THE BUCKEYE DULCIMER FESTIVAL

 

Make plans now for Buckeye #23 ... March 5 - 9, 2014

Join us on Facebook ...          

 

BDF '13 - Class Showcase

Class Showcase at Buckeye has become a special experience for everyone thanks to Dorothy Buchanan.  Dorothy has been responsible for organizing and
running all our open stages including the Class Showcase.  She came up with a quick and non-threatening way for all
classes to present a sample of what their learning experience. 

For pictures from this year's class open stage, click here.

 

The Latest Updates

The Buckeye Dulcimer Festival #22 is now in the history books.  In my mind, it goes down as one of the finest that I can ever remember.  
The weather brought many staff a day early to avoid possible travel complications.   The result ... we got to know each other and the facility before the festival even started.   Also, the enthusiasm of our participants became the theme of the experience.  
Each year, we become an ever growing family.   (Posted:  3/10/13)

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If you missed this year's festival, March 6 - 10, 2013, the files below will give you an idea of how the festival is organized.   (Posted:  3/18/13)

Festival Menu:  For your planning, the full menu from Wednesday dinner to Sunday brunch
can be downloaded as a PDF - letter/portrait. 
Click here.  (Posted:  March 1)

Weekend Schedule Update:  An updated weekend/Saturday schedule has been uploaded as a PDF - legal size/landscape. 
We'll have a copy of the final version of the schedule at check in.
Click here.  (Posted:  February 28)

Extended Schedule Update:  An updated Wednesday through Friday schedule has been uploaded as a PDF - letter size/landscape.  
We'll have a copy of the final version of the schedule at check in.
Click here.  (Posted:  February 28)

BDF Vendors for 2013: 
Cloud Nine Hammered Dulcimers (Michael Allen), Doug Berch Dulcimers, Paul Conrad Dulcimers,
Dulcimer Bag Lady (Lee & Doug Felt), Ron Ewing Dulcimers, Prussia Valley (Gary & Toni Sager),
Winsome Designs (Marge Diamond),  Stapleton's Woodcraft Instruments (Steve Stapleton)
(Posted:  Feb. 23, 2013)

To get an excellent idea of what Recreation Unlimited (BDF facility) is all about go to http://www.recreationunlimited.org/ and watch the video.  WOW!
All our festival proceeds go to this wonderful organization.   (Posted: 2/10/13)

Motels & Pricing for 2013    (Posted:  1/25/13)

Course Descriptions & Instructor Bios are being added.  (Posted: 1/23/13)

The BDF brochure and registration form are now available here on our website as a PDF.  (Posted:  12/15/13)
Buckeye Dulcimer Festival Brochure - 2013 as a PDF ... click here.
Buckeye Dulcimer Festival Registration form - 2013 as a PDF ... click here.
Buckeye Dulcimer Festival Registration form - 2013 as a webpage ... click here.

  If you would like to be added to the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival mailing list (email or snail mail), click here.

If you have any questions, email us at buckeyedulcimer@yahoo.com or give us a call at 937-295-5253 or 937-216-5176.
Ask for Shari or Joyce.
 

Updated:  February 19, 2013

 

 

Just an idea of what to expect at Buckeye 2013 ....

EXTENDED SESSION:

WEEKEND SESSION:

What can't be expressed by looking at a schedule is the atmosphere of family and friendship.  We feature the finest of instructors, yes, but we look for staff who are willing to  give of their time and talent for our participants.   Finally, we have worked with Recreation Unlimited to keep prices as low as possible.   I'm not sure that there are many 4-day events that have kept the overall cost including all program, lodging, and food for around $300.  We hope this all sounds great and that you'll join us for the 22nd year of the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival. 

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As we continue to work on festival details for this year, you'll find last year's schedules and menu linked below. 

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Check out the menu for the festival.  Email us with a special needs and we'll do our best to make accommodations for you. 
If you need to supplement, we have several refrigerators in the cabins that are available for your use.
For menu as PDF, click here.

 

T-SHIRT DESIGN 2013
 

Jan Hammond has designed the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival t-shirt for many years. She has really outdone herself.  We really like it and we hope you do, too.  The t-shirt will be purple.

Order your t-shirt or sweatshirt on the BDF registration form.  Be sure to include your t-shirt or sweatshirt size information.


Jan's thoughts on the her design ...

"Music is the universal language." Indeed Mr. Longfellow and it couldn't be more evident than today. We have the ability to send dulcimer music all around the world
with the touch of a fingertip. I have taken the words "sweet song" (the origin of the word dulcimer) and incorporated the translation from 22 different
languages (being this is the 22nd BDF). They are arranged in rotation around the sun accompanied by five of the planets in our Solar System.

The dulcimer silhouettes at the bottom have an open book look about them which I like, as I hope we can always approach music with an open mind and feel like there's always more to learn... and share.

 

 

 

Last Year's T-SHIRT DESIGN 2012


We do have some extra t-shirts and sweatshirts from 2012. 

They'll be available at the BDF festival sales table.

 

 

 



The Buckeye Dulcimer Festival  is held at Recreation Unlimited, 'Unlimited dreams for Individuals with Disabilities,' Ashley, Ohio, which is about 30 miles north of Columbus not too far off I-71.  RU is a fine full-service facility used for handicapped "campers" in the summer and for groups and meetings throughout the year.   Proceeds from this festival go directly to RU to help defer the costs of campers. 

