Western Carolina University

Above: Participants of a previous Mountain Dulcimer Week at Western Carolina University take part in a dulcimer-playing course.

Western Carolina University is currently accepting applications for its 2007 Mountain Dulcimer Week, to be held June 24-29

The event will feature dulcimer-playing courses for all skill levels – from those who have never played before to experienced musicians. Classes are taught by well-known dulcimer instructors, recording artists, performers and authors.

Featured classes include a dulcimer-building course and courses in many styles of music, including Southern Appalachian, Celtic, blues, hymns, gospel and European dance music.

Evening concerts open to the public will take place on June 25, 26 and 27. Admission to the concerts is free for registered participants. For others, admission is $12 for each night or $25 for three nights. Students and those under age 20 pay $5 per performance.

The mountain dulcimer, one of the original instruments of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, was first developed in the early 1800s by westward-bound Scots-Irish and English pioneers, said Lois Hornbostel, Mountain Dulcimer Week director.

“When a traditional dance tune or ballad is played on the instrument, you can hear those older times,” said Hornbostel. “Nowadays, there is a renaissance of interest throughout the country in the mountain dulcimer.”

Hornbostel advises interested applicants to register soon, as classes are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

The deadline for registration is June 15. For more information or to register, contact WCU’s Division of Educational Outreach at (828) 227-7397 or (866) 928-4723.

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Last modified Wednesday, May 21, 2008