7:30 pm
Last week at this time I was one of five continuing dulcimer students sitting in the music room at the Folk School. That Sunday night was just a get acquainted time. The playing began Monday morning and by that first night, everyone was pooped. We strummed and sang, learned new songs, and listened to some interesting history with some personal adventures. Our instructor, Betty Smith, was (and still is) an 87 year old wonder with macular degeneration. Someone from the school would drive 2.5 hours to Black Mountain, help her load up her guitar, dulcimer, and all her music, and bring her to the Folk School. The week went so quickly with her personal stories and her teaching methods. We even went on a field trip.........and didn't need permission slips .......... to Kelischek Music where I bought my dulcimer two years ago.
The Folk School music room is situated on the second floor right above the teaching kitchen. Last week was bread week so we smelled bread baking every afternoon. We'd go down to the kitchen and ask if there were any crumbs we could have and go back up to the music room with nice fresh rosemary bread or whatever was being baked that day. Lunches at the Folk School were exceptional. One day we had shrimp with couscous and the school's fresh garden salad with lemon meringue pie. Everyday there was fresh baked bread on the table. Dining at the school is family style, ten to each table. There was never a bad meal and each meal ended with wonderful dessert. Once again, for me it was like going to adult camp, no responsibilities, excellent meals prepared, learning new crafts in a enjoyable atmosphere, and meeting new people.
Dobro making class. Students made these dobros from scratch, no kits, and are learning to play them this week.
Last week at this time I was one of five continuing dulcimer students sitting in the music room at the Folk School. That Sunday night was just a get acquainted time. The playing began Monday morning and by that first night, everyone was pooped. We strummed and sang, learned new songs, and listened to some interesting history with some personal adventures. Our instructor, Betty Smith, was (and still is) an 87 year old wonder with macular degeneration. Someone from the school would drive 2.5 hours to Black Mountain, help her load up her guitar, dulcimer, and all her music, and bring her to the Folk School. The week went so quickly with her personal stories and her teaching methods. We even went on a field trip.........and didn't need permission slips .......... to Kelischek Music where I bought my dulcimer two years ago.
The Folk School music room is situated on the second floor right above the teaching kitchen. Last week was bread week so we smelled bread baking every afternoon. We'd go down to the kitchen and ask if there were any crumbs we could have and go back up to the music room with nice fresh rosemary bread or whatever was being baked that day. Lunches at the Folk School were exceptional. One day we had shrimp with couscous and the school's fresh garden salad with lemon meringue pie. Everyday there was fresh baked bread on the table. Dining at the school is family style, ten to each table. There was never a bad meal and each meal ended with wonderful dessert. Once again, for me it was like going to adult camp, no responsibilities, excellent meals prepared, learning new crafts in a enjoyable atmosphere, and meeting new people.
Friday evening we performed in the closing ceremony.
Some of the crafts that were taught that week in other classes.
AFTER
Basket weaving
Dobro making class. Students made these dobros from scratch, no kits, and are learning to play them this week.
Betty Smith opening her gift from the class on Friday morning.
What a great week it was to play music, laugh, and enjoy going to school.
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