with students.
Her past musical experience includes touring with
her own country band, performing on the General
Jackson showboat at Opryland in Nashville and touring with country music star,
Faith Hill. More recently, she has directed and accompanied numerous musical
theater productions and even starred in a few herself. Her favorite role to date is
as Patsy in Always Patsy Cline.
She and her husband Larry reside in Paris, Tennessee where they operate a
private music studio. Elaine also serves as organist/music director for a local
Episcopal Church. She will be teaching the “Dulcimer for Kids” program during
Dulcimer Week as well as co-directing the Dulcimer Ensemble class with Larry.
Janita Baker
(New Player Skills Instructor) has been
playing mountain dulcimer for over 35 years; through
her recordings, books and appearances at festivals and
workshops across the United States she has become
well-known for her teaching skills and her Blue Lion
Dulcimers which she builds with her husband Robert.
As a solo performer on the mountain dulcimer, Janita
presents her audiences with a wide range of musical
experiences including classical, traditional, delta and country blues, ragtime,
swing and original instrumental pieces. A gifted story teller, Janita delights her
listeners with a warm and personal sharing of her music and introduces to her
audience and her students the incredible complexity, variety and beauty of the
mountain dulcimer.
Molly McCormack (Beginner Skills Class Instructor) of
Louisville, Kentucky has enjoyed playing, performing
and teaching on both the mountain and hammer
dulcimers since 1992. Molly’s musical interests are
varied, often performing traditional, contemporary
and original tunes. Her arrangements include clear,
sweet vocals, sultry blues, lively fiddle tunes and
beautiful Celtic airs.
A natural teacher with a gentle teaching style, Molly has had the pleasure of
teaching at many week long dulcimer events. She is a regular teacher each year
at Kentucky Music Week in Bardstown, KY. She has had the honor of teaching
at the Augusta Heritage Center Dulcimer Week in Elkins, WV, Shenandoah
University Dulcimer Week in Winchester, VA and Appalachian State
University Dulcimer Week in Boone, NC.
Molly has been a featured performer and workshop teacher at many dulcimer
weekend festivals around the country including: The Great Dulcimer
Convention at Pine Mountain State Park, Southeast Ohio Dulcimer Festival in
Athens, OH, Knoxville Area Dulcimer Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN, Dulcimer
Chautaqua in New Harmony, IN, Chestnut Ridge Dulcimer Festival in
Greenville, PA and many more. Molly has visited numerous dulcimer clubs
in the region to give workshops to club members. The Cincinnati Dulcimer
Society, Paul Pyle Dulcimer Society, Northern Kentucky Dulcimer Society, Bays
Mountain Dulcimer Club and Northern Illinois Dulcimer Society are just a few.
Besides singing and playing the mountain and hammer dulcimers, she plays
the guitar, penny whistle and autoharp. Her recordings include Reds and Blues
(2003), Are We There Yet? (2004), Split the Difference (2005), Molly’s Merry
Musical Mix (2008). Molly will be teaching the Beginner skill level class in
addition to some afternoon electives. For more information on Molly visit:
www.mollymccormack.com
Susan Trump (Advanced Beginner Skill Level
Instructor) is a singer whose gentle voice and story
songs you won’t forget. For years, she has been
winning fans with her singing, her song writing
prowess and her outstanding instrumental skill on
mountain dulcimer, guitar, and banjo. Susan is a
favorite instructor and performer who has taught at
all the major dulcimer festivals and camps throughout
the US. She has written three books for the mountain dulcimer, The Classical
Collection, and Novice Level Chords and Left Hand Fingerings, a CD/instructional
book, and a book of Duets for Dulcimer. She has released four best-selling solo
CD’s, and has produced two volumes of the widely acclaimed CD series, Masters
of the Mountain Dulcimer, and the latest; Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer Play
Music for Christmas.
Now in its third year, she is producing, Lessons in Your Living Room, a monthly
subscription series which includes separate arrangements for novice and
intermediate-and-up level players, back up chords, and duet parts with a
detailed instructional CD.
Jim Miller
(Bowed Dulcimer Skills Instructor) has
been playing and performing traditional music for
the past 35 years. An accomplished instrument
builder and teacher, he has taught workshops at
numerous festivals as well as won many awards for his
musicianship. For twenty years, Jim was the owner of
the Hampton Music Shop, in Hampton, Tennessee,
where he handcrafted over 750 hammered dulcimers.
He has played with Celtic, Bluegrass, Swing, Blues
and Old Time bands, and has done session work on many recordings. In
addition to being an accomplished performer and workshop leader, Jim also
is an enthusiastic jam facilitator who likes to get everyone involved. He
plays guitar, banjo, octave mandolin, bass, steel drum, percussion, autoharp,
hammered and mountain dulcimers as well as his own off-the-wall musical
inventions, which are always entertaining. Jim holds a Master’s degree in
elementary education and has completed the course work for certification in
music education.
He teaches fourth grade at Cloudland Elementary School in Roan Mountain,
Tennessee, where he leads an after school traditional string band program. He
also teaches dulcimer and autoharp in the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country
Music program at East Tennessee State University.
Sue Carpenter (Intermediate Skills Instructor) When
Sue first played a mountain dulcimer in 1981, she was
immediately captivated by its simplicity and challenged
by its fingerpicking possibilities. Her innovative
fingerpicking style has won her many awards including
2005 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion at the
Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS.