RU a nonprofit organization providing programs in sports, recreation and education for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.  In addition, the beautiful campus and facilities are available for a variety of other activities including school group outings, corporate team building, conferences and workshops.

Camper Scholarship Program!  Fifty percent of those we serve require some form of financial aid to attend summer residential camp.  Through generous donations and fund-raising events such as the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival, Recreation Unlimited is able to provide financial assistance for qualifying campers.                       

For much more information on Recreation Unlimited, go to their website, http://www.recreationunlimited.org/ .

Location:  Recreation Unlimited is located on Piper Road, 3 miles south of SR 229 between Ashley, Ohio
and I-71 north of Columbus, Ohio.  

 

               

 

RECREATION UNLIMITED, home of the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival is located just northeast of Delaware, OH.

 

Bring your walking shoes for a nice walk throughout the campus, paved nature area, and woods.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FESTIVAL HOUSING
Festival site, Local Motels, Local State Park Campgrounds

RU Onsite Housing

Festival housing is available on the Recreation Unlimited campus in the very same areas where the festival takes place.  
We're as close as possible to classes, dining, vendors, concerts, and jams.
There are 3 cabins (A, B, and C) that consist of two wings with a large lounge and restrooms in the central area.
 Each cabin houses approximately 48 people. 
The beds consist of some bunks (no one sleeps on top - great for storage) single and hospital type beds. 
You'll need to bring bedding, towels, earplugs, etc. 
Some folks bring egg-crate mattresses for additional comfort. 

Cabin B has been designated as our 'couples' cabin.  Males in one wing and females in the other. 
 
Each year, I'm amazed at how folks 'build their nest' in the cabins. 
Included in your confirmation letter, you'll find a listing of things that will make your stay a pleasant one.

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Nearby Motels 

Motel lodging is available close by.   Participants would register as a commuter and make arrangements at one of these local motels. 

The motels on this list from Delaware and at I-71/US 36 are about 12 miles from the festival.  
The motels in Marion are about 20 miles from the festival.  There will be a map included with your confirmation letter. 

 

Local State Park Campgrounds

 

 

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS and "Meet" our INSTRUCTORS for BDF 2013

MOUNTAIN DULCIMER

HAMMERED DULCIMER

Beginners -- Diane Hochstetler (Millersburg, OH)

DESCRIPTION:  Welcome to the wonderful world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer!   This class could also be entitled "New Players" because we will start at the very beginning. The only prerequisite is the desire to learn to play this wonderful instrument.   We'll start on strumming with one hand and finding the notes with the other. Yes, you can play this instrument as a right-handed or left handed player. Then we'll put both hands together and we're off to the races. We'll learn some of the basic jam tunes and how to chord on the instrument so you'll be to attend and play in your very first jam on Thursday evening. After this first 10 hours of instruction and playing, you'll be able to read tablature to learn new tunes and chord positioning to play along with folks when you don't know the tunes.

When it comes to the Hochstetler family, there is truly "music in this house."  Diane has taught piano to many students in her area, but also finds it very comfortable to pickup the guitar or mountain dulcimer in a jam session or group.  Diane has been a supporter of the BDF for many years.   We watched several of her children grow up at Buckeye.  For several years, Diane could be seen supervising her daughter, Joanna, until she was old enough to be in her hammered dulcimer class on her own.  We have watched three generations of this family (with mom, Adelene)come to Buckeye year after year.

This year, Diane will be working with beginner mountain dulcimers students encouraging them musically and helping them to relax and enjoy making music.
 

Beginners -- Joyce Harrison (Houston, OH)

DESCRIPTION:   “What is that thing and how in the world do you play it?!”  How many times have you heard that?  And did you say it when you first saw this amazing instrument?  Well, our class is designed to show you just that.  In our 10-hour session, we’ll talk about the lay-out of the instrument, we’ll tune, we will learn to hold hammers, how to strike the strings, play scales, and most important play tunes.  We’ll have music notation as well as “play by number” tablature and we’ll talk about playing by ear and/or with music, and the advantages of both.  We’ll learn just enough about playing chords to survive the Thursday night jam, and we’ll have fun!

 

Joyce Harrison has been playing the hammered dulcimer for almost 25 years, and teaching for the last 16 years.  The Buckeye Dulcimer Festival not only gave her the opportunity to learn to play this wonderful instrument, but also gave her her first opportunity to teach.  Her passion is teaching new players and seeing the excitement on their faces when they ‘get it!’  Through the years she has been fortunate enough to see her ‘beginners’ progress to the advanced level.  Joyce teaches classes from beginners to advanced players in the workshop setting, and also gives private lessons in her home.  She also plays and teaches the upright bass.

“I believe there is always room to grow my own playing, so I still enjoy observing other instructors, and accepting challenging opportunities.”  At Christmas time 2012, Joyce accompanied a high school chorus for three of Malcolm Dalglish’ arrangements.  She considers that to be her biggest challenge to date, and a tremendous growing experience.

