HAMMERED DULCIMER ENSEMBLE

Mitzie Collins, director    

464-9377 samplerrec@aol.com

 

Students chosen by invitation

 

The hammered dulcimer ensemble was created in the spring of 2008 to provide a way for advanced students to increase their skill and explore the repertory of multipart  music.  Hammered dulcimer ensembles such as this one are very unusual in the United States, however this group  is similar to the multiple dulcimer ensembles found in China, Hungary and Germany.   Numbering 10 members this Fall,  the group  has a select number of performances scheduled for both Fall 20008 and Spring 2009. Our repertory includes historic New York State dance tunes;  three part arrangements of English tunes and of German hackbrett dances.   We also play arrangements of classical harpsichord tunes, hymns, carols, and popular tunes. As a part of the teaching process I loan CDs of American and World artists to members of the Hammered Dulcimer ensemble. Rehearsals of the hammered dulcimer ensemble often begin with playing one of the tunes of our common repertory.   We then work on arrangements of new or previously learned music.   I encourage students to cease using printed music as soon as they can.   Students often make

suggestions for the tune arrangements.   The rehearsal atmosphere is

friendly, creative, and supportive.   Members cheer each other’s

progress.

 

Last updated: September 9 , 2008