As an instrumentalist, Sue is best known for her expressive
style and exceptional technical ability. As a teacher, she is well known for her
challenging, highly organized and intensive methods, nurturing patience, and energetic
enthusiasm, which make learning fun.
Born and raised in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Sue likes to think that her love for the
mountain dulcimer was rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country even before she
knew about dulcimers or their German zither heritage. After years of playing piano
and organ, Sue finally felt “at home” when she picked up a dulcimer for the first time,
knowing that this was the instrument she had been unconsciously searching for all her
life.
Sue wrote and published Patterns and Patchwork, a fingerpicking instruction book, and
Heliotrope Bouquet Tune Book, a companion tab book for her Heliotrope Bouquet CD.
Her second CD is Following the Muse. She is also a featured artist on “Masters of the
Mountain Dulcimer” (Volumes 1 and 3) and National Mountain Dulcimer Champions.
Steve Eulberg (Intermediate Into Advanced Skills
Instructor) earned his Master of Music Education
degree from Boston University where he focused on
teaching folk music on folk instruments. He is the
author of the three volumes in the Dulcimer-Friendly
Worship series, three collections in the Mountain
Dulcimer Orchestra Library and enjoys playing,
arranging and researching the history of folk music,
both sacred and secular.
Steve teaches from his private studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he
lives with his family. He teaches guitar on-line for www.JamPlay.com and is
the Director of Music at the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Colorado State
University, where his spouse is the pastor. His elementary school and
early childhood programs are engaging, informative, uplifting and fun!
Five times he was won prizes at the National Flatpicking Championships
(Winfield, KS) in the mountain dulcimer contest, and is busy teaching and
performing on the festival circuit. His recordings, a piece of it all (2007) and
’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,(2003) were both on the first Grammy ballots
of their respective years. His music has been featured on NPR’s Open Stage and
used as “buttons” for the NPR broadcasts, has been played on United Airline’s
Inflight Audio, and is was featured in the soundtrack of PBS’s RoadTrip Nation.
Steve also is the owner of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. through which he records,
produces and publishes music and hosts the Colorado Dulcimer Festival. He
can be reached at www.owlmountainmusic.com.
Jeff Hames (Advanced Skill Level Instructor) is the
2006 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion and his
original tune, “Music Room Rag” placed in the New
Song Showcase at the Nationals. Jeff has been playing
mountain dulcimer for thirteen years, and for six of
those, he studied with David Schnaufer at the Blair
School of Music in Nashville, TN, who described
Jeff’s playing with three words: “talent, touch and
tone.” Jeff’s music was included in a project for National Geographic and the
Mississippi Department of Education that was used as a teaching tool for schools
in the state of Mississippi. Jeff is known for pushing the envelope and trying
new things on the dulcimer. His workshops are technique-based, and he takes
great satisfaction when someone learns a technique that makes their playing
easier. His website is www.JeffHames.com.
Marsha Harris Morehead City, NC (Dulcimer
Emporium Director and Electives Instructor)
Marsha has played the mountain dulcimer for the past
seventeen years and the bowed dulcimer for seven years. Her varied musical interests include traditional oldtime, Celtic, contemporary, classical, Swedish, Cajun
and original compositions. She plays beautiful, intricate
melodies on the mountain dulcimer and is an excellent
bowed dulcimer player. Her easygoing style in teaching and patience are a favorite
with students. Dulcimer instructors have taught her original composition, ‘Red
Dog’, published in the Dulcimer Folk Association of Connecticut newsletter, to
students for its ease of learning and it can be heard in jam circles.
Marsha’s varied interests are seen in instrumentation as well as genres of music. She
also plays the fiddle, Native American flute and tenor banjo. She is a member of
three music groups, ‘The Bogue Sounds, an eclectic group, and ‘The Carteret Grays’
and ‘The Huckleberry Brothers’, which both play civil war period music. She has taught at various dulcimer workshops in Winston-Salem, Shelby, Kinston,
and WCU Winter Weekend in North Carolina; Lagniappe Festival in Louisiana;
and August Dulcimer Daze in Vermont. Marsha attends fiddle festivals where she uses her ability to learn new tunes by ear
adapting them to the dulcimer and bringing them to the dulcimer community. She
has received several awards and a dulcimer championship in NC. She is a two-time
dulcimer champion at Fiddler’s Grove and her ‘First Teardrop’ composition has
won second place at the Mt. Airy Fiddler’s Convention. To compliment her music
Marsha also is a caller for contra dances and Civil War reenactment balls.
Bob Magowan (Dulcimer Building Class Instructor)
began his luthier career in August, 2000 when he
purchased a mountain dulcimer kit, assembled it and
began to learn how to play it. Following that experience
he started designing and making his own mountain
dulcimers. He currently constructs Magowan Mountain
Dulcimers, which are custom made instruments. Over
the years he has developed an interest in other stringed
instruments by repairing all types of bowed instruments
including violins, violas, cellos, and he has also worked on guitars, mandolins and
concert zithers.
He also, of course, does repair on mountain dulcimers and has acted as “Dulcimer
Doctor” at dulcimer festivals.
To date Bob has built over 100 instruments, mostly mountain dulcimers, but also
pickin’ sticks, cookie can instruments, a mandolin and a number of experimental
instruments. His musical interests include old time and bluegrass music and playing
dulcimer, fiddle, viola, mandolin and tenor guitar.