Joyce is a member of Country Strings, a five-member traditional instrument band, and also Dul-C-Daze, a hammered dulcimer/guitar duo (Joyce & Shari) .  All members of those bands have taught and performed at festivals and they have entertained at weddings, banquets, parties, and various service organizations.  Dul-C-Daze has a single on the Troy, Ohio Troy-Hayner Cultural Center’s Christmas CD, and Country Strings has their own recording, “The Road to Caleb’s House”. 

Joyce is now the assistant director of the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival after working with and ‘learning the ropes’ from Louise Ziegler and Shari Wolf for the past 15 years.  Joyce and Shari co-organized and directed the Dulcimers in the Cornfield festival in Wapakoneta, Ohio for three years, and Joyce is the organizer of the Old-Time Gospel Music Retreat held each October.  This event is sponsored by Country Strings and they are already in preparation for their 13th annual retreat this fall.  She and Shari have been working with a group of new players for the past year and a half.  To learn more about Joyce and get music for her tune, TEXALOUSASIPPIBAMA Rag, click here.    Her website is www.dulcdaze.com

Music is a huge part of Joyce’s life, and her tagline on all email messages is ...
“Life is a beautiful song God is teaching us to play.”

Past Beginners -- Louise Ziegler (Ashley, OH)

DESCRIPTION:     Don't be afraid--you will learn to play your dulcimer with ease.  We will take a familiar song and work on making you a less stressful player.   We will explore fingering, and different positions of the fretboard and some strumming. We will do some chord work also.  We'll be building songs by using left hand technique to improve your playing, exploring your fret board, and learning different hand positions, and chord fingering by using all five fingers (well...you know).  We'll explore how to learn a song by memory and without tab.   PS - If you were in this class last year, I am working on some new tunes for this year.

Louise has been the director of Buckeye Dulcimer Festival for the last 20 years and has passed the leadership baton to Shari and Joyce. She had a great time in accomplishing her 20-year goal.

Now, as Director Emeritus, Louise is ready to return to her true love of teaching the mountain dulcimer.  She has been playing the mountain dulcimer since the early 80's.  She is a well-known workshop instructor and has seized every opportunity to take her dulcimer to all types of people.  She has taught all levels of mountain dulcimer all over the mid west. 

She deals with technique and repertoire for the Mountain Dulcimer at many levels and is known as a very smooth player.

She has been a staunch supporter of Recreation Unlimited (see below) since its inception.  Participating in this gathering is a beautiful blend of these two loves.

Louise will be helping players to build skills on the past beginner level by blending technique and repertoire.

Past Beginners -- Karen McCurdy (Medina, OH)

DESCRIPTION:   Do you know how to tune your instrument? Can you play a few tunes on your hammered dulcimer? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, you’re ready to take the next step!! In this class you’ll learn to appreciate the importance of the duplicate notes on our hammered dulcimer. Using these convenient notes, we’ll learn to work up smooth hammer patterns for your tunes. It’s also common for HD players to want to “embellish” the tunes. So, we’re also going to investigate the use of the “triad” in our playing. There’s a wealth of information within that simple triangle hammer pattern! Within the “triad” we’ll find 3 note chords, drone notes, harmony notes, 3 note arpeggios, etc….. all of them used to embellish your tunes a bit. We’ll have plenty of fun learning tunes that will reinforce all of this new information. Yes, the sheet music will be available!

Karen .... Almost everyone in her Ohio family plays an instrument and since early childhood, frequent family "jam sessions" were common. So, it's no surprise that Karen now keeps folk music alive in her performances of folk, Celtic, and original music on the Hammered Dulcimer. "I fell in love with the hammered dulcimer the very first time I played it. That was in 1994. The instrument can be light, lively, and even a bit rowdy or, incredibly peaceful and gracious."
 

She often performs throughout Ohio in solo as well as duet performances under the Celtic  duet name of MacKaren along with her Celtic harper partner, Karen Babb. “We released our "MacKaren" CD in the fall of 2007. The CD project was a long time coming!! I'm very proud of it. It presented the opportunity to record two of my original compositions".For more information on MacKaren, and their CD, go to CDBaby and read their bios.  Fascinating ...  Click here
 
Karen enjoys teaching privately as well as at local Ohio dulcimer festivals including the long running Buckeye Dulcimer Festival in Ashley, Ohio. She says, “It’s really great fun to help new students begin their dulcimer career.” Karen also helped organize the folk group that is now playing together in Richfield, Ohio called “The Village Musicians”. She eagerly states, “The greatest joy of traditional folk music is in the friendship and music sharing that happens when we get together!! " 
 
Along with her multi instrumental and vocal interests, Karen has written many of her own tunes and songs, all of which are dedicated to special people and events in her life. “I love being able to express feelings and memories, or to tell a life story through my music. It’s a very personal way of sharing a little of myself with the folks around me. I honestly feel music is a gift and it’s also a gift to be able to share it with others. It’s really true, we can make this world a better place through music!”
 

Intermediate 1 -- Jan Hammond (Wadsworth, OH)

Description:  Jan will teach ways to smooth out your playing in regards to both right and left hand techniques. We’ll build repertoire and skills at the same time while exploring alternative strumming patterns and finger picking basics. Some tunes will take the melody to the middle and bass strings. We’ll play songs in parts and explore the process of playing chord back up in a group situation or to accompany vocals. If there’s enough time and interest, we may visit some different modes and a more traditional drone sound. It’ll be a work-out, but a lot of fun! (2013)

Jan Hammond is a lifetime resident of Ohio and one of the premier performers on the mountain dulcimer in the United States today. She is also an accomplished composer, lyricist and vocalist with four solo CDs and one duet CD with guitar master Tom Conner.

