Western Carolina University is accepting registrations for its 10th annual Mountain Dulcimer Week, to be held June 21-26.
“The mountain or Appalachian dulcimer is a stringed instrument that was developed by the pioneers who settled the Southern Appalachian Mountains,” said Lois Hornbostel, Mountain Dulcimer Week director. “It is easy to learn to play simply, and for those who develop more advanced skills, beautiful virtuosic music can be played on the instrument.” The week will feature mountain dulcimer performers, authors, recording artists, educators and national champion players. Special guests this year are Joe Hickerson, former head of the Library of Congress Archive of Folk Song; Wilfried Ulrich, internationally known builder of hummels, the German ancestor of the Appalachian dulcimer; and Ralph Lee Smith, a foremost historian on the mountain dulcimer. Beginner classes offer loaner dulcimers for those who do not have an instrument. People who already play mountain dulcimer can learn more techniques and music, choosing from intermediate or advanced classes. Courses include “Traditional Music for the Mountain Dulcimer,” “Playing the Bowed Dulcimer” and “Build Your Own Dulcimer.” Afternoon activities include skills coaching and classes in different musical styles such as Renaissance, Celtic, old-time and Cajun music. Evening concerts, open to the public, will take place on June 23, 24 and 25. Each performance will be at 7 p.m. Admission to the concerts is free for registered participants. For others, admission is $12 for each night or $25 for three nights. Students and those under age 20 pay $5 per performance. A variety of accommodation packages including meals and single or double rooms at WCU’s Norton Road Residence Hall are available for participants.
Registration will be open until June 9, and early registration is recommended. Online registration and more information is available at http://dulcimer.wcu.edu or call (828) 227-7397 or toll free (800) 928-4968.