Erin Rogers (Assistant to Beginner Skills Class) can do more with three strings than
most people can do with six. Audiences are continually amazed as they watch her
fingers fly over the fretboard of her mountain dulcimer. Erin has been playing the
mountain dulcimer for fifteen years, and in that time has developed a mastery of her
instrument which few can match. Her playing combines
technical proficiency with deep musical expression.
Erin’s musical journey began when she started playing
piano at the age of five. She soon discovered that pianos
are not very portable and was given a mountain dulcimer
for her seventh birthday. She taught herself to play,
fell in love with the instrument, and soon developed a
playing style all her own. Erin won the 2004 National
Mountain Dulcimer Championship at the age of seventeen, becoming the youngest
ever to win this title. In 2007, Erin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and
music became an important part of the healing process for her. As a response to this
experience, Erin recorded her first solo album, Quiet Sunshine, in March 2008. She
is now cancer free and desires to share the healing touch of music with others going
through painful trials.
At age twenty-two, Erin has studied old-time, bluegrass, Irish, jazz, and classical
music at the college level. She will graduate with an Associate’s degree in
commercial music from South Plains College (SPC) in May 2010. Erin has
performed extensively, both as a solo artist and as a member of the trio “Scenic
Roots.” She has also been a member of SPC’s prestigious bluegrass ensemble,
“Pickin’ on the Plains,” for two semesters. She teaches mountain dulcimer, piano,
and music theory lessons and workshops. She has been a part of four Scenic Roots
albums, two Modern Mountain Dulcimer albums, and has a song on a Quickstar
Production acoustic compilation.
Erin’s goal is to brighten someone’s day wherever she goes. Her passionate playing
and unique arrangements are sure to do just that.
Jeff Sebens (Dulcimer Doctor) works at the home he
shares with his wife Patricia, at the foot of the Blue
Ridge Mountains in Cana, Virginia. His work has taken
him in a variety of directions. He loves to build unique,
handcrafted instruments. He also teaches individuals
to build and play these instruments. Another creative
direction that he has taken is to perform music with
Barbara Bates Smith. His CD, Quit That Ticklin’ Me
features Jeff on lap and hammered dulcimer with Stanley
Widener on guitar and banjo. A variety of Old Time and Celtic tunes will keep you
listening again and again. Jeff comes to WCU this year as the “Dulcimer Doctor,”
performing minor repairs as needed. He will also be teaching some afternoon
electives. His web site is www.Meadows-Music.com.
Sarah Elizabeth Musgrave (New Players Class Assistant)
is an accomplished performer and songwriter, Sarah
began her journey with music when she was just 6
years old. She became enamored with the mountain
dulcimer after hearing a concert at the Blair School of
Music and started begging for lessons. At first, the late
David Schnaufer (the Professor of Dulcimer at that
time), didn’t know what to make of her request, but after
pestering him for months, he began working with her.
After just a few short months, she earned a scholarship to the Blair School of Music.
Fascinated with the history of this American instrument, she quickly became
knowledgeable about the traditions of Appalachian Music and at the age of nine,
she became the youngest person ever to win the Mountain Dulcimer Championship
at the nationally recognized contest, Uncle Dave Macon Days.
In addition to the old-time music for which she became known, Sarah’s exploration
of the instrument’s capacity to play all types of music have led her to studies with
Garnett Davis of the Blair School of Music, Janita Baker of California, and Ken
Bloom of North Carolina. As a youth scholar, she has also attended three weeklong intensives at Western Carolina University.
She is a much sought-after musician, playing numerous venues throughout the
Southeast including the Frist Center for the Arts, the Country Music Hall of Fame,
the Palace Theater, Murphy Auditorium, Unicoi State Park, Ingram Auditorium,
Paramount Theater for the Arts, and Turner Recital Hall. Sarah has also played on
two Dove-nominated cd’s, The Journey by the Oak Ridge Boys, and Will Play for Pie
by the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri. Visit her at http://www.sarahelizabethmusic.com.
Gary Sager (Assistant For Dulcimer Building Class)
became interested in the Mountain Dulcimer in 1991
after seeing David Schnaufer’s Fischer’s Hornpipe video
on CMT. He built a dulcimer in late 1991, then began
building seriously in 1992 and has been building and
playing since that time. Gary and wife Toni are the
owners of Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music
Shop. They reside in Waverly, Ohio. Gary has taught
playing workshops at Fort New Salem Dulcimer
Festival, Dulcimer Doin’s in Dayton, Ohio, Buckeye Dulcimer Festival in Ashley,
Ohio, The Great River Road Dulcimer Festival in Grafton, Illinois, Yellowbanks
Dulcimer Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky, Chestnut Ridge Dulcimer Festival in
Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and several other local festivals. Gary and Toni have
done occasional performances at some of these festivals. Gary can be heard on Doug
Felt’s A Little of This & A Little of That CD.
Curriculum
You register for Mountain Dulcimer Week by signing up for one of the
following morning Playing Skills or Specialized courses.
These sequential, in-depth courses are the “core” of your week. They take
place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. They provide 13 hours of
sequential, well-balanced instruction with at least one master teacher/player.
The majority of courses focus on providing “Playing Skills.”
Understanding the Morning Skill Courses
These in-depth courses provide a more thorough and relaxed way to learn than
a weekend dulcimer festival (which typically would have a lot of unrelated
short workshops). You also get to know your teacher – and his/her creative
approaches to music – and your teacher gets to know you.
