http://dulcimer.wcu.edu 11th annual July 18-23, 2010 Cullowhee, NC Join us as we kick off our second decade as “the Harvard of Dulcimer Schools.” ★ New faces and returning favorites ★ Study with several National Dulcimer Champions ★ New kids program for grades 4-8 Bring the grandkids! ★ Best value for tuition, food and accommodations With host-instructors Larry and Elaine Conger From Our Hosts, Larry and Elaine Conger We hope you will choose to join us for Western Carolina University's Mountain Dulcimer Week, July 18-23, 2010. We are thrilled that we have been chosen to host a week full of learning more about our beloved mountain dulcimer. Our goal this year is to secure the finest instructors/performers from all over the country ... from New York to Texas and California to Kentucky, while providing you with a plethora of workshop choices that will challenge your skills and inspire you to become better players. This week is not about showcasing our staff. Instead, it is about you, the participant, and what we as staff can do to help you reach your goals as a dulcimer player. We invite you to come and immerse yourself in the music offered during the week, listen thoughtfully, take notes, make observations and ask questions that will help satisfy your need to learn more about this beautiful instrument of the Appalachian Mountains. See you this summer! -Larry and Elaine Schedule Sunday, July 18 - Friday, June 23, 2010 The following may be subject to some changes. Arrive on Sunday for the following: 2-5 p.m. Check-in and Welcome Packet pickup, Norton Residence Hall Lobby 5-6 p.m. Orientation for new participants at Hinds University Center (Instructor staff will meet at this time, too.) 6-7 p.m. Get-to-know-you Banquet in Hinds University Center (non-resident participants and guests purchase tickets on enclosed Registration Form) 7-9 p.m. Entertainment followed by Folk Dance Mixers and Contra Dances next door Typical Weekday Schedule: 7-8:15 a.m. Breakfast in new university dining hall 8:30-10 a.m. Dulcimer skill courses 10-10:30 a.m. Coffee break 10:30-11:30 a.m. Skill courses continued 11:30-1 p.m. Lunch in new university dining hall 1-3 p.m. Electives 3-4 p.m. Rest in the dorm, shop at the Dulcimer Emporium in the Norton Lobby, and/or informal jam (or in whatever order you prefer!) 4-5 p.m. Dulcimer Ensemble in Coulter Band Room (must sign up in advance) or organized jam with a different instructor each day (may also shop or continue resting) 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner in new university dining hall 7-9 p.m. Evening activities: Mon.: Intimate Concerts in Norton Hall (you’ll be prompted about sign-up process at check-in on Sunday) Tues.: Open Stage in Coulter Recital Hall (both solos and ensembles welcome; sign- up sheet in Dulcimer Emporium) Wed.: Optional Field Trip: Unto These Hills, Cherokee, NC or Intimate Concerts in Norton Hall Thurs.: Instructors-in-the-Round: Community Concert at The Fine and Performing Arts Center Friday: 7-8:15 a.m. Breakfast in university dining hall 8:30-10 a.m. Dulcimer skill courses 10-10:30 a.m. Coffee break in Coulter Recital Hall lobby 10:30-noon Farewell Assembly in Coulter Recital Hall (including performances by kid’s class, ensemble class, dulcimer raffle, meet the baby dulcimers, and participant superlative awards) 12:15-1 p.m. Final dorm check-out – see you next year! Location Located within a two-day drive of one third of the nation’s population, Western Carolina University and its surroundings blend the best of the traditional and the new in a beautiful mountain setting. Its outstanding modern university facilities are set in the small, friendly mountain town of Cullowhee, NC. Peaceful and informal, the campus lacks crowds and traffic but offers a wealth of natural beauty and cool mountain evenings. The local countryside is full of nostalgic scenes that harken back to the early days of Appalachia, but the campus is close to four-lane roads. The nearby town of Sylva has excellent shopping, supermarkets, restaurants and medical care. Approximate auto travel time to Cullowhee is 1 hour from Asheville, NC; 3-1/2 hours from Charlotte, NC; 3 hours from Winston-Salem, NC; 3 hours from Atlanta; 3 hours from Chattanooga, TN; and 2 hours from Knoxville, TN. Weather Mother Nature loves dulcimers but also likes to make our beautiful mountains green by sending us rain. Sometimes we have no rain in the mountains for weeks, or it can rain for days - probably just like where you live - so bring along an umbrella. Clothing Informal, and comfortable shoes are recommended. Getting Around Campus Norton Road Residence Hall (where we stay and have evening jam sessions), our classrooms in Coulter Building and our meals at the university dining hall are all on the lower level of campus. A campus map is included in this catalog, and a “Virtual Tour” of the campus can be viewed at http://wcu.edu/8276.asp. Free Shuttle Buses will run between Norton residence hall and the classes each day. There will be no need for a shuttle to and from the cafeteria this year due to the cafeteria’s closer proximity to the classrooms (an easy walk). You will receive a shuttle schedule upon your arrival. You will be responsible for your own transportation to any of the evening activities outside the dorm. Transportation will be provided for the optional Unto These Hills excursion. Parking We give a lot of attention to accommodating everyone’s mobility status around campus, and while some people like to walk, driving, carpooling and our free shuttle buses are options for others. There is very limited parking near most classroom locations, but a new parking area has been opened behind Reid Gymnasium. As you know, universities are designed for college-aged populations and do not have an abundance of handicapped parking spaces. If you are handicapped the shuttle buses may be the ideal solution for you because they pick you up and deliver you door-to-door. Accommodations and Meals Beautiful Norton Road Residence Hall will be our residence again this year. Opened in the Fall of 2005, this 290-bed hall is a return to “couplesfriendly” and private lodging in a new air-conditioned (controls in rooms), non-smoking, community-based environment. No more than two people will share a bath, and couples will have their own private bathroom. Each room contains at least one Ethernet port with free highspeed internet, one phone port, and a cable TV port. Each floor has two fully appointed kitchen/lounge areas with TVs. Norton Hall’s large lobbies are ideal for our evening jam sessions. Below are layouts of typical double and single occupancy rooms in Norton. On-campus residence halls provide the “camp” camaraderie of staying with other dulcimer people for the week in a central location. You’re “going back to college.” The accommodations are clean and modern, but this is not a luxury hotel – no room service, no wake-up call, no maid service, and bathrooms are shared as described above. You receive linens and a couple of towels for the week. You will need to bring clothes hangers and may want to bring along extra towels and washcloths, extra pillow, and a small desk lamp. Those who like a soft bed often bring a foam pad. Most of our participants favor these accommodations, finding them quite comfortable. We save a limited number of handicapped-accessible rooms if you register early. If you require different accommodations you can request from us a list of area lodgings or campgrounds. On-campus accommodations are sold as a package with all meals included, beginning with the Sunday night banquet at the Hinds