(C) 2023 All Rights Reserved
Cover
“Sleeping Cater Dulcimer” by Wayne Jiang
Publisher
Dulcimer Players News
505 Cornhusker Rd.
Ste. 105 PMB 265
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 681-3709
Editor
Fiona Potts
Print Edition Designer
Morgan Seibel
Contributors
Pam Bowman
Ashley Ernst
Michelle Fife
Jill Geary
John Hallberg
Deborah J. Hamouris
Melanie Johnston
Ken Kolodner
Barbara Patterson
Dusty Thorburn
Susan Trump
Contents
Editor’s Letters by Ashley Ernst and Fiona Potts
Letters to the Editor courtesy of DPN readers
New Releases compiled by Ashley Ernst
“Parson’s Farewell” for mountain dulcimer by Deborah J. Hamouris
More than sun in San Diego by Jill Geary
To swing or not to swing by Ken Kolodner
“Shepherd’s Wife Waltz” for hammered dulcimer by Pam Bowman
Making mountain dulcimer magic by Ashley Ernst
Crankies: Storytelling machines combine art and music by Ashley Ernst
Getting creative with gourds by Michelle Fife
Canvas and Fretboard: Portraits of four artists who play the dulcimer by Dusty Thorburn
Obituary: Gary and Toni Sager by Ashley Ernst
“Un Canadien Errant” for mountain dulcimer by Susan Trump
Obituary: George Haggerty by Barbara Patterson
TablEdit: Template Tip by Melanie Johnston
Curator’s Corner: Transitional dulcimer by John Hallberg
Editor’s Letters
You say ‘Goodbye’ …
In May, former publisher Ashley Ernst announced the August and November issues of Volume 49 would be the last two issues of DPN. In the time between then and now, the plan for the publication has changed as an unexpected new owner has taken the reins.
Bittersweet.
It’s my word of the day these days.
When Fiona Potts and her father, Bill Wake, rolled down our dry and dusty Boone County driveway at the end of June 2023, their car stuffed to capacity with DPN archives and office supplies, I thought I would feel immense relief.
Instead, I went upstairs to the recliner that sits in front of the t.v., pulled the shades closed and fell asleep. It’s how I spent the Sunday after they left and most of that Monday.
I have been tired and more than sad to say goodbye to Dulcimer Players News.
That was the bitter.
The sweet was handing the baton to Fiona.
I knew within the first few minutes of our first phone conversation that she was the woman for the job. I am elated to know that DPN will continue and I can’t wait to celebrate its 50th birthday.
Fiona is a good 20 years younger than me, she has a 21st century skill set that I do not have (and do not care to learn) and at the same time, she is an old soul with a love for an instrument with a rich history.
I know from experience that no matter how hard she works, Fiona cannot do this without you.
Take your older DPNs to every club meeting and make sure everyone you know who plays the dulcimer knows there is a dulcimer magazine. If you don’t see your favorite musician or dulcimer builder advertising, ask them why. Shop faithfully with those who do advertise and let them know where you saw their ad.
The magazine cannot survive without its advertisers and subscribers.
In its heyday, the fact that there was a Dulcimer Players News spread by word of mouth. Musicians picking up the instrument for the first time learned by trial and error, experimentation and by sitting knee-to-knee with other musicians who were selfless with their time and knowledge. They learned about new tunings, building techniques, festivals and other dulcimer players from the pages of DPN.
It was a very human enthusiasm and love for the instrument that brought it out of the Appalachian mountains to coastal California and all parts in between.
Old-time thrives when people raucously, joyously share live music.
Since saying goodbye to DPN, I’ve performed at the Columbia Senior Center with the CoMo Dulcimer group and we’re signed up to do it again for the holidays. I’ve been playing with the ShowMe Dulcimer Club every month and we’ll be performing at Walk Back In Time in Mexico, Mo. this fall. This summer, I’m signed up for the Gateway Dulcimer Festival in Fairview Heights, Ill. Linda Thomas is hosting a hammered dulcimer workshop just up the road from me and the following week I hope to see you at the Dulcimer Chautauqua in New Harmony, Ind.