In consideration of all the students in the class, the teacher will progress
through the lesson plan described below for each course. If you need help, most
classes have tutors and will provide some time for individual help. We also
encourage students to get together in non-class times for practice sessions and
friendship.
If you want to learn specific skills or music not in the course plan, the best
opportunity to “personalize” your learning experience is in our afternoon classes
(see ‘Electives’ section). They can provide many opportunities for additional
challenge, reinforcement, and variety of music.
When you sign up for a morning playing course, it’s for the five days (13 hours),
so it’s wise to choose a course with prerequisites, goals and skills taught that suit
you. The registration process fills classes on a first-come-first-registered basis.
Please be aware that some classes fill up quickly. For quality teaching/learning
we limit many classes to 25-30 students, depending on content.
Participants who feel they have made a wrong choice of course may switch
before Tuesday of our week into another course if spaces are available. After this
“settling-in” period of the first day we expect participants to remain in these
sequential courses.
How to Register
1. Take a little time to read the course descriptions and prerequisites so
you can select your morning course carefully.
2. Fill in all the blanks on the Registration Form from that comes with
this catalog, marking “1” for your first choice of course. Also mark “2”
for your second choice in case you’re first choice course is filled up
when your registration is received. Include your payment via check or
credit card as instructed. The fastest route is on-line registration at our
website, http://dulcimer.wcu.edu, but you can also register quickly via
fax or overnight mail.
3. After your registration is received, written confirmation will be sent to
you.
Morning Playing Skills Courses
New Players
Janita Baker with Sarah Elizabeth Musgrave, class assistant/afternoon tutor
No musical or dulcimer-playing experience is necessary for this class; we will be
starting from scratch. The only requirement is a desire to play the dulcimer and
have fun!
The goal of the course is to enable you to play the dulcimer with confidence, and to
give you the desire and fundamentals to continue your musical explorations.
Skills covered will include tuning your dulcimer, playing from tablature (an easy
form of music notation) and by ear, basic right and left hand techniques for both
strumming and fingerpicking, simple left hand embellishments including slides and
pull-offs and hammer-ons and “care and feeding” of the mountain dulcimer.
We will be playing a variety of music including hymns, traditional and classical
arrangements.
Beginners
Molly McCormack with Erin Rogers, class assistant/afternoon tutor
Students will explore a variety of playing techniques, improve strumming and
fingering while learning to play a variety of easy melodies and chords.
Pre-requisites: You should be able to strum and play a few simple tunes. All tunes are
in D-A-d tuning, but extra help will be given to those unfamiliar with this tuning.
We will begin the week with a review of the very basics of tuning, sitting posture,
holding a pick, and strumming and learning some simple tunes. As the week
progresses we will practice playing in time, basic flat-picking and basic chords.
Throughout the week we will practice playing tunes by ear as well as using tablature.
We will explore variations of melodies and focus on playing styles that work for
each individual. Our class focus will be having fun and being relaxed while playing.
Advanced Beginners
Susan Trump
You should have the skills described for beginner level, be able to tune your
dulcimer to DAD tuning, and play a few simple pieces with confidence. The goal
of the class is to help you understand and enjoy your instrument and the music that
you can make! The class will focus on understanding how chords and melodies fit
together, using left hand fingerings and chord shapes to make your playing smooth
and flowing.
We’ll use various strumming patterns to help you establish a strong, rhythmic right
hand. We’ll also explore fingerpicking, and combining strums with individually
picked notes to add texture and interest to your playing. We’ll play in DAD and
DAC tunings and introduce how to use the capo to help you play in different keys.
Repertoire will be varied to include waltzes, hymns, fiddle tunes, Stephen Foster
songs, and music from the British Isles.
Intermediate
Sue Carpenter
Are you ready for the intermediate level? You are if you can play chords using three
fingers; read tablature; embellish using hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and harmonics; are
familiar with different tunings; can strum basic rhythms; and have basic experience in
either fingerpicking/flatpicking.
We will build on the novice level skills and further hone your technical abilities,
personal styles, and knowledge of music theory and your dulcimer. Music will be
arranged for strumming and individual string picking suitable for either fingerpicking
or flatpicking depending on your preference. Repertoire will be varied from around the
world and will serve as a means to teach various skills, topics, and concepts: chordmelody style, arpeggios, playing melodies across the strings and in different octaves,
playing in different keys (with and without a capo), harmonies, rhythms, dynamics and
expression, tips for playing from memory/by ear, and practicing tips to help you smooth
out trouble spots in your playing.
What do you need to bring to the class? First and foremost you’ll need a sense of humor
and an adventurous spirit to explore new possibilities. Other gear to bring to class: music
stand, tuner, capo, extra strings, pencil, highlighter, blank tab paper, and note pad.
The course will be challenging, but Sue will make sure you have fun along the way and
will serve up a healthy dose of nurturing when needed.
Intermediate Into Advanced
Steve Eulberg
This class will build confidence to move outside our comfort zones to deeper
understanding and excellence in musicianship with dulcimer playing! We’ll begin
with solidifying our basic skills and move in a sequential way through a variety of
strategies to grow as musicians who play dulcimers. You will need to be comfortable
with the intermediate level skills described in that class and be ready to move
toward advancement!
