Dulcimer Discoveries Eldherhostel

This week the 4-H Center has been ringing with the sounds of the dulcimer. Participants from all over the country, from as far away as New York and Ohio, have come to take part in a special Eldherhostel that takes place every year here in Abingdon. Led by instructors Jeff Sebens and Anne Lough, hostelers learn how to play both the hammered dulcimer and the lap duclimer, or mountain dulcimer.

Both lap and hammered dulcimers work together to play traditional hymns and folk songs.

The Elderhostelers began arriving on Sunday, several having driven for two days to get here. Many have been here before, year after year, for three, four, even seven or eight years in a row. In fact, some of the duclimers were built right here at the 4-H Center.

In addition to making all that music, we took a trip to the Barter Theatre on Wednesday night to see "The Quiltmaker and a field trip to Whites Mill for a tour.

With the beautiful weather calling, several of our guests took advantage of the Virginia Creeper Trail for an afternoon hike near Alvaredo. On Tuesday night, we were excited to have old friends Fire In The Kitchen take time out of their busy performance schedule to come play for us.

The week was filled with music and fun, and we look forward to having everyone back here again next year. Check out more pictures below.

Anne Lough gives tips to the lap dulcimer players.

Jeff Sebens teaches the hammered dulcimer players.

Anne & Jeff lead a combined session for the week's finale.