Dulcimer Gathering

The Windy River Dulcimer Society of Beatrice has announced plans for a "Dulcimer Gathering" to be held on Saturday, May 4, from 9am- 5pm in the Event Center of the Good Samaritan Society located at 22nd and Scott streets in Beatrice (east entrance).
Since 1996, Forrest & Eileen Smith, founders of the Windy River Dulcimer Society, have created, organized, developed, or provided material for dozens of clubs, associations, and festivals across the United States, Canada, Central America, and Australia, and including the Homestead Dulcimer Club in Beatrice, NE. Their mission has been to create opportunities for everyone to learn to play the mountain dulcimer without regard for their abilities or disabilities and without regard for their ability to read music or play by ear. The Smith’s have also arranged over 400 tunes that everyone can play.
Interested persons from Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri are invited to participate in making the soft, sweet sounds of the Mountain Dulcimer. The “Gathering” will provide an opportunity to share the fun and fellowship that is enjoyed by folks across the country.
At 9:30 am, a beginner class will be offered with dulcimers being available to use during the class. Other classes offered during the day will include: “How to Jam and Play together”, “Which tuning is best for you”, “Explore advantages of DF#A tuning”, “Transposing to any Key”, Arranging music by regular and fancy methods”, “Learn to play chords”-recognize the preferred chords and the options available, and “Learn and share new tunes in a Jam Session”. Bring your questions and share your thoughts. Is your community interested in starting a dulcimer club?
It has been our experience that folks will go on vacation, hear a dulcimer, purchase one, and then get home and don’t know what to do with it. The belief is that they must learn to play and get good before they can join a club or play with others. Just the opposite is true- you need to join a group to be good. Another truth is that anyone can learn to play a dulcimer in less than 10 minutes (when fitted with the proper tuning).
Dulcimer Gatherings or Festivals offer this opportunity. Meeting other folks who have had your experience and who are willing to share their experience with you and have you playing in a few minutes. Typically, folks who have participated in a “Gathering” want to continue the experience 3 or 4 times a year.
Cost of this “Gathering” is $15 (lunch will be provided). Motel info can be provided if requested.
It is very important that interested persons let us know if they plan to participate. Contact either Forrest or Eileen Smith, Windy River Dulcimer Society at: email: forsmith@bellsouth.net or call: 402-228-2005.