Editor’s Letter
Dear Readers,
Summer lingered in Nebraska this year, making it hard for me to keep track of how quickly the weeks were flying by. As I write this letter for the November issue, I find it hard to believe that we are well into October now.
The fall chill is finally seeping in, and the leaves have started coming down. I appreciate autumn more with each passing year. Maybe because I know the leaves on the ground will provide hours of entertainment for my son as we rake them up together. Maybe it’s the pumpkin beer.
I enjoy the cozy mornings more, too. Wrapping my fingers around that first warming cup of coffee as I start my day. Gathering my thoughts. Savoring the quiet moments, while keeping up the pace.
It has been a whirlwind since I took on the magazine in July. The past few months have been challenging as the family and I find a new rhythm to our days. But there are more inspiring moments than challenging ones. Many of you have reached out to say how excited you are to see the magazine continue and how much it means to you. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you, and look forward to making more connections in the months and years to come. You buoy my spirits and keep me focused on what this work is all about.
This issue is a little different. The stories are not categorized by instrument, but by geography. You could think of this issue as the DPN “Travel Edition.” I did not set out to create a theme, but as people reached out and stories came in, I realized they were adding up to something more.
The same idea kept coming up – that music takes you places. Literally, of course, like in the case of Lorinda Jones, who traveled to Wales to explore the history of the harp, or Erin Mae, who spent months over the summer exploring Europe. But also figuratively, as with Kevin Roth or Brian Bohlman, who reach a new state of mind with their meditative styles of playing. Or you might explore a different tuning or technology with articles from two mountain dulcimer players in England, Dan Evans and Geoff Black.
The days sliding by means we are closing in on the holidays. The music reflects the upcoming season, but it has taken on an international twist as well. Silent Night has well-known German roots, but did you know that “Deck the Halls” comes from Wales? Or that “The Friendly Beasts” traces its roots back to Gregorian chant in France?
Finally, in the spirit of “going places,” I would like to take a moment to share some thoughts on where the magazine is headed. Next year is Volume 50, and there is a lot to commemorate over the last 50 years. More than can fit in just one issue. To make sure we cover it all, one issue will be dedicated to each of the magazine’s four previous editors and feature highlights from each “era.”
I would also like to commemorate you, our readers. I invite you to share your dulcimer memories, whether you have been a subscriber since 1975 or joined us more recently. Is there an issue, article, or song you come back to over and over again? A particular player or album that moved you? Someone you would like to see remembered? I want to hear YOUR story.
Over the course of the year, we will look back and reflect on where the dulcimer community came from and the people who made it what it is today. We will also look at where we are headed and what the next 50 years might hold.
Looking forward, I am also excited to share that some time in the next year, I will be rolling out a digital edition of DPN. Don’t worry – the print edition is not going anywhere! I hope the upcoming changes will not only ease some of the administrative burden for me, but also benefit readers and the dulcimer community by making the archives and articles more accessible. I will be sure to keep you posted with details once they are finalized. For now, I will just say, “Stay tuned!” ~ Fiona
Thank you, Sustaining Subscribers!
My sincerest thanks go to DPN’s newest Sustaining Subscribers:
Helen Bankston
Erik Blomstedt
Carolyn Brodginski
Dana Carroll
Ronald Charlton
Jim Cheatham
Ralph Davis
Joanne Fitch
Nancy Galambush
William Gaw
Kevin Gilson
Susan Helms
James Higby
Greg Hulbert
Peggy Hunter
Anne Keifer
Rodney King
Russel Lee
Leslie Leighty
Barbara Morgan
James Nichols
Robert Null
William Roach
Jeffrey Rocchio
Carolyn Schiffhouer
Michael Scofield
Susan Shurtleff
Star Strahle
Stephanie Taylor
Maryann Viscio
Kathy Wilson
Samuel Wilson
Stephen Yorton
Viki Young
Anonymous
Anonymous
I can barely find the words to express how truly touched I am by this outpouring of generosity. When I reopened subscriptions and offered the Sustaining Subscription (same magazine, higher price) as a way for readers to show their support, I thought I might have a taker or two. The response has blown me out of the water – about 15% of all orders (renewals and new subscriptions) have been at the sustaining level! Wow!
I just love knowing there are so many people out there who love this magazine, and the dulcimer community it serves, as much as I do. Thank you!
What is it?
Sustaining Subscribers are generous readers who choose to renew subscriptions at a higher price. The additional support helps to defray rising costs (like postage) and ensure the future of DPN.
To become a Sustaining Subscriber, visit dpnews.com/subscribe and click the blue “One Year Sustaining Subscription” button.
The names of all new Sustaining Subscribers will be published in the next issue as print deadlines allow.
Thanks for your support!