Jan is a two-time Kentucky State Mountain Dulcimer Champion, the only four-time winner at the Mid-Eastern Regional Dulcimer Championships, a Top Five Finalist and a 3rd Place winner at the National Mountain Dulcimer Championships held each year in Winfield, KS as part of the internationally renowned Walnut Valley Festival.

She is also a Certified Music Practitioner and plays therapeutic music at the bedside of hospice patients. Jan also teaches, leads workshops and performs at a variety of venues including, festivals, coffee houses, libraries, healthcare facilities, house concerts, church services and various events throughout the country. Jan has presented at the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival, Dulcimore (OH), the Southeast Ohio Dulcimer Festival, the Phoenix Folk Festival, the Kent State Folk Festival and The Swannanoa Gathering."


I can't begin to to express how much the class meant to me. It was truly a privilege to have you as a teacher. I learned so much and had such a good time too!" - Workshop Student

Intermediate 1 -- Chris Cooperrider (Findlay, OH)   

Description:   Kicking it up a notch is the best way to describe what we will be doing in Intermediate I this year. You’ve already learned the basics of chords and a few chord patterns, but what do you DO with those cool patterns?? This year we will be stressing awareness of chord progressions throughout the tune or song you are playing, so you can use those chords and patterns to add embellishments or to provide back-up to other melody instruments or breaks. We’ll also stress using correct hammer patterns in order to make your music….well… more musical. In addition, we will explore a few fun new tunes this year and you will be amazed at how easy they will be to learn by breaking them down into bite-sized pieces, finding matching patterns or sections throughout the song, and mastering one section before we go on. You don’t need to know how to read sheet music, but it will be provided for every song.

 

 

Chris fell in love with the hammered dulcimer in 1997 and has been performing and teaching ever since.

In addition to private lessons, workshops, and jams, Chris conducts workshops and performs at several festivals and venues yearly. Along with assisting with in-school music clubs and programs, she conducts workshops for school teachers for Bluegrass in the Schools in conjunction with the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville. This program promotes old time and bluegrass music as part of a standardized school curriculum.

For the past three years, Chris and Joe Steiner assisted Joyce Harrison and Shari Wolf with the DULCIMERS IN THE CORNFIELD Festival in late April. Sadly, that festival has gone into the history books.  This festival had some pretty unique aspects that just might show up, again, someday.

Chris Cooperrider is one-half (the better half, she says!) of the Chris and Joe - Old Time Duo. Chris’ instrument of choice is the hammered dulcimer, but she can also be found playing upright bass for the Old Peculiar String Band.  To go to Chris & Joe's website, click here.

 

Intermediate 2 and Advanced  --  Doug Berch and Dana Gruber
 

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
INTERMEDIATE 2
(5 hours with each instructor)		 ADVANCED
 (5 hours with each instructor)

Dana: 

The British are Coming! -  

Using the musical style of British bands of the 1960’s, this workshop will focus on improving your playing style and adding some unique tunes to your repertoire. 

We will concentrate on perfecting embellishments, playing various rhythms and exploring the chord progressions that made the music of this era unique.  

'All you need is luv' and your capo!

 

Doug:  

Explore the Possibilities ... Maximizing the Role of BOTH Hands. 

Fingerpicking can be applied to any style of music. In this class you will learn to play jigs, waltzes, old dance tunes and more. The techniques you learn can be adapted to anything you want to play.

The techniques covered will include extensive use of the left hand; hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends, plucking with the left hand and more. Right hand techniques will include knowing which fingers to use on which strings, strumming without a pick by using your fingers, clawhammer banjo technique, slapping and percussive techniques and more.

Tab will be provided. As a prerequisite for this class you should be comfortable playing melody, chords and other intermediate level skills.

 

Doug:  PLAYING OLD TIME
                       TUNES

Learn to play some popular old-time tunes played regularly at jams in the area.  Tab will be provided but you will learn the techniques that you don't find in tab to make the tunes sound very old-time! 

We will focus on strumming patterns, rhythm, playing variations on the tune, using chords with the melody and how to back up others.   As a prerequisite for this class you should have some experience playingtunes and using chords in D-A-D.

Dana:  'Jazz' Up Your Playing with ...
                    ALL THAT JAZZ  

This workshop will explore ways to 'Jazz Up' your playing by exploring jazz techniques and the world of playing jazz on the mountain dulcimer.

We will focus on unique timing and chord structure of jazz using music from the familiar Peanuts cartoons and learning how to “jazz up” tunes you already play.  Even if you are new to the jazz style of music, you will come away with some new tunes and the ability to add real pizazz to your repertoire.   1˝ fret will be helpful, but not required.   We'll also Temporary frets c
 

DOUG BERCH (MI)

Doug Berch is a folk musician, singer-songwriter, luthier and multi-instrumentalist. His music has an original sound that shows the influence of Old-Time, Celtic, British, Rock and other styles of music from around the world.  Doug is best known as a masterful player of both the mountain and hammered dulcimer. He also plays clawhammer banjo, tinwhistle, harmonium and other instruments, In 1983 Doug took first place in both The National Mountain Dulcimer Chanpionshop and The National Hammered Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Kansas.