I cannot thank you enough for your support and friendship. I cannot wait to play raucously and joyously with you somewhere along the dulcimer trail.
In harmony,
– Ashley Ernst
… and I say ‘Hello’
Fiona Potts is the new editor and publisher of Dulcimer Players News. The magazine has moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where Fiona lives with her family. Reach our to her with questions, comments, contributions, and ideas at editor@dpnews.com or (402) 681-3709.
Photo by Ashley Ernst.
If you are surprised to see a full color, glossy issue of Dulcimer Players News in your mailbox this month, believe me, you are not as surprised as I am to be the one sending it.
I have had music in my life for as long as I can remember, starting with singing in church every Sunday, then buying a plastic recorder with a book of music from “The Lion King” when I was about 5. The recorder was upgraded to an oboe in middle school. In high school I learned euphonium for the marching band, later joined the jazz band on trombone, and finally added English horn to my repertoire my senior year.
The band director, Mr. Auman, always wrote a personal letter to every graduating senior. In addition to encouraging me to join the Wind Ensemble at Old Dominion University, he included other wisdom — “Your major area of study is important, but you must take time to do the things necessary to replenish the soul. Try to find a balance in all of the things that you do.”
I played in college for a semester, then I discovered a passion for another side of music — dance! I traded musical performance for swing dancing, and I got involved in other activities like Ultimate Frisbee.
In 2012 I met my husband Andy through Frisbee, just after I started working at the regional newspaper. I loved my job and the people I worked with, but I loved my husband-to-be more. When the Navy sent him to Groton, Connecticut, I followed.
We got married in 2014, and since then, at the behest of the Navy, we have lived in Hawaii, Virginia, San Diego, and now Omaha.
In 2018 we had just moved back to Virginia after a difficult year in which my husband was deployed on a submarine and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after years of chronic pain that had all but eliminated my ability to participate in activities I loved.
Time to take Mr. Auman’s advice and “replenish my soul.” My dad, also a dulcimer player, let me borrow his dulcimer and signed me up for one of Stephen Seifert’s 3-day courses. Those three days were the balm I needed. I fell in love with the instrument and the community.
In February of this year, when I read Ashley Ernst’s announcement that she would be closing down DPN after the 50th volume, like many others, I was saddened by the prospective loss of this community staple. I was also six months pregnant with my second child and unsure of what my future looked like as a stay-at-home mom of two.
My beautiful baby girl arrived happy and healthy in April. She was snoozy and easy going, and my 2.5 year old son was adjusting fine and gaining independence every day. I thought that by 2024 I would be ready to take up where Ashley was leaving off. In May, with my dad’s encouragement, I reached out to Ashley to explore the possibilities.
I did not know that in the May editor’s letter she had announced her plans to wind down the magazine in 2023 with two smaller issues produced on a risograph. As we talked, however, we realized that if the magazine were to continue, the best thing would be to reduce disruption as much as possible.
A few leaps of faith later and here we are. Same great magazine (I hope!), new editor.
This issue would not have been possible without Ashley’s hard work, organization, dedication, and support. I cannot thank her enough for everything she did not only to make this transition possible, but also for the dulcimer community as a whole during her tenure as editor and publisher.
This issue would also not have been possible without my dad, who has worked tirelessly as my business coach, tech support, chauffeur, stenographer, etc.
I am so excited to be taking up the mantle, and so grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to me.
– Fiona Potts
Letters to the Editor: ‘A hub for the dulcimer community’
Loyal readers and contributors congratulate the new publisher Fiona Potts and thank former publisher Ashley Ernst for her ‘dedication, innovative ideas, support, and professionalism in helping to keep the dulcimer community going.’ Ernst ran the magazine from 2018 – 2023.