University Center and going through breakfast on Friday morning in the all-you-can-eat university dining hall. Tasty coffee break fare is included. WCU’s room/meals packages offer cost savings and more convenience than having to use off-site hotels and restaurants. This can save you considerable expense. Costs Registration Fees All Participants: $299/person. Includes all confirmed classes, staff concerts and events for the week, all musical hand-out materials for confirmed classes, and University processing costs. Non-Participant Companions staying ON campus with participants, $80 Fee. Covers University registration and processing costs and eligibility to purchase low-cost residence hall housing and meals. Also includes admission to all concerts, open stage/ensembles group recital, and jam sessions. This fee itself does not include admission to any classes. Meals and housing costs are listed below. For their safety, children are not eligible to be non-participant attendees. Non-Participant Companions of participants staying OFF campus are not automatically eligible for any activities. They are welcome to purchase concert tickets and Sunday night banquet tickets in advance on enclosed registration form. Housing and Meals On-campus accommodations are sold as a package with all meals and coffee break fare included, beginning with our Sunday night Get-Acquainted Banquet through breakfast and coffee break on Friday morning. • Double Occupancy in Norton Hall and meals: • Single Occupancy in Norton Hall and meals: $286 $336 Materials Fee The instructors will be collecting a materials fee from each participant at the beginning of the week to offset the cost of photocopying their workshop handouts. The fee will be $5 per person for the morning skills sessions and $1 per elective and is payable directly to your instructor. Meet Our Staff Larry Conger is one of our hosts for Dulcimer Week in 2010. He has been a popular instructor/performer at dulcimer events across the country for close to 20 years. He makes his home in Paris, Tennessee, a small town halfway between Memphis and Nashville. There he operates a private music studio, along with his wife Elaine, teaching piano, guitar and drums as well as mountain dulcimer. Larry received his music education at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). He has been involved with music as a vocation for over 30 years, serving as a church music director, a participating artist for the Tennessee Arts Commission and Kentucky Arts Council, arranging, composing and performing music as well as being an instrument builder. Larry’s credits include being named 1995 Southern Regional Mountain Dulcimer Champion, 1996 Southern Regional Dulcimer Ensemble Champion and 1998 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion. Larry has several dulcimer books and recordings to his credit, including contributions to Great Players of the Mountain Dulcimer, National Champions and Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer II, compilation CDs featuring many of today’s top dulcimer artists. He has also been featured on several Japanese compilation CDs of international acoustic music. The Acoustic Breath CD series has enjoyed widespread acclaim in Japan. Visit Larry at www.LarryConger.com In addition to being one of our hosts for Dulcimer Week, Larry will be teaching a Master Class and helping direct the Dulcimer Ensemble class each afternoon. Elaine Conger is also one of our hosts for Mountain Dulcimer Week in 2010. She is a music educator and Orff-Schulwerk specialist who has a passion for instilling a love for the arts in young people. Her years as a professional musician, combined with her experience as a classroom teacher give her a unique perspective when working with students. Her past musical experience includes touring with her own country band, performing on the General Jackson showboat at Opryland in Nashville and touring with country music star, Faith Hill. More recently, she has directed and accompanied numerous musical theater productions and even starred in a few herself. Her favorite role to date is as Patsy in Always Patsy Cline. She and her husband Larry reside in Paris, Tennessee where they operate a private music studio. Elaine also serves as organist/music director for a local Episcopal Church. She will be teaching the “Dulcimer for Kids” program during Dulcimer Week as well as co-directing the Dulcimer Ensemble class with Larry. Janita Baker (New Player Skills Instructor) has been playing mountain dulcimer for over 35 years; through her recordings, books and appearances at festivals and workshops across the United States she has become well-known for her teaching skills and her Blue Lion Dulcimers which she builds with her husband Robert. As a solo performer on the mountain dulcimer, Janita presents her audiences with a wide range of musical experiences including classical, traditional, delta and country blues, ragtime, swing and original instrumental pieces. A gifted story teller, Janita delights her listeners with a warm and personal sharing of her music and introduces to her audience and her students the incredible complexity, variety and beauty of the mountain dulcimer. Molly McCormack (Beginner Skills Class Instructor) of Louisville, Kentucky has enjoyed playing, performing and teaching on both the mountain and hammer dulcimers since 1992. Molly’s musical interests are varied, often performing traditional, contemporary and original tunes. Her arrangements include clear, sweet vocals, sultry blues, lively fiddle tunes and beautiful Celtic airs. A natural teacher with a gentle teaching style, Molly has had the pleasure of teaching at many week long dulcimer events. She is a regular teacher each year at Kentucky Music Week in Bardstown, KY. She has had the honor of teaching at the Augusta Heritage Center Dulcimer Week in Elkins, WV, Shenandoah University Dulcimer Week in Winchester, VA and Appalachian State University Dulcimer Week in Boone, NC. Molly has been a featured performer and workshop teacher at many dulcimer weekend festivals around the country including: The Great Dulcimer Convention at Pine Mountain State Park, Southeast Ohio Dulcimer Festival in Athens, OH, Knoxville Area Dulcimer Retreat in Gatlinburg, TN, Dulcimer Chautaqua in New Harmony, IN, Chestnut Ridge Dulcimer Festival in Greenville, PA and many more. Molly has visited numerous dulcimer clubs in the region to give workshops to club members. The Cincinnati Dulcimer Society, Paul Pyle Dulcimer Society, Northern Kentucky Dulcimer Society, Bays Mountain Dulcimer Club and Northern Illinois Dulcimer Society are just a few. Besides singing and playing the mountain and hammer dulcimers, she plays the guitar, penny whistle and autoharp. Her recordings include Reds and Blues (2003), Are We There Yet? (2004), Split the Difference (2005), Molly’s Merry Musical Mix (2008). Molly will be teaching the Beginner skill level class in addition to some afternoon electives. For more information on Molly visit: www.mollymccormack.com Susan Trump (Advanced Beginner Skill Level Instructor) is a singer whose gentle voice and story songs you won’t forget. For years, she has been winning fans with her singing, her song writing prowess and her outstanding instrumental skill on mountain dulcimer, guitar, and banjo. Susan is a favorite instructor and performer who has taught at all the major dulcimer festivals and camps throughout the US. She has written three books for the mountain dulcimer, The Classical Collection, and Novice Level Chords and Left Hand Fingerings, a CD/instructional book, and a book of Duets