2009 Workshop Leaders
Cheryl & Ray Balenger:
Cherly has taught autoharp for 17 years in FL and NC. She is a songwriter and a Certified Music Practitioner who uses her voice and autoharp to create healing music. Ray has been a performing singer and musician for over 30 years. He is a patient and creative teacher who is well-known for his animated, enthusiastic and sensitive performances on the HD.
Kendra Ward-Bence:
As a child she could be found at a little log cabin in the hills of Appalachia with relatives making music with fiddles, guitars, and dulcimers. She is recognized as a true master of the HD. Kendra’s potent commitment to sharing her Appalachian culture has helped to keep a vital part of America’s traditional heritage alive and vigorous.
David Beede:
A musician/singer/songwriter who built his first dulcimer in 1973 and is an award-winning luthier and co-founder of Unicorn Strings Co. David lives in Melrose, FL and plays music which ranges from traditional British Isles to original instrumentals and vocals, from the silly to sublime.
Barbara Durham:
A musician all her life studying classical piano and flute. Began renewed interest in Mtn. Dulcimer in 1999 and plays mostly old-time and gospel tunes learning most tunes by ear. Barbara lives in Oveido, FL and plays flute, autoharp, tin whistle, spoons, piano often combining these instruments with her dulcimer playing.
Peggy Carter:
Teacher and performer living in Houston, TX and originally from FL (graduated Stetson Univ.) She has taught music in public schools in FL, NC & TX. Now spends her time teaching, recording, and writing music for both Mtn. & Hammered Dulcimers and participates in festivals, workshops and community gatherings across the country.
Bruce W. Ford:
Bruce has been playing the dulcimer since 2001 and is a frequent festival teacher/performer. He is the owner of perhaps the friendliest dulcimer board/website : http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/He release a CD in Nov 2007 entitled "Gator Clubbin' Society."
George Haggerty:
is a Mountain Dulcimer builder, teacher and player. His enthusiasm for this versatile instrument is apparent in his workshops which build a foundation for the dulcimer student. His love of old-time music and his creative nature bring out feeling and expression in his music.
John Hawk:
A Mtn. Dulcimer player for over 18 years who shares time in FL and NC. John has studied with Don Pedi through the years, but is definitely known for his different and unique style of playing up tempo tunes. His enthusiasm for the old-time music and adding twists to familiar tunes result in a creative music-maker.
Eileen Kozloff:
is an award winning musician for her songwriting, singing and instrumental work. Based in PA she is known for her soaring vocals, stunning harmonies and commanding performances. Her ability to cover a wide range of genres has made her a versatile festival performer and workshop teacher.
Heidi Muller & Bob Webb:
Heidi is an award-winning songwriter, guitarist, dulcimer player and teacher from Charleston, W.Va.She has released six acclaimed recordings and been featured performer in concert halls and festivals. She has shared the stage with Jean Ritchie and Bill Staines and has two volumes of Bill Staines songs tabbed for dulcimer. Bob Webb is a multi-instumentalist and recording engineer which led to Heidi and Bob’s collaboration. They have been performing together since 2003. He is coordinator of the Music Mentor program that provides music lessons to low-income families in Charleston, W.Va.
Aaron O’Rourke:
is one of those special musicians who is in the process of re-shaping folk music forever. In the hands of Aaron the mountain dulcimer, essentially a three stringed instrument of folk obscurity, becomes a music melting pot of traditions and innovations.
Rick Thum:
Rick’s interest in traditional music was sparked when he bought a hammered dulcimer on a whim and found himself in a three-piece band. He was voted best performer and teacher for several years at the Evart Dulcimer Funfest and continues to travel around the country for festivals and performances. Rick is the owner/builder of Rick Thum Dulcimers of High Ridge Missouri.manufacturing hammered dulcimers (Rick Thum Dulcimers). He has numerous recordings and provides lessons nationally to students on CD or audio tape via his " Song of the Month Club."
Susan Trump:
Susan has been a favorite on the dulcimer scene for the past twenty years, and has played at most of the major dulcimer camps and festivals. She is known for her clear teaching style and interesting playable arrangements. She has authored several books and was the producer of Vol. 1&2 of Masters of the Mountain Dulcimer. She offers “Lessons in Your Living Room” a monthly subscription series of lessons with TAB and instructional CD, for players at the novice to intermediate level.
Neal & Coleen Walters:
Members of Doofus, a lively old-time band. They live in Greencastle, PA and travel most of the time to make music. Neal has taught, played and sung for more than 30 years with Mtn. Dulcimer and Autoharp producing many tune books and recordings. Coleen plays Upright Bass and sings harmony with Doofus. She is also a nationally known fiber artist and quilter.
Tish & Greg Westman:
WV State Artists & Woodworkers showcased at Tamarack, WV and builders of Bowed Psalteries, Mtn. Dulcimers & other Zithers. Tish has taught at Augusta Heritage Center/Elkins, WV and at Roscoe Village/Coshocton, OH and has won the 2007 Mid-Eastern Regional Mountain. Dulcimer Championship. Tish & Greg have produced many tune books and recordings.
Carolee Stewart: Co-director of the LEAD Players (Lake Eustis Area Dulcimer Players) living in Eustis, FL. Teaches Mtn. and Hammered Dulcimer, Clawhammer Banjo & Autoharp. She operated Wood, Strings & Dulcimers in Greenville, SC for 12 years and was active in local festivals and workshop events. Assists Ruth Harnden with Central Florida Dulcimer & Autohop Festival.
Ruth Harnden:
Ruth is the founder of the Central Florida Dulcimer and Autohop Festival. Her delight in the dulcimer is contagious. She teaches mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery and beginning autoharp. She is contact person for the Mount Dora Dulcimer Society and Co-director of the LEAD Players. Ruth lives in Sorrento, FL and is originally from Massachusetts.