Through the years Doug has toured and performed as a solo act as well as with a number of bands. He was a member of the Colorado based Celtic Ensemble Colcannon for 10 years.

After taking a break from full time performing (during which time he worked at Elderly Instruments) Doug announced his return with two solo recordings:  “Songs From My Past – Music With Mountain Dulcimer” and “The Sadness of Common Objects – Hammered Dulcimer Instrumentals”

Doug’ is a dynamic and entertaining performer who can have the audience on the edge of their seats with a haunting ballad and have them laughing moments later!  He has been performing and teaching nationally since the 1970′s.

Doug is also a maker of fine dulcimers.  This picture was recently posted on Facebook.

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From Shari:  In talking with Doug, I found his philosphy of teaching dulcimer well worth sharing.  From Doug ... "When I teach I prefer to focus on using the tunes as vehicles for teaching technique. I have found that if I mention technique too much, some people are put off so I usually mention it in the description but focus on the kind of tunes I'll be using. I would like them to learn skills as easily as possible.  I just wouldn't feel right just handing out tab and running people through it.

DANA & HANK GRUBER (Cincinnati, OH)....

(Sweet Funk) make up this instrumental duo of mountain dulcimer and acoustic guitar.  Their music is a blend of contemporary and traditional favorites, along with their own original compositions.  Their unique arrangements explore the contemporary side of the mountain dulcimer and add a new dimension to traditional tunes.  Sweet Funk, comes from the origin of the word dulcimer; “dulci” from the Latin word for “sweet,” and “funk” from the fact that they enjoy playing music that is a little funky and not traditionally played on the mountain dulcimer. 

They enjoy teaching and performing as a duo. They have been the featured performers/instructors at a number of dulcimer festivals and clubs in the mid-west.  They are currently active members of the Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers, a mountain dulcimer club in the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area.   

Dana has been playing the mountain dulcimer since 1997.  Her musical background goes back to playing the classical piano as a child and on into adulthood.  She has always enjoyed arranging music and is known for her unique arrangements on the mountain dulcimer.  She enjoys teaching all levels and styles of music. 

Hank first learned to play guitar in the Air Force and has been playing ever since.  He began with electric guitar and over the years has studied classical guitar and eventually transitioned to acoustic style playing.  He has made an art of accompanying other acoustic instruments but can step into the lead with ease. 

Their recordings include Deja New, unique arrangements of traditional tunes; Sweet, contemporary favorites including Beatles, Van Morrison and Loggins and Messina; and, Christmas Time, holiday favorites such as Christmas Time Is Here and Mary, Did You Know. 

Tablature books include Deja New, a companion book to the CD of the same title; Finger-Pick Style Playing for the Mountain Dulcimer; Waltzes for Mountain Dulcimer and Guitar; and, Grace, a collection of hymns and inspirational songs for mountain dulcimer and guitar. 

For more information, please go to their website at http://www.sweetfunkmusic.com.

Intermediate 2 and Advanced  -- Ruth Smith and Dee Dee Tibbits
 

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
INTERMEDIATE 2
(5 hours with each instructor)		 ADVANCED
 (5 hours with each instructor)

Dee Dee:

In this class we will be exploring the ‘art’ of playing together, and adding back-up to others playing the melody. We’ll study chord progressions, tips on listening to chord changes, and how to best use them either in a performance group, or in a jam session. We will use several tunes to accomplish this.
 

Ruth:
Sharing Your Music

Sharing music with others is one of the best parts of playing music, and you don’t have to be a professional to share your gift of music! The first part of this class is designed to help you gain confidence in playing for others, whether you simply want to share your music with friends or you perform regularly. We will cover helpful tips on how to practice, how to practice for performance, how to choose music for a set, how to create effective introductions, how to prepare for the unexpected, and much more.

Come with several tunes to play for each other. This is a fun and ”judgment-free” class where we’ll play for each other – offering friendly support and critique – to help get those performance jitters under control!

Then during the latter part of the class, we will study some brand new music with the repertoire being taken from beautiful waltzes!

Ruth:
From Heart to Hands   
We love to play the hammered dulcimer for more reasons than just getting to hit something!  Now that you have a decent grasp on how to play notes, let’s learn to play with greater musicality.  By paying close attention to phrasing, dynamics, accents, and more, we will work on arranging techniques and playing techniques that will make the music more expressive.  

Repertoire will be taken from beautiful waltzes and/or airs, and the arrangements will be designed to accentuate the beauty in melody lines and emphasize the underlying theme of the music. Students will learn by ear and repetition, with written notation also provided.

Use of a recording device is highly recommended.

 
 Dee Dee: 

Included in this workshop will be tips on improvising on a minor scale melody, while learning several different parts. We will use a beautiful Japanese tune to practice these skills. We will also learn several parts to an original tune~Bryson Hall~ and several ornaments to add to all of our playing.

RUTH & STEVE SMITH (NC) 
MEET RUTH:  Dirty Linen Folk & World Magazine says, “Ruth Smith's touch on the hammered dulcimer is absolutely magical, with exquisite phrasing, highlighting the range of the instrument especially on her own pieces.” Ruth is known for bringing the softer side of the hammered dulcimer to life. Dulcimer Players News says she is, “very sensitive to the nuances of the music, allowing each tune to breathe.” Ruth employs hands-on teaching techniques that place a special emphasis on playing expressively.