for Dulcimer. She has released four best-selling solo CD’s, and has produced two volumes of the widely acclaimed CD series, Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer, and the latest; Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer Play Music for Christmas. Now in its third year, she is producing, Lessons in Your Living Room, a monthly subscription series which includes separate arrangements for novice and intermediate-and-up level players, back up chords, and duet parts with a detailed instructional CD. Jim Miller (Bowed Dulcimer Skills Instructor) has been playing and performing traditional music for the past 35 years. An accomplished instrument builder and teacher, he has taught workshops at numerous festivals as well as won many awards for his musicianship. For twenty years, Jim was the owner of the Hampton Music Shop, in Hampton, Tennessee, where he handcrafted over 750 hammered dulcimers. He has played with Celtic, Bluegrass, Swing, Blues and Old Time bands, and has done session work on many recordings. In addition to being an accomplished performer and workshop leader, Jim also is an enthusiastic jam facilitator who likes to get everyone involved. He plays guitar, banjo, octave mandolin, bass, steel drum, percussion, autoharp, hammered and mountain dulcimers as well as his own off-the-wall musical inventions, which are always entertaining. Jim holds a Master’s degree in elementary education and has completed the course work for certification in music education. He teaches fourth grade at Cloudland Elementary School in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, where he leads an after school traditional string band program. He also teaches dulcimer and autoharp in the Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music program at East Tennessee State University. Sue Carpenter (Intermediate Skills Instructor) When Sue first played a mountain dulcimer in 1981, she was immediately captivated by its simplicity and challenged by its fingerpicking possibilities. Her innovative fingerpicking style has won her many awards including 2005 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, KS. As an instrumentalist, Sue is best known for her expressive style and exceptional technical ability. As a teacher, she is well known for her challenging, highly organized and intensive methods, nurturing patience, and energetic enthusiasm, which make learning fun. Born and raised in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Sue likes to think that her love for the mountain dulcimer was rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch Country even before she knew about dulcimers or their German zither heritage. After years of playing piano and organ, Sue finally felt “at home” when she picked up a dulcimer for the first time, knowing that this was the instrument she had been unconsciously searching for all her life. Sue wrote and published Patterns and Patchwork, a fingerpicking instruction book, and Heliotrope Bouquet Tune Book, a companion tab book for her Heliotrope Bouquet CD. Her second CD is Following the Muse. She is also a featured artist on “Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer” (Volumes 1 and 3) and National Mountain Dulcimer Champions. Steve Eulberg (Intermediate Into Advanced Skills Instructor) earned his Master of Music Education degree from Boston University where he focused on teaching folk music on folk instruments. He is the author of the three volumes in the Dulcimer-Friendly Worship series, three collections in the Mountain Dulcimer Orchestra Library and enjoys playing, arranging and researching the history of folk music, both sacred and secular. Steve teaches from his private studio in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he lives with his family. He teaches guitar on-line for www.JamPlay.com and is the Director of Music at the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Colorado State University, where his spouse is the pastor. His elementary school and early childhood programs are engaging, informative, uplifting and fun! Five times he was won prizes at the National Flatpicking Championships (Winfield, KS) in the mountain dulcimer contest, and is busy teaching and performing on the festival circuit. His recordings, a piece of it all (2007) and ’Twas in the Moon of Wintertime,(2003) were both on the first Grammy ballots of their respective years. His music has been featured on NPR’s Open Stage and used as “buttons” for the NPR broadcasts, has been played on United Airline’s Inflight Audio, and is was featured in the soundtrack of PBS’s RoadTrip Nation. Steve also is the owner of Owl Mountain Music, Inc. through which he records, produces and publishes music and hosts the Colorado Dulcimer Festival. He can be reached at www.owlmountainmusic.com. Jeff Hames (Advanced Skill Level Instructor) is the 2006 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion and his original tune, “Music Room Rag” placed in the New Song Showcase at the Nationals. Jeff has been playing mountain dulcimer for thirteen years, and for six of those, he studied with David Schnaufer at the Blair School of Music in Nashville, TN, who described Jeff’s playing with three words: “talent, touch and tone.” Jeff’s music was included in a project for National Geographic and the Mississippi Department of Education that was used as a teaching tool for schools in the state of Mississippi. Jeff is known for pushing the envelope and trying new things on the dulcimer. His workshops are technique-based, and he takes great satisfaction when someone learns a technique that makes their playing easier. His website is www.JeffHames.com. Marsha Harris Morehead City, NC (Dulcimer Emporium Director and Electives Instructor) Marsha has played the mountain dulcimer for the past seventeen years and the bowed dulcimer for seven years. Her varied musical interests include traditional oldtime, Celtic, contemporary, classical, Swedish, Cajun and original compositions. She plays beautiful, intricate melodies on the mountain dulcimer and is an excellent bowed dulcimer player. Her easygoing style in teaching and patience are a favorite with students. Dulcimer instructors have taught her original composition, ‘Red Dog’, published in the Dulcimer Folk Association of Connecticut newsletter, to students for its ease of learning and it can be heard in jam circles. Marsha’s varied interests are seen in instrumentation as well as genres of music. She also plays the fiddle, Native American flute and tenor banjo. She is a member of three music groups, ‘The Bogue Sounds, an eclectic group, and ‘The Carteret Grays’ and ‘The Huckleberry Brothers’, which both play civil war period music. She has taught at various dulcimer workshops in Winston-Salem, Shelby, Kinston, and WCU Winter Weekend in North Carolina; Lagniappe Festival in Louisiana; and August Dulcimer Daze in Vermont. Marsha attends fiddle festivals where she uses her ability to learn new tunes by ear adapting them to the dulcimer and bringing them to the dulcimer community. She has received several awards and a dulcimer championship in NC. She is a two-time dulcimer champion at Fiddler’s Grove and her ‘First Teardrop’ composition has won second place at the Mt. Airy Fiddler’s Convention. To compliment her music Marsha also is a caller for contra dances and Civil War reenactment balls. Bob Magowan (Dulcimer Building Class Instructor) began his luthier career in August, 2000 when he purchased a mountain dulcimer kit, assembled it and began to learn how to play it. Following that experience he started designing and making his