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.

Dan Evans plays Silent Night

 

Dan Evans playing “Silent Night” below was our December 2021 Video of the Month. It provides such an exceptional opportunity to study this virtuoso’s picking close up that it is presented here again for all finger-picking fans to enjoy and for your listening pleasure in case you missed it last year. By the way, Dan’s stunning photography informs the slide show. If you’d like to see more of Dan, visit English-dulcimer.com. He is currently working on his new album “A Walk in the Woods” and has been kind enough to share his new composition, “Pixie’s Waltz” for our listening pleasure. For the dulci-curious, he’s playing in DAA.

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.

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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.”

McSpadden Dulcimer Front
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Mountain Dulcimers for Sale: 1 Mark Edelman, 1 Black Mountain

Friend of the GODC John Hill has two mountain dulcimers for sale. John writes: “The first is a Mark Edelman 4 string dulcimer. No 6/12 fret, 28” string length. It is in excellent condition with a very few cosmetic marks. It has high quality Grover tuners and the sale includes a fiberboard- style case. I am asking $195.” If you are interested, call John at 615 419 7691, or e-mail him at jhill_phd@comcast.net

Edelman dulcimer for sale

Edelman dulcimer for sale

Back of Edelman dulcimer

Back of Edelman dulcimer

“Below is a Black Mountain 4 string dulcimer. It is rather plain but it has a pleasant tone and sustain. Effective string length is 26 inches. It has the 6 1/2 fret installed. I am asking $100.”

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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

News from Yoshie by Judy Beier

Greetings from Yoshie who is now in Timor-Leste:

As Corona virus pandemic is on the news headlines, my thoughts are with you.
Is everyone around you all right?
How is the situation in Nashville?

Masami and I safely arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste on Thursday last week.
We do not have a direct flight from Tokyo, so we had to stay overnight in Dempasar (Bali, Indonesia) and take a LCC flight (as this is the only flight connecting Dili to other parts of the world).
We were a bit worried because we had so many luggage, but everything was all right.
Dili is a beautiful place; a tropical island. Our Embassy and Ambassador's residence is located on the seaside boulevard, pretty closed to the U.S.Embassy.
So the view from the terrace of our place is just magnificent!
I love the view of the blue ocean and Atauro island just in front of us.
The climate is tropical; hot and humid. As we are still in rainy season, it rains everyday in the late afternoon.
We had a unprecedented rainfall last Friday evening and the town was badly affected by the inundation.
Even the President's palace was inundated and damaged, so Masami's Presentation of the Credential Ceremony (official recognition as Ambassador of Japan by the President)was postponed!

This is a developing country, so the life is not easy. We have difficult time shopping what we need, but slowly, we are getting used to our new life here.
The Timorese in general are very kind, relaxed and happy people and our Embassy staff are all very nice.
I am grateful for that.

I brought my dear dulcimer with me. It had to be checked-in during our travel, but the Airline people were kind enough to take good care of it and it is in perfect condition! I am so relieved.

I will write more when I find time.
Love,
Yoshie

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

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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?"

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Appreciate all those who participated and supported the event.