A native North Carolinian and musician from a very young age, Ruth records and performs with her husband, Steve, specializing in Appalachian Heritage music, rich in centuries old Appalachian and Celtic musical traditions yet uniquely fresh and innovative. Ruth’s compositions and arrangements have been featured in performances this year on the PBS TV series “Song of the Mountains” and at Merlefest25, as well as in Dulcimer Players News, on NPR’s All Things Considered, All Songs Considered, Thistle & Shamrock, XM & Sirius satellite radio, Direct-TV and Dish Network, and Highlander Radio Network. For more information, go to their website: www.steveandruth.com .

Meet Steve & Ruth Smith:
Steve and Ruth Smith, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, play a special blend of Appalachian Americana music with Celtic roots featuring hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, guitar, and old time banjo. Ohio Magazine says Steve and Ruth’s music has "the soul of mountain music and the gentle grace of mountain air." Their music combines the richness of centuries old Appalachian and Celtic musical traditions along with their original music about mountain life and rural Appalachian values.

Steve and Ruth Smith concerts give an overview of the musical heritage of the Appalachian Mountains, where the music came from, and how it lives on in modern times. Steve and Ruth, both of Scots-Irish heritage, take the audience from the traditional Celtic music of Scotland and Ireland that migrated with the Scots-Irish into the Appalachian Mountains, through the early music of the Southern Highlands, and on to Steve & Ruth's new original music about mountain life and rural Appalachian values.

Steve and Ruth recently performed on the national PBS TV series “Song of the Mountains” and perform yearly at Merlefest, one of the nation’s largest Americana music festivals. They were featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered and Thistle & Shamrock, in Ohio Magazine, and Dulcimer Players News. Their music is regularly heard on XM & Sirius satellite radio, Pandora, Spotify, Highlander Radio Networks, NPR ,and acoustic music format radio stations around the U.S. Their recent CDs are Heirlooms, An Appalachian Winter, Dancin’ Cross the Strings, and An Appalachian Aire. They are also popular music workshop instructors, teaching at festivals and folk schools nationwide.  www.steveandruth.com

 

DEE DEE TIBBITS     (Caro, MI)

... is a professional musician who has a heart for teaching and for sharing her love for the hammered dulcimer with the world!   She hails from Caro, Michigan, has a bachelors plus in music educaiton, and brings with her 40 years of teaching and performing experience.

She has performed in many 'genres' including Traditional, Gospel, Celtic, Classical, and Renaissance music and has recorded Cds in most of those groups.  She has also performed this eclectic mix all over the United States, Canada, Japan, France and the Caribbean.

Her greatest joy today is working with her 38 private students and traveling to various dulcimer festivals teaching workshops and performing.

For more information, go to Dee Dee's website, http://deedeetibbits.com/

 

 

 

OTHER INSTRUMENTS

These classes are designed for players who have some experience i.e. past beginners and above.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John's autoharp class will be geared to the intermediate player working on skills and repertoire.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Band-It! class is open to all acoustic instruments in a dulcimer-friendly environment.
 Players of past beginner level ability and above are welcome.
Autoharp (beyond basics) -- John Hollandsworth (Christiansburg, VA)
 
DESCRIPTION:    "Exploration of Melody Playing for both Chromatic and Diatonic Autoharp"

Arranging a tune within the chord structure, including countermelodies and improvisation. A strong emphasis on playing and learning by ear and how to make a tune your own; some handouts will be provided. Intermediate level.


John and Kathie Hollandsworth ....

are natives of Christiansburg in southwestern Virginia, and have been performing and teaching since the early 1980's, with a repertoire that includes, but is not limited to, traditional Appalachian, old-time, and Celtic music. John has been developing his own autoharp style since childhood, when he became familiar with traditional music through hearing friends and relatives play stringed instruments. Â His playing style incorporates both chromatic and diatonic techniques, and he is sought after as a workshop leader and classroom teacher of his style and repertoire. Â Kathie sings and plays hammered dulcimer and upright bass, and they are popular performers and clinicians, both in the Virginia/North Carolina region and nationally.

John and Kathie truly enjoy sharing their Appalachian heritage and musical talents with audiences of any sort. Performances can be tailored to any situation, from short after-dinner concerts that give a taste of our music and history, to full concerts that showcase many kinds of tunes and songs that have grown out of their experiences.

They also perform in the east coast area with the band Mountain Fling, with partners Jim Lloyd and Ed Ogle adding the sounds of banjo, guitar, harmonica, and male vocals, and the old-time dance band Katie & the Bubbatones, with fiddler Kathleen O'Connell and banjo player Russ Boyd.

John is a custom maker of fine Blue Ridge Autoharps, which are now played all over the United States and in Japan, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Â In 2010 he was inducted into the Autoharp Hall of Fame for his talents as performer, teacher, and luthier, and is one of only 17 living members of that body.