own mountain dulcimers. He currently constructs Magowan Mountain Dulcimers, which are custom made instruments. Over the years he has developed an interest in other stringed instruments by repairing all types of bowed instruments including violins, violas, cellos, and he has also worked on guitars, mandolins and concert zithers. He also, of course, does repair on mountain dulcimers and has acted as “Dulcimer Doctor” at dulcimer festivals. To date Bob has built over 100 instruments, mostly mountain dulcimers, but also pickin’ sticks, cookie can instruments, a mandolin and a number of experimental instruments. His musical interests include old time and bluegrass music and playing dulcimer, fiddle, viola, mandolin and tenor guitar. Erin Rogers (Assistant to Beginner Skills Class) can do more with three strings than most people can do with six. Audiences are continually amazed as they watch her fingers fly over the fretboard of her mountain dulcimer. Erin has been playing the mountain dulcimer for fifteen years, and in that time has developed a mastery of her instrument which few can match. Her playing combines technical proficiency with deep musical expression. Erin’s musical journey began when she started playing piano at the age of five. She soon discovered that pianos are not very portable and was given a mountain dulcimer for her seventh birthday. She taught herself to play, fell in love with the instrument, and soon developed a playing style all her own. Erin won the 2004 National Mountain Dulcimer Championship at the age of seventeen, becoming the youngest ever to win this title. In 2007, Erin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and music became an important part of the healing process for her. As a response to this experience, Erin recorded her first solo album, Quiet Sunshine, in March 2008. She is now cancer free and desires to share the healing touch of music with others going through painful trials. At age twenty-two, Erin has studied old-time, bluegrass, Irish, jazz, and classical music at the college level. She will graduate with an Associate’s degree in commercial music from South Plains College (SPC) in May 2010. Erin has performed extensively, both as a solo artist and as a member of the trio “Scenic Roots.” She has also been a member of SPC’s prestigious bluegrass ensemble, “Pickin’ on the Plains,” for two semesters. She teaches mountain dulcimer, piano, and music theory lessons and workshops. She has been a part of four Scenic Roots albums, two Modern Mountain Dulcimer albums, and has a song on a Quickstar Production acoustic compilation. Erin’s goal is to brighten someone’s day wherever she goes. Her passionate playing and unique arrangements are sure to do just that. Jeff Sebens (Dulcimer Doctor) works at the home he shares with his wife Patricia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Cana, Virginia. His work has taken him in a variety of directions. He loves to build unique, handcrafted instruments. He also teaches individuals to build and play these instruments. Another creative direction that he has taken is to perform music with Barbara Bates Smith. His CD, Quit That Ticklin’ Me features Jeff on lap and hammered dulcimer with Stanley Widener on guitar and banjo. A variety of Old Time and Celtic tunes will keep you listening again and again. Jeff comes to WCU this year as the “Dulcimer Doctor,” performing minor repairs as needed. He will also be teaching some afternoon electives. His web site is www.Meadows-Music.com. Sarah Elizabeth Musgrave (New Players Class Assistant) is an accomplished performer and songwriter, Sarah began her journey with music when she was just 6 years old. She became enamored with the mountain dulcimer after hearing a concert at the Blair School of Music and started begging for lessons. At first, the late David Schnaufer (the Professor of Dulcimer at that time), didn’t know what to make of her request, but after pestering him for months, he began working with her. After just a few short months, she earned a scholarship to the Blair School of Music. Fascinated with the history of this American instrument, she quickly became knowledgeable about the traditions of Appalachian Music and at the age of nine, she became the youngest person ever to win the Mountain Dulcimer Championship at the nationally recognized contest, Uncle Dave Macon Days. In addition to the old-time music for which she became known, Sarah’s exploration of the instrument’s capacity to play all types of music have led her to studies with Garnett Davis of the Blair School of Music, Janita Baker of California, and Ken Bloom of North Carolina. As a youth scholar, she has also attended three weeklong intensives at Western Carolina University. She is a much sought-after musician, playing numerous venues throughout the Southeast including the Frist Center for the Arts, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Palace Theater, Murphy Auditorium, Unicoi State Park, Ingram Auditorium, Paramount Theater for the Arts, and Turner Recital Hall. Sarah has also played on two Dove-nominated cd’s, The Journey by the Oak Ridge Boys, and Will Play for Pie by the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri. Visit her at http://www.sarahelizabethmusic.com. Gary Sager (Assistant For Dulcimer Building Class) became interested in the Mountain Dulcimer in 1991 after seeing David Schnaufer’s Fischer’s Hornpipe video on CMT. He built a dulcimer in late 1991, then began building seriously in 1992 and has been building and playing since that time. Gary and wife Toni are the owners of Prussia Valley Dulcimers Acoustic Music Shop. They reside in Waverly, Ohio. Gary has taught playing workshops at Fort New Salem Dulcimer Festival, Dulcimer Doin’s in Dayton, Ohio, Buckeye Dulcimer Festival in Ashley, Ohio, The Great River Road Dulcimer Festival in Grafton, Illinois, Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival in Owensboro, Kentucky, Chestnut Ridge Dulcimer Festival in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and several other local festivals. Gary and Toni have done occasional performances at some of these festivals. Gary can be heard on Doug Felt’s A Little of This & A Little of That CD. Curriculum You register for Mountain Dulcimer Week by signing up for one of the following morning Playing Skills or Specialized courses. These sequential, in-depth courses are the “core” of your week. They take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. They provide 13 hours of sequential, well-balanced instruction with at least one master teacher/player. The majority of courses focus on providing “Playing Skills.” Understanding the Morning Skill Courses These in-depth courses provide a more thorough and relaxed way to learn than a weekend dulcimer festival (which typically would have a lot of unrelated short workshops). You also get to know your teacher – and his/her creative approaches to music – and your teacher gets to know you. In consideration of all the students in the class, the teacher will progress through the lesson plan described below for each course. If you need help, most classes have tutors and will provide some time for individual help. We also encourage students to get together in non-class times for practice sessions and friendship. If you want to learn specific skills or music not in the course plan, the best opportunity to “personalize” your learning experience is in our afternoon classes (see ‘Electives’ section). They can provide many opportunities for additional challenge, reinforcement, and variety of music. When you sign up for a morning playing course, it’s for the five days (13 hours), so it’s wise to choose a course with prerequisites, goals and skills taught that suit you. The registration process fills classes on a first-come-first-registered basis. Please be aware that some classes fill up quickly. For quality teaching/learning we limit many classes to 25-30 students, depending on content. Participants who feel they have made a wrong choice of course may switch before Tuesday of our week into another course if spaces are available. After this “settling-in” period of the first day we expect participants to remain in these sequential courses. How to Register 1. Take a little time to read the course descriptions and prerequisites so you can select your morning course carefully. 