PROGRAM
RELIGIOUS SONGS
The Cares Trio: Surely the Presence / Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus / Cares chorus
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
My Chains are Gone with Amazing Grace
I Saw the Light
Glory Trio: Glory, Glory, Hallelujah / Do Lord / I’ll Fly Away
HAMMERED DULCIMER SOLO
Patriotic Trio: Battle Hymn of the Republic / America / Taps
VARIOUS SELECTIONS
Southwind
Eidleweiss
Scotland the Brave
Black Mountain Rag
East Virginia
Old Joe Clare with Harrison Town
ANIMAL SONGS
Five Pounds of ‘Possum
‘Possum up a Gum Stump
Squirrel Heads and Gravy
CLOSING COMPILATION
Fiddlin’ Around
BIO/DESCRIPTION
Every Wednesday morning, 15 or more musicians meet at the Richmond Senior Center to enjoy playing music. When we began in 2008 we were known as the “Dulcimer Group” with 2 dulcimer players which quickly grew to 8 lap dulcimers and 1 hammered dulcimer. The first 10 years were full of teaching opportunities, not only to adults but children at the Boys and Girls Club, elementary schools, and Star Valley Walk of Fame functions. We have entertained at nursing homes, garden parties, a bridal show, Civic Theater, 4th Street Fair and other community events plus we have participated in numerous church services and even at one of our member’s funeral.
As we welcomed new instruments, we adopted the name “Sweet Sounds of Starr Valley”. Through the years we have added a guitar, fiddle, harmonica, omnichord, ukulele, penny whistle, bass guitar, Native American flute and rhythm instruments such as the tambourine, spoons and bodhran.
We have enjoyed attending workshops in five different states but more importantly, along with great music we have shared laughter, tears, and prayers with each other.
We welcome new members, ideas, and venues.
HISTORY
The lap dulcimer is a true American folk instrument. It was made by the Irish and Scottish immigrants in the Appalachian Mountains around 1880. Because of their crude woodworking tools, they shaped a very simple instrument out of native wood. The dulcimer typically has three strings: top and bottom strings are turned an octave apart and the middle string on the fifth note of the scale. The melody can be played on any of these strings. When all are strummed it gives the sound of their native bagpipes. Extra strings can be added for more volume, but the notes remain the same. Typically, the dulcimer is turned to the key of D or G. A capo can be used to play in any key. This instrument is easy to learn because you do not have to read music. The tablature is read by fret numbers. It is seldom found in orchestras because of its soft, sweet sound. It is an excellent way to accompany yourself while singing. When a group of dulcimers are playing together the emphasis is on camaraderie and blending together.
Our group currently has one hammered dulcimer. This instrument is the ancient ancestor of the piano and may have originated in the middle east around 900 ad. The sound of this instrument is like tapping on piano strings with a mallet. Unlike the three strings of the lap dulcimer, the hammered dulcimer has 58 strings.
MEMBERS
Tom Agrcola, Darlene Arthur, Dennis Bridgewater, Mike Cook, Lois Crow, Brian Doggett, Paula Lawson, Judi Marshall, Dick Miller, Kathy Robinson, Connie Smelser, Carla Stidham, Nancy Snow, and Larry Waytt