 
Band~It! (multi-instrument class)  -- Joe Steiner (Findlay, OH)

Complete Description: 

The theme for Band-It this year will be "Building on Technique". In the past, we have focused on ideas which can be learned quickly to help musicians find the "comfort zone" and "get in the groove". We are going to continue in that same vein this year, but with an increased emphasis on using what participants already know to good advantage. We’ll explore how to add energy and excitement to our playing, regardless of experience level, focusing on the technique that participants have already learned previously. Along the way, we’ll find out how easy it is to build on that technique by simply watching and listening to what others are doing.
As in previous years, I’ll bring some tunes written out at the beginner and intermediate levels, as well as a few simple examples of fills and chord theory which have wide general application. The examples will be in mountain dulcimer tablature (with chords) and music notation, but most will be simple enough to be learned by ear. Although there will be tunes and examples written out for reference, we’ll be open to suggestions from all participants and spend at least some time on developing the skills needed to learn by ear and improvise. (2013)

Joe Steiner has been an instructor at Buckeye for many years.  He has taught clawhammer banjo, mountain dulcimer, and the "Band It" class.  Joe is one half of the "Chris and Joe" Old Time Duo.  Joe is deeply involved in old time and bluegrass music and brings many music arrangement tools to his teaching.

In addition to teaching, you'll see Joe at those late night jams and also running the sound system during the concerts and open stage.

Joe is very active in festival leadership in both the dulcimer and bluegrass world.  Both Joe and Chris Cooperrider were involved along with Shari and Joyce in making the DULCIMERS IN THE CORNFIELD Festival  at Wapakoneta, Ohio, a three-year success.   In the bluegrass world, Joe and Chris are key leaders in the Kendalville, IN festivals held on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

For more information about Joe and Chris, click here.

 

 

SATURDAY INTENSIVE SESSIONS (Intermediate level)

This year we are offering two intensive 4-hour classes on Saturday.
Time:  9:00 am - 1:45 pm
 
Hank Gruber (Cincinnati, OH) - Intermediate Guitar

Hank first learned to play guitar in the Air Force and has been playing ever since.  He began with electric guitar and over the years has studied classical guitar and eventually transitioned to acoustic style playing.  He has made an art of accompanying other acoustic instruments but can step into the lead with ease.  As a duo, Hank's mission to enhance Dana's melody along with stepping out with some melody on his own.  

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Just a little about the Saturday Intermediate Guitar Workshop  (3 ˝ hour comprehensive workshop)

 Never get bored as a back up guitar player.  Experience Hank's playing and try out some of his ideas for backing up and enhancing melody instruments.

Accompanying the Melody Instrument
Level:  Beyond  Beginner/Intermediate

This class will focus on sharpening your accompaniment skills with some easy techniques.  It is geared to anyone who can change chords easily. 

We will ...
--- review basic chord structure and fingering;
--- easy bass runs to compliment simple chords;
--- keep your tunes from getting stale by learning interesting strumming techniques;
--- focus on learning bar chords that move up and down the fret board.

 

 Steve Smith (Zionville, NC) - Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo

Steve Smith, from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is an ASCAP Award winning songwriter and musician who worked in the recording industry in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Hawaii. With over 45 years experience as a fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, Steve is noted for his rich guitar chords, leading patterns, and embellishments which compliment other acoustic lead instruments. Besides teaching guitar workshops, Steve teaches various levels of clawhammer banjo workshops. Dirty Linen World & Folk Music Magazine says "for the traditional, Steve Smith's clawhammer banjo adds a rich, true sound." Steve performs concerts nationwide and abroad with his wife Ruth who plays hammered and mountain dulcimers. Steve also teaches recording/audio production at Appalachian State University, Boone, NC (since 1997). He teaches on music publishing, copyrights, and licensing and has been a professional musician for more than four decades.  Steve has a Master’s degree in Appalachian Studies from Appalachian State University with a major emphasis in Appalachian music and folk life. Steve and Ruth produce, record, and engineer all of their CDs in their recording studio, Cabin Cove Music, in Zionville, NC.

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Just a little about the Saturday Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Workshop (3 ˝ hour comprehensive workshop)

This workshop will begin by reviewing the basic right-hand clawhammer stroke, simple left-hand chords, pulloffs, and hammer-ons, along with simple melody lines. Developing a solid clawhammer rhythm will be stressed. We will concentrate on getting a natural, Old-Timey banjo feel to our music.

The three basic clawhammer tunings (Standard G/A, Double C/D, and the old mountain modal Sawmill) will be taught and used. Drop-thumb, right-hand rolls will be introduced. We will work on instrumental and/or vocal versions of tunes depending on students’ preferences and skill levels. Skill level is “Beyond beginner to Intermediate” meaning that you are not starting from scratch on the banjo but you are not yet an accomplished player.
 

 

 

As the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival has grown, the 'behind the scenes' work and details have grown. 
With so many 'extras' planned for this year, look for these folks helping to make this year the BEST ever.

Director - Shari Wolf

... has been involved with the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival all twenty years in helping Louise start and organize the festival.   Musically, she was a founding member of Sweetwater.  The Sweetwater group was a cornerstone of the festival until their group finale' in 2008. 

Since that time, Shari has been involved with her educational materials business, Country Strings, manages websites for a wide variety of music-related groups, and is president of the Dayton Dulcimer Society.

She also manages the website for the Famous Old Time Music Company music store in Wapakoneta, Ohio, and is involved with many 'live' music events there including running the 'sound'.  During 2011 marked the 3rd year of the DULCIMERS IN THE CORNFIELD Festival in late April that she, along with Joyce Harrison, plan, organize and make happen.