Several skills will be addressed including developing left and right hand skills,
learning by ear, chords and harmonies, creative use of a capo, playing in other keys
and transposing written music to fit on your dulcimer, fingerpicking and flatpicking,
enhancing tablature using chords in various voicings, up and down the fretboard
and exploring tunings/styles and minor modes.
Advanced
Jeff Hames
Playing What You Hear: This course is designed to help you use your ear more
effectively in your playing. Playing by ear can help you advance your playing to
a new level and open many other possibilities in your styles and genres of music.
Being able to play what is written is good but to make the songs come to life you
need to feel the music and the best way to do that is to play what you hear and play
what you feel when you hear it.
Student Requirements: Come to class with an open mind. Be able to tune and
retune your dulcimer quickly. Know how to use a capo. Know and be comfortable
with different strum patterns and finger picking. Be able to pick out notes that
you hear being played. Be able to hear chord changes and know where to find the
chords in different places on the fret board. 1 ½ and 8 ½ frets are encouraged but
not required. Be able to play in different keys comfortably. Feel comfortable playing
with others and in front of others. Playing in front of the class may be required. Tab
may not be available for all songs we use since we are working on training our ears.
The instructor encourages those that want to be challenged, but if you do not have
the student requirements for this class you may be more comfortable in another class
that best fits your abilities.
Please feel free to bring a tape recorder. To avoid any copyright issues, the instructor
asks that none of the class material be duplicated or published as a video, recording,
reprinted or copied.
Break down of requirements for students:
1. Know your chords and where to find them on the fret board
2. Know different strum patters (classes not geared to teach you how)
3. Know how to finger pick (classes not geared to teach you how)
4. Know how to tune your dulcimer quickly
5. Be able to hear chord changes
6. Be able to play in front of others
7. Know how to use a capo
8. Have an open mind about your playing
Master Class ★New this year!
Larry Conger
Don’t let the title mislead you. The Master Class is not designed for masters of
the dulcimer ... rather it is intended for those who want to master their dulcimer.
Geared toward intermediate and advanced level players, the Master Class will
give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and command of the
instrument through one on one interaction with the instructor as well as with the
other students in the class.
Participants will be asked to bring 3-4 pieces they have been working on and
play these pieces for Larry while in the presence of the other class members. It is
preferred that these pieces be tabbed out on paper in advance and copies made
available to the instructor. Larry will then provide insight and constructive
recommendations as to how the musical arrangements can be improved, while
allowing the other participants in the class to listen and learn from observation.
Each participant will take a turn playing his/her pieces and being evaluated.
Participants will then be challenged to address the suggestions made in the class
and begin incorporating the ideas into their playing. By the end of the week,
participants will present the same pieces (as time permits) and will be re-evaluated
to determine if the suggestions made in the class were beneficial. This interactive
approach should help each participant to learn from the instructor as well as the
other class members. The ultimate goal will be to give your playing a new direction
and take it to the next level, while instilling confidence in your ability as a player.
The class is not only open to solo players but also to ensembles who are looking
for help or a new direction with their playing. All class participants must be
intermediate or advanced level players, come prepared to play 3-4 pieces each, be
somewhat comfortable playing in front of others, willing to share thoughts and ideas
in a class forum and be open to new ideas and suggestions.
* A limited number of students will be accepted into this class. Master Classes
traditionally ask prospective students to submit a recording of themselves in order
to be considered for the class. The chosen songs for criteria auditions this year are
“September on the Mississippi” and “Southwind.” You may choose one of the two
for your recording. The recording can be in the form of a cassette, CD or MP3 file
and should be sent to Larry at the address shown below no later than May 1. Be sure
to include your e-mail address with your submission so that Larry can contact you.
Larry Conger, PO Box 131, Paris, TN 38242 or Dulcimerican@aol.com
Bowed Dulcimer
Jim Miller
Covers bowing technique and fingerings. Several intermediate songs will be taught
along with harmonies and chords. A bowed instrument is not required, but you
do need a bow. The goal of the course is to improve playing techniques for bowed
dulcimer.
Prerequisites: Some prior experience with bowing technique is helpful, either on
dulcimer, violin, or cello. Beginners to bowing are encouraged to take the Intro to
Bowing elective. Bowed dulcimers are recommended although regular dulcimers
can be modified to accommodate bowing. Teardrop rather that hourglass shaped
instruments are best suited to this modification. Students should bring their own
bow.
Students will learn correct bowing techniques, vibrato, double stops, and scales.
Proper bow hold, string attack, and good tone production will be stressed.
Repertoire will be taken from traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes and waltzes as
well as Scottish and Irish airs and ballads. Melodies and harmonies will be taught for
most pieces with an emphasis on ensemble playing.
Dulcimer Building Class
Bob Magowan with Gary Sager assisting
In this course participants will build a McSpadden Sweet Song dulcimer. Yes,
you can do this even if you have never done any woodworking! Bob will guide
you on each step of the process and will provide all the forms, tools and materials
needed to construct the dulcimer. This is an excellent opportunity for spouses of
mountain dulcimer players or anyone interested in learning the mountain dulcimer
construction process and the satisfaction of playing an instrument you personally
built. You will end up with a well designed, easy-to-play great sounding instrument
that will give you years of satisfaction. If time permits Bob will teach the basics of
playing the dulcimer for those who have never played.
Due to the nature of the course the student will require both the morning and
afternoon sessions to complete the dulcimer. The class will be limited to the first
ten students to enroll.
