Dulcimer Day

Today was Dulcimer Day for Nathaniel. Maybe you don't know this already but Nathaniel learns from home. Some have termed today as "delight directed learning". I have to think that today was delightful for Nathaniel. He stayed on course, a lesson in itself, by working on his competition pieces, playing with one string in the traditional sense, studying songs that he wants to know and visiting a few websites. Something that he does every day is teaching his 4-year-old brother Asher. Asher played Bile Dem Cabbage pretty well today.

Dulcimer & Fish

It's neat how when Dad and I go on fishing trips for his work how the dulcimer fits in, whether it be going to a dulcimer festival along the way or playing along with the writers' guitars, or telling people what that thing is that you play on your lap.

Nathaniel

Nathaniel On Stage

Nathaniel was recently afforded the wonderful opportunity to play a four-song set at First United Methodist Church of Canton prior to Joe Collins, the 2007 Mountain Dulcimer National Champion, taking the stage. The concert followed a day of Joe Collins-led workshops at the church. The event was hosted by the Hilltop Strummers. Nathaniel led off with "I'll Fly Away."

Dulcimer Surprises

Nathaniel and his dad just returned from the Southern Strings Dulcimer Festival in Hattiesburg, MS - a weekend that was full of surprises and excitement for Nathaniel. The biggest surprise came after the Friday morning jam when Jeff Hames handed Nathaniel a spruce and walnut McSpadden Dulcimer. Jeff, who is the 2006 National Dulcimer Champion and Nathaniel's favorite musician, had hand picked the instrument for its tone from the Dulcimer Shoppe in Mountain View, Arkansas, where McSpadden Dulcimers are made. Immediately after, Nathaniel got to sit with Jeff and work on songs. Another surprise came Saturday night, when Jeff performed for more than 250 festival attendees. When he introduced Black Mountain Rag, Nathaniel's favorite song to play, Jeff said that it was for Nathaniel. After the concert, he invited Nathaniel and his dad back to his camper to jam a while before heading back toward Georgia. The festival included good workshops and plenty of jamming time.