Musical demonstration of the hammered dulcimer and Southern folk music styles

The sounds of several hammered dulcimers will be demonstrated, both by themselves and in ensemble with fiddle, guitar, lap dulcimer, percussion, and voice. The difference in tone produced by varying the hammer hardness and playing position will be demonstrated. Several experimental instruments will show the effect of internal bracing and other design criteria. The musical foundation will be rooted in Southern highlands reels, jigs, and songs, as well as ragtime and other dance music. [Following the session, the Peterson family will lead a folk dance and teach the basics of dances from the Southern highlands.]