In addition to the class tuition and other expenses each student will pay a $200 fee
to cover the cost of materials, supplies, tool usage and the forms on which to build
the dulcimer. This fee will be paid to the instructor on the first day of class.
If you have any questions regarding this course Bob can be contacted at
magowandulcimers@comcast.net or by phone: (901) 751-8306.
Dulcimer For Kids ★New this year!
Elaine Conger
The “Harvard” of Dulcimer Workshops will be offering a Kid’s College that will
run concurrently with Dulcimer Week! Bring your children or grandchildren with
you to Dulcimer Week this year because a class will be offered for kids 4th through
8th grade. While you’re enjoying your skills classes, the kids will be building and
decorating their own cardboard dulcimer in addition to learning how to play it.
Other musical activities will include creating instruments using recycled or found
objects. A particular highlight for the kids as part of the week’s curriculum will be
an afternoon of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River!
Dulcimer Ensemble
Larry and Elaine Conger
Enjoy the experience of playing
with others in a group setting.
This class will provide you with
an opportunity to put to use the
skills and techniques you will
be learning in your morning
skills class while offering you a
chance to perform with a group
of your dulcimer friends as part
of a “Dulcimer Orchestra.” The
class is being offered to Dulcimer
Week participants in addition to
the morning skills and afternoon
elective classes. It will take place each afternoon following the elective classes and
before the evening meal, so that it does not conflict with any other classes you may
want to attend. All skill levels are welcome to participate. If you have a baritone or
bass dulcimer, you are encouraged to bring them with you.
Afternoon Two-Hour Elective Classes
Afternoon Electives are offered Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Monday Electives
Newcomer Skills continued from Morning
(Beginner; Sarah Elizabeth – Monday and Tuesday)
A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (Baker) led by tutor, Sarah
Elizabeth.
Beginner Skills continued from Morning
(Beginner; Erin Rogers – Monday and Tuesday)
A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (McCormack) led by tutor,
Erin Rogers.
Beginning Bowed Dulcimer
(Beginner and up; Jim Miller – Monday)
Covers bowing technique and fingering using several simple tunes. You don’t
need a bowed instrument, but do bring a bow if you have one; some loaners will
be available.
Composing Simple Melodies
(All levels; Molly McCormack – Monday)
A step-by-step process for those who want to compose their own melodies but
have been afraid to try.
Lydia, My Lydian
(Intermediate; Jeff Sebens – Monday)
A modern approach to ancient modes.
Singing with the Dulcimer: Developing Accompaniments
(Intermediate; Susan Trump – Monday)
Accompanying a song can be as basic as playing chords and strumming or
creating harmonies or counter melodies using your instrument as a singing
partner. Learn to use different tunings and a capo to fit your voice. Be sure to
bring a pencil with eraser.
Turlough O’Carolan for Dulcimer
(Intermediate/Adv.; Marsha Harris – Monday)
A harpist that wrote beautiful tunes that sound wonderful on the mountain and
bowed dulcimer.
Introduction to Four Equidistant String Dulcimer
(Intermediate/Adv.; Janita Baker – Monday)
Explore the pleasure, ease and benefits of playing with four equidistant strings. The session will cover how to convert three string songs into four and what
advantages alternate tunings can offer. (Students will need a dulcimer set up
with four strings tuned DAAd.)
Familiar Hymn Tunes
(Intermediate/Adv.; Larry Conger – Monday)
Solo style arrangements of well-known hymns from the Christian faith in DAd
tuning.
Jim Croce on the Mountain Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv; Steve Eulberg – Monday)
“Time in a Bottle” (DAC) and “Operator” (DAd)
Fingerpickers “Duet” Better
(Intermediate/Adv; Sue Carpenter – Monday)
Trade melody and harmony in duets of “Westphalia Waltz” and “Ned of the
Hill” arranged for finger-picking.
Tuesday Electives
Newcomer Skills continued from Morning Elective
(Beginner; Sarah Elizabeth – Monday and Tuesday)
A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (Baker) led by tutor, Sarah
Elizabeth.
Beginner Skills continued from Morning Elective
(Beginner; Erin Rogers – Monday and Tuesday)
A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (McCormack) led by tutor,
Erin Rogers.
World Rhythms (All levels; Jim Miller – Tuesday)
Introduction to percussion for dulcimer players.
I Think I Hear Banjammer Music! (All levels; Mike Clemmer – Tuesday)
A demonstration of the banjammer by its creator, Mike Clemmer, owner of
Wood-n-Strings in Townsend, TN.
Intro to Bowed Dulcimer
(Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Tuesday)
Learn basic bowed dulcimer skills including bowing
techniques and hand positions. Ever wanted to play fiddle? A standard bowed dulcimer plays an octave lower than the
fiddle and can really add to your dulcimer group.
Stephen Foster Songs
(Intermediate; Gary Sager – Tuesday)
Repertoire class with music from a great American
Folk composer.
Hornpipes and Sea Chanteys
(Intermediate; Sue Carpenter – Tuesday)
Have some fun flat-picking hornpipes and strumming sea chanteys.
Intermediate Q & A with Jeff Hames
(Intermediate and up; Jeff Hames – Tuesday)
Time devoted especially to all those burning questions you’ve been waiting to
ask the Mountain Dulcimer Champion of 2006.
