Our interests lie in learning, promoting and supporting dulcimer activities for all skill levels of players, as well as education and information for the general public.
- We offer workshops staffed by nationally recognized dulcimer instructors.
- We sponsor monthly jams for both “seasoned” players and “newbie” players.
- We post information on dulcimer festivals and gatherings in Virginia & in nearby states.
- We play during the summer on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Mountain Farm (milepost 6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) on the Second and Fourth Sundays, 2 – 4 pm, Weather permitting
Our club loves to perform for others, and several smaller groups within our club are also available. Contact our club email (email) if interested in scheduling dulcimer music for an event. Sweet String Sisters (Contact info here) are also available for performances.
December Jam at Bridgewater’s Maple Terrace
For our First Saturday in December Jam in Bridgewater, we gathered on the balcony to play carols as residents and visitors listened from below. It was a great way to celebrate the holiday season together!
Annual Club Picnic at Grand Caverns, October 5, 2019
After an unseasonably warm week, the day of our picnic dawned chilly and remained that way! We were thankful for Mike’s crockpot of macaroni (and his red velvet cake, too!), for Joan’s spectacular salad, the ham, snack mix, and myriad of other goodies that were shared! A dozen folks were they, and the sun shone while we jammed before lunch. Thanks to Dinah for leading the slow jam!
Tull Glazener’s Workshop, September 21, 2019
What a wonderful day – three multi-part workshops with Tull, ending with the class playing “Go in Peace” as the prelude to Tull’s evening concert. As always with our instructor concerts, it was a real treat! Thanks, Tull!
“Sum of the Parts” – there’s something magic that happens when a like-minded group of musicians gets together to play. The “whole” truly is greater than the sum of its parts! We spent the day working on the skills and techniques needed to “play well with others” as we worked through a number of multi-part ensemble arrangements. We were thrilled to “open” Tull’s concert Saturday evening with his multipart arrangement of “Go Now In Peace”.
Read more about Tull and his music at his website: http://www.tullglazener.com/
Don Pedi held a 7 pm Friday evening house concert at Tom and Jan Scanlan’s in Harrisonburg, and Saturday workshop sessions! Don’s Website: www.donpedi.com
Thanks to Bret Kellihan for the photos below!
We learned Fun Old-Time Songs and Tunes and Traditional Sacred Songs & Ballads.
BRMDP Club Members at Ferrum’s Crooked Road Dulcimer Festival
This year, eight members of our club were able to attend the Crooked Road Dulcimer Festival, and they had a great time playing, attending classes, and just being together! It was a treat to hear 6 club members perform during the sharing time on Sunday.
Anna Stockdale, who was a Virginia Folklife Apprentice to mentor Phyllis Gaskins this year, performed a Galax-style tune Sunday morning.
A group of five members (The Pride!) played Sue Carpenter’s arrangement of Skye Boat.
Dulcimer Master Bing Futch Returned to Nellysford to lead workshops on May 4:
Many folks will remember the wonderful concert Bing Futch gave us in 2018. We’re delighted that he planned a return visit on May 4.
A dynamic and entertaining performer, Bing has become a nationally known musician. Although the mountain dulcimer is his principal instrument, Bing often incorporates the Native American flute and the ukulele into his programs as well. When he’s not on the road making and teaching music, Bing and his wife, Jae, live in Florida – but he’s gone a lot. Travels during 2019 are taking him to Michigan, Indiana and Illinois, as well as many sites closer to home. And on his way between festivals in Pennsylvania and appearances back home in Florida, he’s making a stop here in Afton and Nellysford.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
What fun to have guest Tim Toth with us for our February Jam in Fishersville! Come back soon, Tim!
Our December 15, 2018 Holiday Concert was fun for all!
Our September 22, 2018 Fall Picnic was re-scheduled due to the weather brought on by Florence, but the following weekend, the floods had receded and we had a lovely time under the pavilion at Grand Caverns Park! The food, as usual, was a treat!
Club members played at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway every 2nd and 4th Sunday in summer and fall of 2018, weather permitting.
For the third year, we had some club members participate in the Sing Me High Musical Festival at Valley Brethren Mennonite Heritage Center, on the porch of the Log House.
More than 20 players participated in Joe Collins August 4 Workshop, and 6 new players joined in learning about the dulcimer in Dinah Ansley’s Beginner Workshop. (We were negligent in getting a photo during the afternoon workshop – this was taken right before supper, so missed a number of players! Sorry!)
About 25 club members were able to participate in Dave Haas’ Workshops on May 19, 2018.
Eight club members provided the January 14, 2018 Vesper program at Lantz Chapel in Bridgewater Retirement Community, led by Fletcher Bingham.
Our 2016 Fall Picnic was held at Grand Caverns Park in Grottoes, and was an opportunity for sharing of good music, visiting and wonderful food! Thanks to all who participated the the”showcase”.
In 2016, summer Sunday afternoons found Club members strumming on the porch of Joe Clark’s Cabin at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Group members played on the 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons from 2 -4 pm, in summer and early fall months.
Our 2015 Fall Club Dinner and Jam took place in Port Republic.
We were invited to play at the Royal Oaks Music Festival in July 2015, and enjoyed the afternoon there!
Club Members also play at area retirement and nursing homes, churches, Farmer’s Markets, hospitals, historic sites and numerous other venues.
Blue Ridge Mountain Dulcimer Players Club 