Sam Edelston
I was delighted to learn that Dulcimer Players News will continue to live as a print publication. I say that as someone who has subscribed since about 1981, and as someone with more than four decades of experience in the world of printed periodicals. I’ve learned about many wonderful players, recordings, festivals, and playing tips from it. It’s the rare magazine where I even read the ads.
A printed magazine does things that a website can’t do – just as a website does things that paper can’t do. I hope the dulcimer community will continue to subscribe and support it vigorously. It’s a few dollars a year, very well spent.
Ashley did a great job with DPN, and I especially appreciate the way that she made herself and DPN a hub for the dulcimer community during the pandemic with her assistance to performers, festivals, and others. I specifically appreciate all the help she gave to the Nutmeg Dulcimer Festival in our two online years. I know it was a ton of work for her in challenging times, and I have the highest respect for her.
Each editor has put their own distinct stamp on DPN. Fiona, I’m sure you’ll do the same, and I’m sure your flavor will be as wonderful as the others have been.
Hammered and mountain dulcimers are among the world’s coolest musical instruments. They’re naturally suited to both traditional and contemporary music. (I tell my audiences that mountain dulcimers, in particular, are a more logical first stringed instrument than guitars, and millions of kids ought to be begging their parents for one for their next birthday.)
I hope DPN will continue to play a vibrant role in the dulcimer world for many years, and I wish you much success with it.
– Sam Edelston, Nutmeg Dulcimer Festival, Milford, Connecticut
Joan Johnson
Dear Ashley,
When you announced the end of DPN, I didn’t know what to say. The publishing business is hard (just look at all the cuts to newspapers’ news rooms) and from your editorial I learned the decision you made was wrenching. Niche publications like DPN have a much tougher time.
I much appreciated the changes you made: the improved clarity of organization of the mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer sections, the kindness you paid me by allowing me, a novice player, to write a few articles sharing what I could.. Thank you.
I was delighted (is over the moon too clicheish?) when I read via Facebook that Fiona will be taking the helm. I am so glad you found her. And of course I will re-up my subscription as soon as I send this email.
You became a friend who I saw at Kentucky Music week from time to time. I will miss your editorials. I hope you can find a way to continue to contribute to the dulcimer world. You are an asset.
With great fondness,
– Joan Johnson, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Barbara Gershman
Dear Ashley,
We’re all very sad to say goodbye to Dulcimer Players News but so thankful that you have been at the helm as editor these recent years. You have been so inclusive in promoting dulcimer activities across the country and internationally. And to us West Coasters, that has meant a lot!!
I appreciate your leadership in bringing festival organizers together on Zoom and also women in the dulcimer world to explore next steps and compare notes during the pandemic. You have supported all things dulcimer – large and small events, workshops, lessons, concerts, jams, products, new ideas and what it takes to build and sustain dulcimer communities.
The Online DPN concerts were highlights during the pandemic and helped bring a range of performers/ teachers into our lives.
Your Facebook contributions and support to dulcimer events and music education have also been appreciated.
It’s been such a pleasure working with you on ads, online projects and more!! Here’s to you, Ashley, for your dedication, innovative ideas, support and professionalism in helping to keep the dulcimer community going.
Best wishes,
– Barbara Gershman, Southern California Dulcimer Heritage
Steve Eulberg
Momentous!! Thank you for your stewardship of this treasure of our community.
I am grateful for you and count one of my blessings in recent years getting to know you, Ashley.
Your down time is deserved but I am eager to have our paths cross!
May your weekend be filled with all of the things that you desire and that are necessary and may your sigh of relief be deep and celebratory!
Well done, good and faithful,
Sincerely,
– Steve Eulberg, Owl Mountain Music, DulcimerCrossing.com
New Releases
Parson’s Farewell
Parson’s Farewell
<insert PDF>
Getting Creative with Gourds
Story and photos by Michelle Fife
Life can have strange twists and turns and the results can never be predicted so I want to share with you how my canteen gourd dulcimer came to be.
