Jackie Joins the Sweet Music Community

Jackie has played wind instruments before finding the dulcimer. She and Lynne attended an Elderhostel in Vermont and were taught the East of the Rockies standard tuning of DAA. They are learning the Myxolydian tuning of DAD in our Oregon country. Some of us use a capo to change keys, and are exploring other ways of enlarging our capabilities without retuning.

Because Carole, our resident luthier, has given some of us frets at the 1 and 1/2 place we can play in the key of "C" while tuned to "D." This little wooden box is an endless source of discovery!

We are thrilled to welcome Jackie to our group. Those of us who have not been to the Monday eve session, are excited about meeting her in person.

Do any of you have any photos of yourselves playing you can send to me to add to the blog? Great fun to see the action.....we can include videos too you know.

New Stuff!

NEW PLAYER.................Welcome Lynn

NEW CLASS.................A new beginner's class has just started at Sally's home in North Valley. For anyone interested in learning the dulcimer, with or without a music background, give Sally a call at 218-8379 for directions and information. This group meets on Monday evenings.

NEW BOOK.................We have decided to do a group order for a collection of Christmas Music. Favorite Christmas Carols for the Mountain Dulcimer (and Friends) Helen Johnson has a number of books available. You can read about her offerings on the net at http://www.helenjohnson.biz/. Sally is placing an order for the group. Get in touch with her if you decide you want any of these materials.

The Wednesday evening group will move back to meeting at Marilyn's either the 17th, or the 24th. Call Madelyn or Marilyn to find the location for this coming Wednesday.

Phall Phenomenon

Only Marilyn was missing today from our gathering. We hear that she is finding all sorts of things "dulcimer" in Kentucky.This was a two guitar day with Lynn's visiting friend. Her other friend brought her listening skills to share. It was very pleasant meeting Rose and (sorry -- forgotten the other name.)
We've come a long way baby. Years ago, in desperation, Carole and I listed ourselves in the Dulcimer Players News as a club. We were. Any two gathered in the name of music -- can be a club. Camp Crescendo was the ONLY group listed to be active in Oregon. We did find a few compatriots through that help....none that stayed with it...but we did enjoy meeting new folks.

Usually wild growth occurs in the spring..............we are having ours now. There have NEVER been this many people in any room in Grants Pass -- that we know of-- gathered in the name of dulcimer! Fourteen people making sweet music. Thank you all for keeping alive a uniquely American instrument.

Be-ribboned and Holding Certificates

Wednesday is music and dance day for all of these gals. They gather to learn clogging in the AM --- and dulcimer in the PM.







Wendy's smile says it all. She is now proudly a Certified Dulcimist.







Joy's selection to play for us was Waltzing Matilda.



Trish actually built herself a dulcimer years ago. She keeps the group "honest" rhythmically, by playing banjo backup. She also adds another voice to the ensemble with her harmonica.


Sally is adding dulcimer to her list of musical skills. She already plays the violin.



Breda is able to play piano by ear and is learning the mandolin.

The newest group of "Sweet Music Makers" celebrate their
acheivement. Breda, Trish, Wendy, Joy, and Sally, are flanked by their instructors Marilyn, and Madelyn.

Carole is the real genesis of this group. She started building dulcimers many, many years ago. Lots of us play the three string model that she creates.






Breda and Bob offered not only their family room to us for the event, but also an opportunity to swim in their delightful pool.

Trish added banjo and harmonica to the list of instruments we were treated to hearing. She gave evidence of remarkable presence of mind as Cha Cha(Breda's dog,) stood on the back of the chair, and breathed into her ear as she was performing.

Alumni who play not only mountain dulcimer, but also hammered dulcimer, turned out to welcome new players into the community. Shan also plays harmonica and sings. Dean plays the organ too.

The M AND M School of Dulcimer Instruction produced not only a host of new musicians...but also this attractive program for the ceremony.

Class Motto..........."When you learn, teach. When you get, give." Maya Angelou