How does “Bile Dem Cabbage Down” sound when a group of about 30 dulcimer players becomes an orchestra?  Dinah Ansley, our coordinator, taught us! The Club launched a short session she calls “Becoming an Orchestra” on chording at different positions on the fretboard as our March jam session took on a different look with the additions of some learning opportunities.

Becca Chalam, club secretary, warmly welcomed all, including visitors. She remarked to the visitors that the club membership covers much of Central Virginia, from Woodstock, VA in the north to Bridgewater and Waynesboro on the I-81 corridor, and east to Charlottesville and Ruckersville.

The Pride of the Blue Ridge foursome, including members of the club’s leadership, hosted the March 14 jam session at the Studio at the Bridgewater Retirement Village Community with some lovely tunes they have arranged into parts for fingerpicking. Their versions of “Celtic Melodies” and ”September on the Mississippi” were especially sweet. 

A second presentation by Brian McReynolds taught us the names and purposes of different parts of our dulcimers. We learned that a dulcimer has no “neck,” but it does have a head and a tail, and the “nut” on our fretboard does not look like a metallic nut at all, but rather guides the strings to the tuners on the head of the instrument. 

Lori Lineweaver, our intrepid webmaster, taught us a song by the Carter Family, “Give Me the Roses,” in four parts arranged by Tull Glazener. Then Phyllis Gaskins and Jim Alberts played some duets of “Forked Deer” and “Mississippi Sawyer” on Galax dulcimer and a dulcimer made by David McKinney of Modern Mountain Dulcimers. Phyllis is recognized as the foremost expert on Galax-style mountain dulcimer playing. Jim is preparing for a dulcimer competition.

The new format was a hit!  “I liked the variety of ways to learn: performances for each group, a focus on skill development, a chance for individual performances, and everyone playing tunes together,” said Penny Reighart, leader of the Charlottesville DulciCats.

The meeting concluded with our usual jam of favorites from the Dave Haas songbook and a few announcements.  Phyllis Gaskins has sold the rights to her songbooks to Folkcraft, and the Club officers have new mentees training with them.  Dues are now $10, and Treasurer Patsy Kislek is looking for her replacement.  Thanks to all who prepared this joyful jam!  

Our next meeting is May 18, 1:30 pm, at the Studio in Bridgewater, hosted by the DulciCats of Charlottesville.