Students are encouraged to suggest topics and pieces of music in which they are interested as well.

---

THE DULCIMER ORCHESTRA

The Dulcimer Orchestra is a group of half a dozen hammered dulcimer players, and half a dozen fretted dulcimer players, along with assorted other instruments, guitar, bodhrán, penny whistle, who perform folk, Irish, Scottish, and American traditional music. We have appeared for three years at the Colorado Scottish Festival in Denver, and a couple of years at the Swallow Hill Folk Festival. Members of the group are all Bonnie's students, and we welcome more members / students, as well as new performing opportunities. Sometimes the potlucks are as stimulating as the music, and fun is a big part of our get togethers, as well as learning how to play in a group setting.

WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT BONNIE CAROL, TEACHER

" In her Classes and Workshops Bonnie can turn a dulcimer into a magical ally in the hands of the newest beginner or most seasoned musician." Jim Schwartzkopff, Venture West Artist Management.

"The Ozark Folk Center frequently has workshops in the various crafts and instruments, and the dulcimer workshop conducted this year by Bonnie Carol was by far the most outstanding. All comments received from workshop attendees were excellent." Ozark Folk Center, Mountain View, Arkansas.

"Bonnie Carol is a dulcimer pioneer. She brings to the workshop a perspective and knowledge of the developments of the instrument from the past 30 years. For her classes, Bonnie draws from versatile talents and wide experience . She has been building some of the country's best dulcimers since the early '70s, and was one of the key people in the groundbreaking "Pacific Rim Dulcimer Project" recording and book. Since then she has recorded three more albums of her own, written several books, and played on several dozen studio recordings of other artists. Expert on the hammered dulcimer, marimba, and percussion instruments as well as fretted dulcimer, Bonnie has used her talents in bands playing contradance, old-time, Celtic, African, and Latin American music." Lois Hornbostel, director of the 22-year-old Appalachian State University Dulcimer Playing workshop in Boone, North Carolina.

"Bonnie is a wonderful, relaxing, encouraging, and excellent teacher. She had a nice mix of practice and performance tips, interesting music, clear handouts, and engaging teaching style. . . . I was honored to be in her class." - from students of Bonnie’s 2001 Swannanoa Gathering Class.

"I just wanted to send a note to tell you how much I appreciated your research into so many different types of music. Your classes on Latin American and Celtic music were awesome. I have used that information many times already. It was fun meeting someone I’ve have read about for 20 years. I can’t remember when I’ve been more musically inspired." Dee Dee Tibbits, Michigan

"You have made my "lifelong" dream of being a dulcimer player come true!" Shirley Neely-Turpin, Glen Haven, Colorado

"I know that new synapses have sprouted all over my brain - thanks to your excellent teaching! Someone asked how I liked you as a teacher. Before I had a chance to begin to sing your praises, she told me how impressed she was with you - very patient, exceedingly helpful and full of praise and enthusiasm. I couldn't have put it better myself!" Penny Bauer, Fort Collins, Colorado

"Thanks for making the jam workshop so safe....you probably saw a look of terror on my face, but it was fun to lead off when I realized no one else knew much more than me. And you made everyone's contribution special. Great teaching! " Renna Ulvang, San Francisco, California

"Your class was great. I like the way you teach technique in ways that are immediately accessible and fit with interesting tunes. The cultural background also brings home what a huge and diverse world we inhabit." Connie Allen, San Diego, CA