New orchestral book an exceptional source of arrangements and information.
By Judy House
OH. MY. GOODNESS! I just received my copy of Carol Walker’s latest set of orchestral arrangements, and I am thrilled that we will be introducing it to the members of the First National Dulcimer Orchestra! “More Hands, More Dulcimers” is the second in a series of arrangements by Walker, specifically for dulcimer orchestras and ensembles. The first book was a great success, and I am certain that this one will be just as good, if not better! Is that possible?
Walker, who is an exceptional teacher, I might add, not only provides orchestra members with rich music, but she also includes so much music information that we all come away as much better musicians.
The new book includes a wide variety of repertoire that I can’t wait to sink my fingers into. Choices include a medley of fiddle tunes, a medley of winter holiday music, Canon in D, even The Hallelujah Chorus (yes!) and much more. Twelve songs in all, taking up 221 pages! This is not something to sneeze at. Each piece has 4 to 6 parts, with one song in particular needing, ideally, 12 players! The dulcimers used in this book are standard, dulcimette, baritone, and bass. There’s even an “Easy Peasy” part for those just starting out. I cannot wait for this book’s challenges!!!
Every page is crammed with information to make the music more interesting, more fun to play, and more enjoyable for listeners – including dynamic markings, target tempos, descriptive terms such as maestoso, poco rit., and other terms musicians need to know and be able to execute. There are techniques that we often do not see in a lot of other dulcimer music, such as accented notes, glissandos, trills, tenuto marks, and staccatos. (Know what all of these are? If not, you need this book!)
There’s a new breed of dulcimer player out there, folks. We are working, playing, laughing, and learning. And Carol Walker is making it happen!
Get your copy of “More Hands, More Dulcimer” at MusicLadyCarol.com and join us for the fun!
House is the founder of the First National Dulcimer Orchestra. Find her online at judyhousemusic.com.