2. Fill in all the blanks on the Registration Form from that comes with this catalog, marking “1” for your first choice of course. Also mark “2” for your second choice in case you’re first choice course is filled up when your registration is received. Include your payment via check or credit card as instructed. The fastest route is on-line registration at our website, http://dulcimer.wcu.edu, but you can also register quickly via fax or overnight mail. 3. After your registration is received, written confirmation will be sent to you. Morning Playing Skills Courses New Players Janita Baker with Sarah Elizabeth Musgrave, class assistant/afternoon tutor No musical or dulcimer-playing experience is necessary for this class; we will be starting from scratch. The only requirement is a desire to play the dulcimer and have fun! The goal of the course is to enable you to play the dulcimer with confidence, and to give you the desire and fundamentals to continue your musical explorations. Skills covered will include tuning your dulcimer, playing from tablature (an easy form of music notation) and by ear, basic right and left hand techniques for both strumming and fingerpicking, simple left hand embellishments including slides and pull-offs and hammer-ons and “care and feeding” of the mountain dulcimer. We will be playing a variety of music including hymns, traditional and classical arrangements. Beginners Molly McCormack with Erin Rogers, class assistant/afternoon tutor Students will explore a variety of playing techniques, improve strumming and fingering while learning to play a variety of easy melodies and chords. Pre-requisites: You should be able to strum and play a few simple tunes. All tunes are in D-A-d tuning, but extra help will be given to those unfamiliar with this tuning. We will begin the week with a review of the very basics of tuning, sitting posture, holding a pick, and strumming and learning some simple tunes. As the week progresses we will practice playing in time, basic flat-picking and basic chords. Throughout the week we will practice playing tunes by ear as well as using tablature. We will explore variations of melodies and focus on playing styles that work for each individual. Our class focus will be having fun and being relaxed while playing. Advanced Beginners Susan Trump You should have the skills described for beginner level, be able to tune your dulcimer to DAD tuning, and play a few simple pieces with confidence. The goal of the class is to help you understand and enjoy your instrument and the music that you can make! The class will focus on understanding how chords and melodies fit together, using left hand fingerings and chord shapes to make your playing smooth and flowing. We’ll use various strumming patterns to help you establish a strong, rhythmic right hand. We’ll also explore fingerpicking, and combining strums with individually picked notes to add texture and interest to your playing. We’ll play in DAD and DAC tunings and introduce how to use the capo to help you play in different keys. Repertoire will be varied to include waltzes, hymns, fiddle tunes, Stephen Foster songs, and music from the British Isles. Intermediate Sue Carpenter Are you ready for the intermediate level? You are if you can play chords using three fingers; read tablature; embellish using hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and harmonics; are familiar with different tunings; can strum basic rhythms; and have basic experience in either fingerpicking/flatpicking. We will build on the novice level skills and further hone your technical abilities, personal styles, and knowledge of music theory and your dulcimer. Music will be arranged for strumming and individual string picking suitable for either fingerpicking or flatpicking depending on your preference. Repertoire will be varied from around the world and will serve as a means to teach various skills, topics, and concepts: chordmelody style, arpeggios, playing melodies across the strings and in different octaves, playing in different keys (with and without a capo), harmonies, rhythms, dynamics and expression, tips for playing from memory/by ear, and practicing tips to help you smooth out trouble spots in your playing. What do you need to bring to the class? First and foremost you’ll need a sense of humor and an adventurous spirit to explore new possibilities. Other gear to bring to class: music stand, tuner, capo, extra strings, pencil, highlighter, blank tab paper, and note pad. The course will be challenging, but Sue will make sure you have fun along the way and will serve up a healthy dose of nurturing when needed. Intermediate Into Advanced Steve Eulberg This class will build confidence to move outside our comfort zones to deeper understanding and excellence in musicianship with dulcimer playing! We’ll begin with solidifying our basic skills and move in a sequential way through a variety of strategies to grow as musicians who play dulcimers. You will need to be comfortable with the intermediate level skills described in that class and be ready to move toward advancement! Several skills will be addressed including developing left and right hand skills, learning by ear, chords and harmonies, creative use of a capo, playing in other keys and transposing written music to fit on your dulcimer, fingerpicking and flatpicking, enhancing tablature using chords in various voicings, up and down the fretboard and exploring tunings/styles and minor modes. Advanced Jeff Hames Playing What You Hear: This course is designed to help you use your ear more effectively in your playing. Playing by ear can help you advance your playing to a new level and open many other possibilities in your styles and genres of music. Being able to play what is written is good but to make the songs come to life you need to feel the music and the best way to do that is to play what you hear and play what you feel when you hear it. Student Requirements: Come to class with an open mind. Be able to tune and retune your dulcimer quickly. Know how to use a capo. Know and be comfortable with different strum patterns and finger picking. Be able to pick out notes that you hear being played. Be able to hear chord changes and know where to find the chords in different places on the fret board. 