As I looked forward to retiring from my teaching career in 2011, I wanted to make time for some new ventures. I purchased a mountain dulcimer because I loved the sound of the instrument and began taking lessons from my friend, Susie Kraeszig. I enjoy playing for my own pleasure but it has also led me to meet many wonderful and musically talented people along the way. I play with groups that spread the joy of music and singing to young and old alike. I own several mountain dulcimers now, each with its own special meaning.
That first winter after I retired, my husband and I went to Gulf Shores, Ala., to escape the Indiana winters. While there, a girlfriend encouraged me to take a course with her at the Gulf Shores State Park to learn the art of pine needle basketry. The long needle pine tree grows well along the Gulf Coast so we were able to easily pick up the pine straw that we needed. After taking the class, both she and I were “hooked” and I have loved working with pine needles ever since. Over the years I have made hundreds of baskets and I sell them at local festivals.
Meanwhile, back home in Indianapolis, another friend who played in my Greenfield, Indiana, dulcimer group said, “You know your pine needle baskets are so interesting!” She asked me if I had ever thought of doing pine needle basketry on gourds? I had no Idea where to even find a gourd but I was intrigued as to how I could combine it with my pine needle skills.
This friend brought me one of her gourds at our next dulcimer practice so I could experiment and I again was hooked! I soon found out that just about every state has a Gourd Society and most states have an Annual Gourd Show with competitions and workshops where different techniques are taught and projects are shared. Working with dried gourds is similar to working with wood. One can carve, gouge, paint, cut, glue pieces together, dye, stain and much more.
At the Indiana Gourd Show in May of 2022, I was playing my dulcimer as background music when one of the vendors came up to me and asked if I had ever thought about making a dulcimer using gourds. She had made one using 5 cannonball gourds which I had seen pictured in a book, “Making Gourd Musical Instruments” by Ginger Summit and Jim Widess.
Did you know?
- Almost every state has a Gourd Society.
- Most states have an Annual Gourd Show with competitions and workshops.
- Search online for your local Gourd Society, or check the American Gourd Society’s website to see if there’s a chapter in your area.
As she and I talked, she suggested using canteen gourds instead of cannonball gourds. Sue pointed out that it would provide a flatter surface to attach the fretboard to and three canteen gourds would lay nicely across my lap. That was a great suggestion and would work for my new creation! I already had the tuners, strings, nut and bridge assembled in one piece as I owned several cardboard dulcimers and thought I could just use one of those fretboards.
I contacted gourd farmer, Seth Kent, in Brookston, Indiana, and asked him if he had any canteen gourds. After checking his inventory, he let me know he had three which were about the same size and seemed perfect to be the new “sound box” for my dulcimer.
Now the process began.
I had the help of my carpenter son-in-law, Kilian Clark, to get holes perfectly lined up so that a 5/8” dowel rod could be run through the three gourds and secured in place with a good wood glue. After the glue was thoroughly dried, I used a hand saw to cut off the dowel so that it was flush with the gourds on both ends. The fretboard had to be freed from its previous cardboard sound box and then glued to the top of the gourds.
I needed to place shims in about three or four places so that the fretboard could lay relatively flat against the tops of all three gourds and be glued in place.
Every string instrument needs sound holes to allow the vibrating strings to resonate the sound so it can be amplified and heard. What shape should I make the six sound holes? I decided to draw on paper the outline of different recognizable gourd shapes: banana, bottle, long handled dipper, martin, penguin and swan. I used these drawings to make sure they were proportionately the right size and cut them out.
Next I arranged the cutouts on the top of the three canteen gourds, putting one on each side of the fretboard and traced around each one. My Dremel provided the initial pilot hole for each shape and then my Micro-Lux jigsaw cut out the shapes. The three gourds I used were so thick that I had to go back with a box cutter and persuade the sound holes to pop out.
