INDEPENDENCE, Ky. — The Hills of Kentucky dulcimer club is making its mark and keeping the history of Appalachian music alive through lessons and local performances.
What You Need To Know
- The Appalachian dulcimer is named and designated the official musical instrument of Kentucky
- The Hills of Kentucky dulcimer club has more than 100 members and has performed at local community events for more than 30 years
- It provides lessons for all age groups
With each pluck of the cords, foot tapping to catch the beat and team coordination, the group is sharing its passion for music.
AlAnn Feldmann, president of the group, said the best part of playing is the beautiful music.
"The beautiful sounds that come out of a mountain dulcimer (are) just heavenly," she said. "It's definitely a play-on-the-porch type of feeling, and it's just glorious.”
The group provided music for the Kenton County Public Library's annual Spring Craft Fair in Independence, with more than 30 vendors in attendance. It has more than 100 members and continues to grow.
Feldman said the group's members not only support each other but other communities of dulcimers, including Eastern Kentucky communities who were affected in the 2022 flood.
The group travels all over Northern Kentucky, teaching people how to play.
"We are the guardians of music," Feldman said. "We have to guard the Appalachian ways, and this instrument is a perfect way of doing it.”