1 ½ and 8 ½ frets are encouraged but not required. Be able to play in different keys comfortably. Feel comfortable playing with others and in front of others. Playing in front of the class may be required. Tab may not be available for all songs we use since we are working on training our ears. The instructor encourages those that want to be challenged, but if you do not have the student requirements for this class you may be more comfortable in another class that best fits your abilities. Please feel free to bring a tape recorder. To avoid any copyright issues, the instructor asks that none of the class material be duplicated or published as a video, recording, reprinted or copied. Break down of requirements for students: 1. Know your chords and where to find them on the fret board 2. Know different strum patters (classes not geared to teach you how) 3. Know how to finger pick (classes not geared to teach you how) 4. Know how to tune your dulcimer quickly 5. Be able to hear chord changes 6. Be able to play in front of others 7. Know how to use a capo 8. Have an open mind about your playing Master Class ★New this year! Larry Conger Don’t let the title mislead you. The Master Class is not designed for masters of the dulcimer ... rather it is intended for those who want to master their dulcimer. Geared toward intermediate and advanced level players, the Master Class will give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and command of the instrument through one on one interaction with the instructor as well as with the other students in the class. Participants will be asked to bring 3-4 pieces they have been working on and play these pieces for Larry while in the presence of the other class members. It is preferred that these pieces be tabbed out on paper in advance and copies made available to the instructor. Larry will then provide insight and constructive recommendations as to how the musical arrangements can be improved, while allowing the other participants in the class to listen and learn from observation. Each participant will take a turn playing his/her pieces and being evaluated. Participants will then be challenged to address the suggestions made in the class and begin incorporating the ideas into their playing. By the end of the week, participants will present the same pieces (as time permits) and will be re-evaluated to determine if the suggestions made in the class were beneficial. This interactive approach should help each participant to learn from the instructor as well as the other class members. The ultimate goal will be to give your playing a new direction and take it to the next level, while instilling confidence in your ability as a player. The class is not only open to solo players but also to ensembles who are looking for help or a new direction with their playing. All class participants must be intermediate or advanced level players, come prepared to play 3-4 pieces each, be somewhat comfortable playing in front of others, willing to share thoughts and ideas in a class forum and be open to new ideas and suggestions. * A limited number of students will be accepted into this class. Master Classes traditionally ask prospective students to submit a recording of themselves in order to be considered for the class. The chosen songs for criteria auditions this year are “September on the Mississippi” and “Southwind.” You may choose one of the two for your recording. The recording can be in the form of a cassette, CD or MP3 file and should be sent to Larry at the address shown below no later than May 1. Be sure to include your e-mail address with your submission so that Larry can contact you. Larry Conger, PO Box 131, Paris, TN 38242 or [email protected] Bowed Dulcimer Jim Miller Covers bowing technique and fingerings. Several intermediate songs will be taught along with harmonies and chords. A bowed instrument is not required, but you do need a bow. The goal of the course is to improve playing techniques for bowed dulcimer. Prerequisites: Some prior experience with bowing technique is helpful, either on dulcimer, violin, or cello. Beginners to bowing are encouraged to take the Intro to Bowing elective. Bowed dulcimers are recommended although regular dulcimers can be modified to accommodate bowing. Teardrop rather that hourglass shaped instruments are best suited to this modification. Students should bring their own bow. Students will learn correct bowing techniques, vibrato, double stops, and scales. Proper bow hold, string attack, and good tone production will be stressed. Repertoire will be taken from traditional Appalachian fiddle tunes and waltzes as well as Scottish and Irish airs and ballads. Melodies and harmonies will be taught for most pieces with an emphasis on ensemble playing. Dulcimer Building Class Bob Magowan with Gary Sager assisting In this course participants will build a McSpadden Sweet Song dulcimer. Yes, you can do this even if you have never done any woodworking! Bob will guide you on each step of the process and will provide all the forms, tools and materials needed to construct the dulcimer. This is an excellent opportunity for spouses of mountain dulcimer players or anyone interested in learning the mountain dulcimer construction process and the satisfaction of playing an instrument you personally built. You will end up with a well designed, easy-to-play great sounding instrument that will give you years of satisfaction. If time permits Bob will teach the basics of playing the dulcimer for those who have never played. Due to the nature of the course the student will require both the morning and afternoon sessions to complete the dulcimer. The class will be limited to the first ten students to enroll. In addition to the class tuition and other expenses each student will pay a $200 fee to cover the cost of materials, supplies, tool usage and the forms on which to build the dulcimer. This fee will be paid to the instructor on the first day of class. If you have any questions regarding this course Bob can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone: (901) 751-8306. Dulcimer For Kids ★New this year! Elaine Conger The “Harvard” of Dulcimer Workshops will be offering a Kid’s College that will run concurrently with Dulcimer Week! Bring your children or grandchildren with you to Dulcimer Week this year because a class will be offered for kids 4th through 8th grade. While you’re enjoying your skills classes, the kids will be building and decorating their own cardboard dulcimer in addition to learning how to play it. Other musical activities will include creating instruments using recycled or found objects. A particular highlight for the kids as part of the week’s curriculum will be an afternoon of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River! Dulcimer Ensemble Larry and Elaine Conger Enjoy the experience of playing with others in a group setting. This class will provide you with an opportunity to put to use the skills and techniques you will be learning in your morning skills class while offering you a chance to perform with a group of your dulcimer friends as part of a “Dulcimer Orchestra.” The class is being offered to Dulcimer Week participants in addition to the morning skills and afternoon elective classes. It will take place each afternoon following the elective classes and before the evening meal, so that it does not conflict with any other classes you may want to attend. All skill levels are welcome to participate. If you have a baritone or bass dulcimer, you are encouraged to bring them with you. Afternoon Two-Hour Elective Classes Afternoon Electives are offered Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Monday Electives Newcomer Skills continued from Morning (Beginner; Sarah Elizabeth – Monday and Tuesday) A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (Baker) led by tutor, Sarah Elizabeth. Beginner Skills continued from Morning (Beginner; Erin Rogers – Monday and Tuesday) A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (McCormack) led by tutor, Erin Rogers. Beginning Bowed Dulcimer (Beginner and up; Jim Miller – Monday) Covers bowing technique and fingering using several simple tunes. You