She'll join Country Strings in  kicking off Friday night's concert and in leading the Sunday morning Gospel Sing.  In addition to being involved with Buckeye, she helps with the organization of the Old Time Gospel Music Retreat as a member of Country Strings.   For more information about Shari and duo with Joyce Harrison (Dulcdaze), click here.

For many years, Shari worked with the 'Band Together' now known as the Band It! group.  Welcoming a group of folks playing a wide variety of instruments at many levels has served to be an exciting challenge.  During the past several years the "Band It!" group serenaded our festival during Friday lunch and open stage.  Now Shari's duties as director has made it necessary to pass the leadership of the "Band It!" class to Joe Steiner.   Thanks Joe ... and have a blast.

 Assistant Director - Joyce Harrison

... has been actively involved in the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival for the past 18 years, first as a participant, then in 1997 as an instructor, and in 1998 assisting Louise Ziegler and Shari Wolf in the organization of the festival.  She has researched and made the initial contacts for the hammered dulcimer instructors.  She also revised the design of the brochures and registration forms along with creating name tags, schedules, and other various office duties.  She worked as office manager/computer nerd/copy chief behind the scenes during last year's 20th anniversary celebration. 

This year, along with teaching the Intermediate I hammered dulcimer players, Joyce will be now working in a leadership role of the festival as Assistant Director.   She'll join Country Strings in  kicking off Friday night's concert and in leading the Sunday morning Gospel Sing. 

In addition to being involved with Buckeye, she organizes the Old Time Gospel Music Retreat as a member of Country Strings.  Joyce and Shari Wolf organized the DULCIMERS IN THE CORNFIELD Festival held in April, and they have been involved with many other 'live' music events at the Famous Old Time Music Company in Wapakoneta, OH, where Joyce also teaches the hammered dulcimer. 

For more information about Joyce and the duo with Shari Wolf, (Dul-C-Daze), click here.

Director Emeritus - Louise Ziegler

.....of Ashley, Ohio, has retired as director of the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival for the past 20 years, but she isn't going anywhere.  She'll be returning to her students as extended session past beginner mountain dulcimer instructor.  

Louise has been playing the mountain dulcimer since the early 80's.  She is a well-known workshop leader and has seized every opportunity to take her dulcimer to all types of people.  She has been a staunch supporter of Recreation Unlimited (see below) since its inception. 

As many festivals come and go, it is clear that leadership and organization are critical to success.   But, from the very first year of the festival, it has been the sense of "family" that has allowed BDF to grow and continue.   Don't expect that to change as Shari, Joyce, and Louise move our festival forward.

 

 

     

DOROTHY BUCHANAN has been with this festival since the very first year.  After running a successful festival in Pennsylvania for several years, she added her thoughts to the formulation of BDF.  She served as a hammered dulcimer instructor for many years and now serves as our music advisor.  During the Extended session, Dorothy will serve as music tutor for folks that need some 'extra' attention.  You'll also see Dorothy as emcee of our Open Stages.  Folks, she collects those jokes all year long. 

DEBBIE & BRIAN DOGGETT have handled the registration and performers' sales table for many years.  This all consuming job can be stressful at times, but every year they show up with smiling faces ready for the challenge.

MIKE & MARY JO LEPAGE have been wonderful supporters of Buckeye for many years.  You'll see Mike driving the golf carts from early Wednesday until the last person leaves on Sunday.  Mary Jo does so many things that we know, but many things we don't even know to help make BDF a success.   

There will be instructor-led jams on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and great food the entire time.  
Friday at 3 p.m. starts the weekend festival with concerts, mini workshops on Saturday, jam sessions, open stage, "Appalachian Heritage" music program, and 
Sunday's Gospel Sing.  

 

Saturday's Festival Schedule

In addition to the wide variety of mini sessions on Saturday for all levels of mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer and intermediate autoharp,
there will be all-day beginners sessions for the following instruments: 

Saturday Beginner Sessions
 9:00 am to 2:15 pm

Mountain Dulcimer - Ruth Hulthen
Hammered Dulcimer - Kathie Hollandsworth
Autoharp - Phyllis Davis

Just note on your registration form that your are interested in one of these Saturday "Beginner Sessions." 
Please let us know which beginner session (mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer or autoharp) that you will be attending. 
If you need a loaner instrument, let us know.  
Plan on coming to registration early (opens at 8:00 am) and get checked in so that you can get help in tuning to be ready for classes to begin at 9 am.

               


If you are not currently receiving BDF info and would like to be included on our mailing list, click here. 
Please include your name & address for snail mailing.

 *********
 **In the last several years, we have found ourselves being asked to make special adjustments to our pricing packages. 
Due to our current policy changes, we are unable to make any special exceptions in our pricing packages. 
Thanks for your understanding, and we sincerely hope that you will still be able to attend the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival.
 

 

During the 2009 Buckeye Dulcimer Festival, Chris Cooperrider and Joe Steiner included in their set a song parody honoring the BDF Blizzard of 2008.

                               

 

Come to the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival and have a great time and know that you are also helping a fantastic cause.  


Look for frequent updates to this page.  
Last updated,  3/24/2013

Webmatician: Shari Wolf