Musical opportunities for hammered dulcimer in or near Hendersonville? (Asheville: receptions, how much)

[the Parkies]

Hello again to our “virtual family”....

I play hammered dulcimer (not the beautiful but entirely different "Appalachian/lap/mountain/fretted" dulcimer). The hammered dulcimer, though it does not originate here, is well known in this region and is locally crafted with great pride. I am the happy owner of one of those locally-crafted dulcimers. Mine is without a doubt among the BIGGEST (five octave chromatic, with damper pedal and built-in mic) and BEST hammered dulcimers made in the world today—or ever, for that matter.

I have for the past ten years been privileged to play hammered dulcimer with professional musicians from San Diego Symphony, San Diego Chamber Orchestra, and other professional venues. So my ear has been spoiled (if you will) and so have I.

I may go mad if I do not soon have the opportunity to play Baroque/Classical music again—on either a professional or volunteer basis—with violin, viola, cello (and sometimes flute, trumpet, and other instruments as well).

[For those musically inclined: I'm talking about playing Baroque/Classical (especially Baroque!!) but also other styles (Celtic, Old-Time, Traditional, Popular, Sacred) for weddings and parties and concerts and church services and... well... I’ve been playing for about 150 special events a year for the past 10 years, so you can imagine the breadth and depth—and joy—of my experience (and Bill's, as he shared it all with me)!! For these past ten years I have performed on HAMMERED DULCIMER chiefly in the ROLE of "second violin" in trio, quartet, and quintet settings, and have performed often in duet and solo roles as well.]

I do not mean to submit a "resume," and I am not looking for a "job." It's just that I have been a Hendersonville resident for less than a week now and have already realized how much I could miss my musical LIFE here!

Does anyone know how to guide me, please?

Jan

[cooperwx]

not sure whether you're looking for a professional group, or private events. This area is a wedding mecca, and there are musicians who play at the weddings and receptions. You could try to form a small group (trio, quartet) or go out on your own and market yourself to play at such events. Or you could contact the Asheville Symphony for a more structured, professional setting.

[the Parkies]

Originally Posted by cooperwx

not sure whether you're looking for a professional group, or private events. This area is a wedding mecca, and there are musicians who play at the weddings and receptions. You could try to form a small group (trio, quartet) or go out on your own and market yourself to play at such events. Or you could contact the Asheville Symphony for a more structured, professional setting.

Thanks for the info, cooperwx. It's good to know that this area is a wedding mecca, since I'm interested in playing for private weddings and other special events. I'm not sure, however, how to organize a trio/quartet OR how to market our services in this area. Lots of ideas come to mind, but most of them require a more substantial investment in time and money than I had in mind for semi-retirement. Maybe if I keep itching to do this, the right ideas will come along....

[Loves mountains]

Jan - You may want to find out if your county has an Arts Council - Madison County has an active Arts Council and I bet they have opportunities for musicians to play at their various events - Doesn't Brevard have and Arts Council?

[the Parkies]

Originally Posted by Loves mountains

Jan - You may want to find out if your county has an Arts Council - Madison County has an active Arts Council and I bet they have opportunities for musicians to play at their various events - Doesn't Brevard have and Arts Council?

Now there's an idea--I'm in Hendersonville and I see that it has an Arts Council. I don't know exactly what that's all about but I'll check into it... right after I find the box my music binders are in....

Thanks for the tip, Loves mountains!

Jan