Four-String Fingerpicking Repertoire (Intermediate Adv; Janita Baker – Tuesday)
After being introduced to Four String Dulcimer, continue on by learning how
this equidistant tuning facilitates smoother, easier, and more melodic playing in
a variety of styles.
Designing a Dulcimer (All levels; Jeff Seibens – Tuesday)
A wide ranging discussion of what options you might want to consider as you
shop for a dulcimer or have one built for you.
DGD Tuning
(Intermediate; Susan Trump – Tuesday)
A basic introduction to playing in the key of G. We’ll find out what the notes
are, where the chords are, some easy harmony patterns and a few tunes. You
may find it easier to sing with this tuning!
Wednesday Electives
Shaped-Note Singing: 4 Shapes
(All; Dr. Will Peebles – Wednesday)
An introduction and overview of the 4-shape system of music as used in the
Sacred Harp hymnals.
Finger Picking and Flat Picking
(Beginner; Jeff Hames – Wednesday
Learn two techniques using simple songs that can enhance your music playing
skills (bring capo).
No Need for Paper
(Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Wednesday
Fiddle tunes are traditionally learned by ear; learn to play without the use of
tab. A recording device may be helpful.
Is a 1 1/2 fret for you? (Adv. Beginner/Intermediate; Jeff Seibens – Wednesday)
A look at the possibilities that adding a 1 1/2 fret opens up and how to use it. Several instruments will be available for students to try out.
Major Beauty, Minor Melodies
(Adv. Beginner and up; Sue Carpenter – Wednesday)
Learn to play several lovely tunes in the keys of Am, Bm, and Em in DAD
tuning.
Bum-Diddy: Right Hand Technique
(Intermediate; Erin Rogers – Wednesday)
An in-depth look at the all-important but oft’ neglected right hand.
Fish Ain’t Bitin’
(Intermediate; Steve Eulberg – Wednesday)
And other blues in DAd.
Chromatic Dulcimer
(Intermediate/Adv; Sara Elizabeth – Wednesday)
Come and explore all those extra in between notes a chromatic dulcimer gives
you and see all the doors they open up.
Groovin’ on the Bass Dulcimer
(Intermediate/Adv; Elaine Conger – Wednesday)
Get your groove on by exploring the fun sounds you can make on the bass
dulcimer.
Classical Arrangements
(Adv., Janita Baker – Wednesday)
Arrangements of classical pieces for fingerpicking, flatpicking, or strumming.
Learning to Listen
(Adv. Beginner/Intermediate; Jim Miller – Wednesday)
Introduction to aural skills for the mountain dulcimer
Thursday Electives
Songs and History of Appalachia
(All levels; Susan Trump – Thursday)
Athorough retrospective of how the people who developed the dulcimer used
it to play and accompany the rich style of music they brought with them from
their Scottish/British homeland. Students will listen to field recordings and
British recordings of songs and compare how they have changed and adapted
over the years. Songs used will be in DAA, DAd, DAc, or capo-ed.
Shaped-Note Singing: 7 Shapes
(All; Dr. Will Peebles – Thursday)
A discussion and comparison/contrast of the 7-shape system used in the
Christian and Southern Harmony traditions as opposed to the 4-shape system
explored on the previous day.
Hear-a-Chord, There-a-Chord (All; Elaine Conger – Thursday)
Learn how to distinguish chord changes when you’re in a jam…or jelly!
Adding to Your Repertoire and Learning the Fret Board
(Beginner; Jeff Hames – Thursday)
Students will become more skillful with the higher number frets and learn how
much fun they can be (bring capo).
Easy Waltzes
(Beginner; Gary Sager – Thursday)
Easy waltz tunes for the beginning player.
Celtic Rhythms
(Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Thursday)
Learn and feel the music of a jig, reel, and a hornpipe.
Advanced Beginner Coaching
(Adv. Beginner; Jeff Seibens – Thursday)
Obtain additional personalized instruction or refine the skills you’ve been
taught in the morning sessions.
Calypso Melodies
(Intermediate; Molly McCormack – Thursday)
Unusual melodies from the islands that have that great rhythmic beat.
Classical Dulcimer
(Intermediate; Sarah Elizabeth – Thursday)
Demystify classical music on the mountain dulcimer through exploring familiar
melodies and chamber style music.
Jam Session Skills
(Intermediate/Adv.; Erin Rogers – Thursday)
Specific tips for jamming outside of dulcimer circles. Discussion will include
playing in different keys, back-up, improvising solos, having tunes ready to lead,
and more for coping in a multi-instrument jam session.
All That Jazz! (Advanced; Steve Eulberg – Thursday)
FAC/DAF# (1-3-5) tuning opens up a chromatic world of possibilities for rich
chords, melodic lines and fun…all on a standard dulcimer with no extra frets!
Special Features
Be a Volunteer
Just check off the “Volunteer” space on the Registration Form. You’ll help your
teachers by doing such things as tending sales tables at the Dulcimer Emporium
or other opportunities that might arise. The work is “non-hazardous” and fun.
We’ll schedule your times so they won’t interfere with your classes.
Sunday Get-Acquainted Banquet
6 p.m., July 18, Hinds University Center. A sumptuous buffet banquet awaits
you as you dine with faculty and other participants. The banquet will be
followed by Folk Dance Mixers and Contra dances. If you are not staying on
campus, or if you want to bring a guest, you will need to purchase a ticket for
$16 each in advance on the enclosed Registration Form. This meal is included
if you are staying on campus.
