Dulcimer music, workshops slated

A weekend featuring dulcimer music and related workshops is on tap both at the Arts Center of Cannon County and on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

The Arts Center will present Dulci-Mania April 4 at 7:30 p.m. highlighted by three world-class groups including David Schnaufer, The Nashville Dulcimer Quartet and The Gallier Brothers.

At 1 p.m. April 5, dulcimer workshops will be offered free at MTSU in the Bragg Mass Communication Building. To schedule workshop attendance, e-mail [email protected].

“An Evening of Dulcimer” will take place April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in MTSU’s Wright Music Hall. Performing at that site will be the Nashville Dulcimer Quartet, the Gallier Brothers and Stephen Seifert. This performance is free and open to the public.

When David Schnaufer came to Nashville, it was with the talent and commitment to move the sweet sound of the Appalachian dulcimer into the music mainstream. Probably the world’s leading authority on the instrument, he mixes traditional Appalachian music with an extraordinary range of music producing what he like to call his “sonic wilderness.”

In 1998, Schnaufer brought together four of his top Blair School of Music students – Lee Rowe, Sandy Conaster, Natasha Deane and Linda Sack. Combining the four’s personalities and talent, the dulcimer’s versatile and exquisite sound, and Schnaufer’s ingenuity and visionary leadership, a magical collaboration resulted.

Les and Gary Gallier, nationally recognized as pioneers and innovators on the Mountain Dulcimer, each won the title of National Champion Kansas by introducing two very unique playing styles. Performing as The Gallier Brothers, Gary Gallier, Les Gallier, David Wilson and Steve Duede compose 90 percent of the music they play, blending influences from classical, Irish, Rock, Jazz and mountain styles to create a true signature sound.

Tickets for Dulci-Mania at the Arts Center near Woodbury are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors and groups of 10 or more and $8 for students. For reservations or ticket information please call 615-563-2787 or 1-800-235-9073.

The MTSU workshop schedule is as follows:

• 1 to 2:15 p.m. – Sandy Conaster, “The Story of the Tennessee Music Box,” a lecture and demonstration on the background and history of the Tennessee Music Box.

• 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. – MTSU graduate Stephen Seifert, “Beginning Dulcimer,” for beginners.

•2:30 to 3:45 p.m. – Gary Gallier, “Dulcimer Boogie and Blues,” intermediate level.