don’t need a bowed instrument, but do bring a bow if you have one; some loaners will be available. Composing Simple Melodies (All levels; Molly McCormack – Monday) A step-by-step process for those who want to compose their own melodies but have been afraid to try. Lydia, My Lydian (Intermediate; Jeff Sebens – Monday) A modern approach to ancient modes. Singing with the Dulcimer: Developing Accompaniments (Intermediate; Susan Trump – Monday) Accompanying a song can be as basic as playing chords and strumming or creating harmonies or counter melodies using your instrument as a singing partner. Learn to use different tunings and a capo to fit your voice. Be sure to bring a pencil with eraser. Turlough O’Carolan for Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv.; Marsha Harris – Monday) A harpist that wrote beautiful tunes that sound wonderful on the mountain and bowed dulcimer. Introduction to Four Equidistant String Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv.; Janita Baker – Monday) Explore the pleasure, ease and benefits of playing with four equidistant strings. The session will cover how to convert three string songs into four and what advantages alternate tunings can offer. (Students will need a dulcimer set up with four strings tuned DAAd.) Familiar Hymn Tunes (Intermediate/Adv.; Larry Conger – Monday) Solo style arrangements of well-known hymns from the Christian faith in DAd tuning. Jim Croce on the Mountain Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv; Steve Eulberg – Monday) “Time in a Bottle” (DAC) and “Operator” (DAd) Fingerpickers “Duet” Better (Intermediate/Adv; Sue Carpenter – Monday) Trade melody and harmony in duets of “Westphalia Waltz” and “Ned of the Hill” arranged for finger-picking. Tuesday Electives Newcomer Skills continued from Morning Elective (Beginner; Sarah Elizabeth – Monday and Tuesday) A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (Baker) led by tutor, Sarah Elizabeth. Beginner Skills continued from Morning Elective (Beginner; Erin Rogers – Monday and Tuesday) A re-cap of skills taught in morning elective class (McCormack) led by tutor, Erin Rogers. World Rhythms (All levels; Jim Miller – Tuesday) Introduction to percussion for dulcimer players. I Think I Hear Banjammer Music! (All levels; Mike Clemmer – Tuesday) A demonstration of the banjammer by its creator, Mike Clemmer, owner of Wood-n-Strings in Townsend, TN. Intro to Bowed Dulcimer (Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Tuesday) Learn basic bowed dulcimer skills including bowing techniques and hand positions. Ever wanted to play fiddle? A standard bowed dulcimer plays an octave lower than the fiddle and can really add to your dulcimer group. Stephen Foster Songs (Intermediate; Gary Sager – Tuesday) Repertoire class with music from a great American Folk composer. Hornpipes and Sea Chanteys (Intermediate; Sue Carpenter – Tuesday) Have some fun flat-picking hornpipes and strumming sea chanteys. Intermediate Q & A with Jeff Hames (Intermediate and up; Jeff Hames – Tuesday) Time devoted especially to all those burning questions you’ve been waiting to ask the Mountain Dulcimer Champion of 2006. Four-String Fingerpicking Repertoire (Intermediate Adv; Janita Baker – Tuesday) After being introduced to Four String Dulcimer, continue on by learning how this equidistant tuning facilitates smoother, easier, and more melodic playing in a variety of styles. Designing a Dulcimer (All levels; Jeff Seibens – Tuesday) A wide ranging discussion of what options you might want to consider as you shop for a dulcimer or have one built for you. DGD Tuning (Intermediate; Susan Trump – Tuesday) A basic introduction to playing in the key of G. We’ll find out what the notes are, where the chords are, some easy harmony patterns and a few tunes. You may find it easier to sing with this tuning! Wednesday Electives Shaped-Note Singing: 4 Shapes (All; Dr. Will Peebles – Wednesday) An introduction and overview of the 4-shape system of music as used in the Sacred Harp hymnals. Finger Picking and Flat Picking (Beginner; Jeff Hames – Wednesday Learn two techniques using simple songs that can enhance your music playing skills (bring capo). No Need for Paper (Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Wednesday Fiddle tunes are traditionally learned by ear; learn to play without the use of tab. A recording device may be helpful. Is a 1 1/2 fret for you? (Adv. Beginner/Intermediate; Jeff Seibens – Wednesday) A look at the possibilities that adding a 1 1/2 fret opens up and how to use it. Several instruments will be available for students to try out. Major Beauty, Minor Melodies (Adv. Beginner and up; Sue Carpenter – Wednesday) Learn to play several lovely tunes in the keys of Am, Bm, and Em in DAD tuning. Bum-Diddy: Right Hand Technique (Intermediate; Erin Rogers – Wednesday) An in-depth look at the all-important but oft’ neglected right hand. Fish Ain’t Bitin’ (Intermediate; Steve Eulberg – Wednesday) And other blues in DAd. Chromatic Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv; Sara Elizabeth – Wednesday) Come and explore all those extra in between notes a chromatic dulcimer gives you and see all the doors they open up. Groovin’ on the Bass Dulcimer (Intermediate/Adv; Elaine Conger – Wednesday) Get your groove on by exploring the fun sounds you can make on the bass dulcimer. Classical Arrangements (Adv., Janita Baker – Wednesday) Arrangements of classical pieces for fingerpicking, flatpicking, or strumming. Learning to Listen (Adv. Beginner/Intermediate; Jim Miller – Wednesday) Introduction to aural skills for the mountain dulcimer Thursday Electives Songs and History of Appalachia (All levels; Susan Trump – Thursday) Athorough retrospective of how the people who developed the dulcimer used it to play and accompany the rich style of music they brought with them from their Scottish/British homeland. Students will listen to field recordings and British recordings of songs and compare how they have changed and adapted over the years. Songs used will be in DAA, DAd, DAc, or capo-ed. Shaped-Note Singing: 7 Shapes (All; Dr. Will Peebles – Thursday) A discussion and comparison/contrast of the 7-shape system used in the Christian and Southern Harmony traditions as opposed to the 4-shape system explored on the previous day. Hear-a-Chord, There-a-Chord (All; Elaine Conger – Thursday) Learn how to distinguish chord changes when you’re in a jam…or jelly! Adding to Your Repertoire and Learning the Fret Board (Beginner; Jeff Hames – Thursday) Students will become more skillful with the higher number frets and learn how much fun they can be (bring capo). Easy Waltzes (Beginner; Gary Sager – Thursday) Easy waltz tunes for the beginning player. Celtic Rhythms (Beginner and up; Marsha Harris – Thursday) Learn and feel the music of a jig, reel, and a hornpipe. Advanced Beginner Coaching (Adv. Beginner; Jeff Seibens – Thursday) Obtain additional personalized instruction or refine the skills you’ve been taught in the morning sessions. Calypso Melodies (Intermediate; Molly McCormack – Thursday) Unusual melodies from the islands that have that great rhythmic beat. Classical Dulcimer (Intermediate; Sarah Elizabeth – Thursday) Demystify classical music on the mountain dulcimer through exploring familiar melodies and chamber style music. Jam Session Skills (Intermediate/Adv.; Erin Rogers – Thursday) Specific tips for jamming outside of dulcimer circles. Discussion will include playing in different keys, back-up, improvising solos, having tunes ready to lead, and more for coping in a multi-instrument jam session. All That