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Notes-a-la-Mode
Notes for Dulcimer Folks
Winter (February 2012) Keith Young, editor, 3815 Kendale Rd. Annandale, VA 22003
Tel: 703-941-1071, email: keith@AppalachianDulcimers.com
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It doesn't feel much like winter but it's here. It is time to work on our new years resolutions and get things done that need to be done. I have been cleaning up my backlog of dulcimer orders, learning new songs for the Band and organizing our spring group lesson. In addition I designed and built mountain dulcimer stands that I can sell for $40. Check them out.
The really big news is The Mill Run Dulcimer Band released their eleventh album, Roses and Memories and also celebrated the 35th year anniversary of the Band with a free concert December 10. All the old members (excuse me, former members) of the Band came to join in the celebration. What a party. Kit will tell you about it in her own words.
Mill Run's Magical Moment By Kit Putnam
After a year and a half of practicing, recording, designing, planning and preparing, a time for festivities finally came. On the evening of December 10th everything fell into place for a celebration of the Band's new CD Roses and Memories, and also--though it doesn't seem possible--of its 35th anniversary and grand reunion with the “old” band members. Veteran band member Robin Gaiser made the trip from Asheville NC, Terry Houff from Bridgewater VA, Neal Walters from Greencastle PA, and Woody Padgett from Springfield VA. We all, present and past members, converged on Keith and Mary's house for a yummy lunch and catching up on everyone's news. Then, off to Friendship United Methodist Church where we set up and fell to rehearsing like mad, not sure if our brains were up to the task of performing songs we hadn't all played together for twenty years. Talk about nerves--and excitement.
Keith, with help from communications whiz Wanda Gardner, had put the word out and we were just hoping that a few of our fans might show up to help us mark the occasion. Imagine our joy when, just before beginning the concert, we looked out to see close to 200 expectant faces in the audience. Now the heat was really on.
The current Band started the program with a set of songs from our new CD, a sampling of new and old, silly and serious, familiar and
faraway. Keith tickled our funny bones with “Boys, She's a Daisy” and Kit did the same with “A Woman Who's Aged”. Kathleen's version
of “Faded Coat of Blue,” as it always does, turned our thoughts to longing and loss. Judy gave us a good serving of the nostalgia we love
so much with “Love at the Five and Dime” and Dave heaped it on with his original song “North Dakota Farmer.” Happy endings or sad ones,
we cherish the small dramas imbedded in the old songs which become fresh with every singing.
Click here for a slide show from rehearsal
All photos by Lisa Houff
All that emotion can make you plenty hungry. So, intermission to the rescue. Imagine the happy hubbub with hugs all around, the meeting and greeting of musicians, families, friends and fans. Picture the auditorium and the groaning board in the kitchen decorated with fresh greens and roses--looking and smelling like a medieval banquet hall. See the revelers filling their plates with homemade goodies and their cups with hot cider. Think of the fun of browsing among the recordings both by the Band and by the Band alumni who have not by any means been gathering musical moss since they left for other locales.
Party time over, the second set began. What a homecoming of the heart as we launched into a musical retrospective. We began with offerings of the five original members, worked our melodic way through later configurations and ended with a grand ensemble of band members old and new. We were both stunned and elated by the swirl of recollections that each song brought to us—not just of the tunes, the words and the arrangements but of the people we were and the times and places we had known together. How could we not be transported by the eerie modal sound of “Pretty Little Dog” or the longing of “Time Has Made a Change in Me” sung like the old brother duets? How could we not smile at the patient barnyard critters in “Georgia Railroad,” “Old Jack,” and “Will There be Chickens in Paradise”? A nd how could we not be uplifted by the ties of friendship in “The Trumpet Vine” and the hope of heaven in “Prettiest Flowers”? As the program drew to a close, there was a surprise treat for audience and band alike as Robin read her charming story of the newest Christmas angel—Leon (if you weren't there, ask us). And for the happiest, most nostalgic holiday send-off we threw ourselves into a rousing version of “Christmas Time's A-Comin'”.
And so, with reluctant goodbyes we parted ways to tend to our separate lives. But I think we all realized that for many years we had been and still are part of a unique musical alliance, one that in many ways was and is a small miracle. And then for a few hours we, with our families and friends, had recaptured the miracle and celebrated it--a magical moment that would warm our bones for a long time to come.
Group lessons in Mountain Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer and Guitar will be starting April 9, 2012 at Friendship Church in Falls Church.
There are six classes of instruction. The seventh session is a recital where each class plays 2 or 3 tunes that they have learned.
You can learn more about it by looking over the Group Lessons in this web site. Click on: classes
The Labor Day musical weekend at Cedarville State Forest came off without a hitch. Despite predictions of rain
in the area, we got none. The temperature was not hot, nor was it too cold. Everything was just right. We played
music day and much of the night, ate well and had a good time. We will do it again Memorial Day Weekend in the
spring. Here are a few pictures of some of the goings on. Click on the picture for a slide show.
Click here for a slide show
E-mail Keith Young: keith@appalachiandulcimers.com
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