Next came the work of cleaning out the seeds and trying to get the inside of the gourds to be as clean and smooth as possible. I then painted the inside of the gourds with black acrylic paint. That was a challenge because I was trying to get paint in areas where a paint brush couldn’t reach.
I wanted the colors on my dulcimer to remind me of the beautiful colors of fall. I decided to “color” my gourds with alcohol inks. First, I wrapped the fretboard in painter’s tape to protect it from being stained by the alcohol inks and then I applied the various colors which reminded me of fall (orange, red, yellow, terra cotta etc.). I dabbed them onto the surface of the gourds with makeup sponges cut in small pieces. When each gourd was completely covered with the inks, I needed to blend the colors together for a softer, more mottled look.
I put a few drops of a blending solution (my recipe: 3 drops of glycerin combined with 91% isopropyl alcohol in a 2 oz. bottle) on a clean makeup sponge. Apply the blending solution in a swirling motion to blend the colors but don’t overdo!
After all three gourds were colored and the ink was allowed to dry overnight, I painted two coats of a high gloss polyacrylic finish over the dulcimer which I suspended from a hook on my porch so I could paint all sides at once.
I outlined the sound holes with a gold leaf paint pen which made them really stand out. My final step was to add two strap buttons. The dowel rod on either end proved to be the perfect location to drill the holes so that the newly installed buttons would hold my dulcimer/guitar strap securely.
Voilà my new dulcimer was now ready for its debut. I entered it in the Indiana State Fair where it won the “Best Of Show” award in the gourd category. I played it at a jam at the Black Mountain Dulcimer Music Festival in October of 2022. Some of my friends call it my “cantina dulcimer.”
I have since made a carrying bag for it out of quilted black fabric with a drawstring closure. It truly was a fun project to do and I am already planning to make a different instrument for next year.
Song Sampler – Gourd Instruments
Playlist Index:
- Gourd Banjo and Hammered Dulcimer by Brad Kolodner
- Cedric Watson on Gourd Banjo “Darlin Cori” by Cedric Watson
- Peace Comes Dropping Slow — Mountain Dulcimer and Electric Gourd Dulcimer Instrumental by Michael Futreal
- How to rock a three stringed gourd dulcimer like a blues guitar! – “The Tree” Dulcimer by Home Grown Instruments
- East Virginia and Cluck Old Hen on homemade Bottle Gourd Banjo by Ben Greco
- Black Eyed Susie on Gourd Banjo by Brad Kolodner
- Blue Violet Waltz by Brad Kolodner
Ads
Canvas and Fretboard
TABLEDIT
Template Tips
Templates save time and reduce errors, but remember to “Save As.”
By Melanie Johnston
When you open TablEdit to start a new score, you need to set the time signature, the key signature and set the clef to standard. You may also need to designate a pick-up measure.
If the last tab you did was in a different tuning, or for a chromatic dulcimer or a different instrument, there will be several other things to change. None of that is especially difficult but it is easy to forget one or more parameter.
Here’s what you need to do to create a template that is ready to go:
Create a folder named “Templates”
- Open TablEdit and set up a score for DAD tuning, time signature set to 4/4, key signature set to D (2 sharps), the Clef set to standard. Save it with the title “DAD 4_4.”
- Set up another score, same as above but this time designate measure 1 as a pick-up measure. Save it as “DAD 4_4 with pickup.”
I have created templates for the most common setups I use. Here is a look inside my folder.
When I want to create a new tablature, I go to my template folder, open the applicable template and I am ready to go! The most difficult part is to remember to immediately rename (“Save as”) your score to the name of the piece so that you don’t overwrite your template.
Give it a try and see what you think!
Johnston teaches TablEdit at festivals and wrote a manual for both Mac and PCs about the program.