Jazz! (Advanced; Steve Eulberg – Thursday) FAC/DAF# (1-3-5) tuning opens up a chromatic world of possibilities for rich chords, melodic lines and fun…all on a standard dulcimer with no extra frets! Special Features Be a Volunteer Just check off the “Volunteer” space on the Registration Form. You’ll help your teachers by doing such things as tending sales tables at the Dulcimer Emporium or other opportunities that might arise. The work is “non-hazardous” and fun. We’ll schedule your times so they won’t interfere with your classes. Sunday Get-Acquainted Banquet 6 p.m., July 18, Hinds University Center. A sumptuous buffet banquet awaits you as you dine with faculty and other participants. The banquet will be followed by Folk Dance Mixers and Contra dances. If you are not staying on campus, or if you want to bring a guest, you will need to purchase a ticket for $16 each in advance on the enclosed Registration Form. This meal is included if you are staying on campus. New Intimate Evening Concerts Multiple concerts will take place each evening Monday-Wednesday at various locations throughout Norton Hall Dorm. The idea is to allow participants to get “up close and personal” with their favorite instructor/performer in small intimate settings perhaps allowing for short Q & A sessions. A sign-up process will be available at check-in when you arrive on Sunday. You’ll perhaps be able to hear your favorite performer more than once throughout the week! Jam Sessions This year we are offering fewer organized jams but allowing for time to be spontaneous with your friends who want to play music with you. From 3- 4 p.m. each day, anyone who wishes will have the option of starting their own informal jam in the dorm lobbies. Then from 4-5 p.m. each afternoon, there will be an instructor led jam. There will also be opportunities to join an informal jam in the dorm lobbies each evening after the concerts have ended. Official WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week CD Outstanding performances from our concerts featuring 20 of the world’s best dulcimer players. Traditional Appalachian, Celtic, religious, swing, blues, jazz, Hawaiian, and contemporary music. $15 for 60 minute recording. New Showcase Concert Venue The Thursday evening concert will feature our core instructors on-stage at the same time performing some of their most popular arrangements “in-theround.” This format will allow for more music to be heard and less time in setting the stage between performers. This year’s performance will be held in the new state-of-the-art Fine and Performing Arts Center on the WCU campus. Experience outstanding art in an unforgettable location. New Emporium This year the Dulcimer Emporium (formerly the Dulcimer Marketplace) will be conveniently housed inside the lobby of Norton Residence Hall. This will allow the Emporium to be open and staffed during more assessable and flexible hours including the evening hours while you’re in the residence hall. The general public is welcome in addition to all Dulcimer Week participants. A host of vendors is expected to display their products along with instructor’s books and CD’s. If you are interested in being a vendor, limited space is available on a first come-first serve basis and is restricted to dulcimer related products. If you are interested in being a vendor, please contact Larry Conger at tndulciman@ aol.com or call 731-644-3110. Dulcimer Raffle A dulcimer has been graciously donated by Jim and Betty Woods of McSpadden Mountain Dulcimers in Mountain View, Arkansas for the purpose of a raffle. Everyone who enters the raffle will have an opportunity to win this beautiful instrument. New! Special Wednesday Night Excursion to “Unto-These-Hills” Take advantage of this special “add-on” to see a performance of one of America’s longest-running outdoor dramas. “Unto-These-Hills” will be celebrating its 61st season in nearby Cherokee, NC. The new show has been reconcepted to better portray the unique story of the Cherokee from a historical perspective. The updated version traces the Cherokee people through the aeons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly re-scripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world. A place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities. Transportation by motor coach is provided in your ticket price, but seating is limited. Eight Scholarships Available Western Carolina University is proud to offer four adult scholarships and four youth scholarships* (ages 9-17) for 2010. The adult scholarships will cover the cost of tuition ($299) and the youth scholarships will cover ALL costs including tuition, housing and meals. If you or someone you know deserves to be considered for one of these scholarships, here’s what you need to do: 1. Write to: SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE, C/O WCU Continuing Education, 138 Camp Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 OR e-mail Hensley@ wcu.edu. 2. Tell us why the person should be considered (financial need, special circumstances, unique opportunity, etc.). We are especially looking for how the Mountain Dulcimer has impacted their life AND what the person hopes to do with the skills learned. 3. Multiple factors will be considered in determining the allocation of scholarships. 4. Notification of winners will be made by April 16. The deadline for receiving applications will be April 1. 5. Be sure to include the applicant’s full name, address, phone, and email (include parent information if youth). *Youth scholarship recipients must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who must register as a participant or non-participant and pay for their portion of a double occupancy housing and meal plan. Is There a Doctor in the House? Yes, once again we will have an expert repair person on call to assist you with any dulcimer repairs or upgrades that you might require. Jeff Sebens, an experienced luthier from Virginia will be available each day in Norton Hall to change strings, add frets or strap buttons, repair tuners or set the action on your dulcimer. Just drop by Jeff’s booth in the Dulcimer Emporium to discuss your needs and make arrangements to have the work done. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Credits CEUs are available when you attend WCU Mountain Dulcimer Week. Interested teachers should contact their local school board for prior approval for Teacher Certificate Renewal Credit. Contact Bobby Hensley at WCU for details and sign up on enclosed registration form. Tourism The area surrounding Western Carolina University abounds in scenic wonders and excellent outdoor activities. If you would like to plan vacation days before or after Mountain Dulcimer Week, you can find some excellent tourism links on our website, http://dulcimer.wcu.edu, or the Smoky Mountain Host organization at http://www.visitsmokies.org or 1-800-432-HOST. WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center Don’t miss this! The Heritage Center is located on campus on the first floor of the H.F.R. Administration Building. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Sundays, 2-5 p.m. Admission is free. It is a museum that celebrates the rich traditions of the southern Appalachian mountains and has fascinating exhibits. Mountain Heritage Center website:http://www.wcu.edu/2389.asp. Come Back Next Winter Our cozy gathering at the historic Terrace Hotel on Lake Junaluska is a great reunion for our participants and a fine way to musically brighten up the winter. More details after you arrive in Cullowhee.
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