New Intimate Evening Concerts
Multiple concerts will take place each evening Monday-Wednesday at various
locations throughout Norton Hall Dorm. The idea is to allow participants to
get “up close and personal” with their favorite instructor/performer in small
intimate settings perhaps allowing for short Q & A sessions. A sign-up process
will be available at check-in when you arrive on Sunday. You’ll perhaps be able
to hear your favorite performer more than once throughout the week!
Jam Sessions
This year we are offering fewer organized jams but allowing for time to be
spontaneous with your friends who want to play music with you. From 3- 4 p.m.
each day, anyone who wishes will have the option of starting their own informal
jam in the dorm lobbies. Then from 4-5 p.m. each afternoon, there will be an
instructor led jam. There will also be opportunities to join an informal jam in
the dorm lobbies each evening after the concerts have ended.
Official WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week CD
Outstanding performances from our concerts featuring 20 of the world’s best
dulcimer players. Traditional Appalachian, Celtic, religious, swing, blues, jazz,
Hawaiian, and contemporary music. $15 for 60 minute recording.
New Showcase Concert Venue
The Thursday evening concert will feature our core instructors on-stage at
the same time performing some of their most popular arrangements “in-theround.” This format will allow for more music to be heard and less time in
setting the stage between performers. This year’s performance will be held in
the new state-of-the-art Fine and Performing Arts Center on the WCU campus.
Experience outstanding art in an unforgettable location.
New Emporium
This year the Dulcimer Emporium (formerly the Dulcimer Marketplace) will
be conveniently housed inside the lobby of Norton Residence Hall. This will
allow the Emporium to be open and staffed during more assessable and flexible
hours including the evening hours while you’re in the residence hall. The
general public is welcome in addition to all Dulcimer Week participants. A host
of vendors is expected to display their products along with instructor’s books
and CD’s. If you are interested in being a vendor, limited space is available on
a first come-first serve basis and is restricted to dulcimer related products. If you
are interested in being a vendor, please contact Larry Conger at tndulciman@
aol.com or call 731-644-3110.
Dulcimer Raffle
A dulcimer has been graciously donated by Jim and Betty
Woods of McSpadden Mountain Dulcimers in Mountain
View, Arkansas for the purpose of a raffle. Everyone who
enters the raffle will have an opportunity to win this
beautiful instrument.
New! Special Wednesday Night Excursion
to “Unto-These-Hills”
Take advantage of this special “add-on” to see a performance of one of
America’s longest-running outdoor dramas. “Unto-These-Hills” will be
celebrating its 61st season in nearby Cherokee, NC. The new show has been
reconcepted to better portray the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical
perspective. The updated version traces the Cherokee people through the
aeons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail
of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee
people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their
place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern
sensibilities. Transportation by motor coach is provided in your ticket price, but
seating is limited.
Eight Scholarships Available
Western Carolina University is proud
to offer four adult scholarships and
four youth scholarships* (ages 9-17)
for 2010. The adult scholarships will
cover the cost of tuition ($299) and
the youth scholarships will cover ALL
costs including tuition, housing and
meals. If you or someone you know
deserves to be considered for one of
these scholarships, here’s what you
need to do:
1. Write to: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE, C/O WCU Continuing
Education, 138 Camp Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 OR e-mail Hensley@
wcu.edu.
2. Tell us why the person should be considered (financial need, special
circumstances, unique opportunity, etc.). We are especially looking for how the
Mountain Dulcimer has impacted their life AND what the person hopes to do
with the skills learned.
3. Multiple factors will be considered in determining the allocation of
scholarships.
4. Notification of winners will be made by April 16. The deadline for receiving
applications will be April 1.
5. Be sure to include the applicant’s full name, address, phone, and email
(include parent information if youth).
*Youth scholarship recipients must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
who must register as a participant or non-participant and pay for their portion
of a double occupancy housing and meal plan.
Is There a Doctor in the House?
Yes, once again we will have an expert repair person on call to assist you
with any dulcimer repairs or upgrades that you might require. Jeff Sebens, an
experienced luthier from Virginia will be available each day in Norton Hall to
change strings, add frets or strap buttons, repair tuners or set the action on your
dulcimer. Just drop by Jeff’s booth in the Dulcimer Emporium to discuss your
needs and make arrangements to have the work done.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Credits
CEUs are available when you attend WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week.
Interested teachers should contact their local school board for prior approval
for Teacher Certificate Renewal Credit. Contact Bobby Hensley at WCU for
details and sign up on enclosed registration form.
Tourism
The area surrounding Western Carolina University abounds in scenic wonders
and excellent outdoor activities. If you would like to plan vacation days before
or after Mountain Dulcimer Week, you can find some excellent tourism links on
our website, http://dulcimer.wcu.edu, or the Smoky Mountain Host organization
at http://www.visitsmokies.org or 1-800-432-HOST.
WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center
Don’t miss this! The Heritage Center is located on campus on the first floor of
the H.F.R. Administration Building. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through
Friday, and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. It is a museum that celebrates
the rich traditions of the southern Appalachian mountains and has fascinating
exhibits. Mountain Heritage Center website:http://www.wcu.edu/2389.asp.
Come Back Next Winter
Our cozy gathering at the historic Terrace Hotel
on Lake Junaluska is a great reunion for our
participants and a fine way to musically brighten
up the winter. More details after you arrive in
Cullowhee.