Judy House chatting with Christy Hamrick after class.
A Fun Day for All
I began taking dulcimer lessons from Judy Hefner House last summer, after discovering her on the Camel City Strummers Facebook page. Judy, along with her husband, Kirk House are accomplished musicians, teaching and playing the dulcimer in many different venues from Pennsylvania to Alabama to Indiana.
Together, they direct and lead the music for the Camel City Strummers-Dulcimer Club, which sponsors the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival each year. This year marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of the festival. In recognition of Judy and Kirk’s dedication, vision, and leadership, they were presented a plaque of appreciation by the club.
I had the privilege of attending this year and not only made new friendships, but learned new techniques and melodies from gifted clinicians. My first session was with Lorinda Jones. Lorinda is multi-talented, accomplished in both the dulcimer and harp. For the morning session, she taught the upper-intermediate level. Melodies such as All the Way to Galway and Love Will You Marry Me? could be heard drifting down the halls. Other clinicians were Melanie Johnston, Aaron O’Rourke, Judy Hefner House and Carol Crocker.
At the end of the day everyone was invited to attend the free concert in the beautiful setting provided by Hope Presbyterian Church. The concert did not disappoint, with each clinician showcasing slow melodic tunes to fast and furious ones. If you play the dulcimer, or perhaps are considering it for the first time, plan to attend the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival next year. You’ll be glad you did.
Do you play the dulcimer? How long have you played and how did you learn? Leave comments below, message on Facebook or email at dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
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