APRIL 2014 30 YEARS SHARING ACOUSTIC MUSIC July 1983-2013 Issue 348

Website : www.silverstrings.org

PRESIDENTS CORNER_____________________________________________________Marsha Kozlowski

Time seems to be flying and Spring is here – honest! In case you weren’t at the last couple jams (COME BACK!!), let me give you some updates.

* The old tent canopies were discussed. The consensus of the members present was to sell them to whoever might be interested. Luke and Bob Hlavacek both expressed interest. It was decided to sell one to each. Terry Kozlowski will be the coordinator of this.

* School Assembly project – There is enthusiasm and support for this. I am working on a date to have an organizational/brain storming session. If you are interested in helping, please e-mail me so I have you on the list, even if you cannot make the first meeting.

* Sale Table – The table to your left when you come to the jam is the designated sale table. If you have something to sell, you are welcome to bring it. Put a card with information (sale price, your name, etc.) with the item. You are responsible for this – not the club. We are merely making this available. If you are not selling something, please don’t use this table to pile your music case or other paraphernalia. Let’s keep it clear for the designated purpose.

* Board Meetings – We are slow in getting a routine going for regular board meetings. Between weather, people out of town or ill, and my standing commitment for the first Thurs. of every month, we are still trying to get it together. If there are issues you want the board to discuss, please let one of us know and it will be put on the agenda for the next meeting we have. I promise.

* Thoughts on jamming – (1) Starting tunes – if someone is willing to start, encourage them and make sure your follow the tempo they set. Your turn will come and if you like it fast – then we will try to play it that way. (2) “One more time” – if we are really grooving on a tune, be ready to play it (one more time). (3) Expand the number of tunes you can play well. Work on your personal “tune of the month” between jams. The play list will probably be changing each month and the more you know, the more fun it is. (4) Listen for the bass player – this really helps to stay on the beat. . . . . . . . . . Marsha

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

APRIL

1...APRIL FOOL’S DAY . . . . . . . . . . . .watch out! 3...SSDS meeting and jam . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00-? 8...Playdate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC . . . 3:00-4:00 Heartland Health Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Canton 17..SSDS meeting and jam . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00-? Beginners' Whistle Workshop . . . . . . . . . .6:00

C=Casual, BC=Business Casual

ANN'S GROUP

Meetings will resume in April (9th and 23

rd) 1 to 3pm.

All beginner hammered dulcimer players are invited. Please email or call me if you’d like to come.

Phone: 734-744-4255 Email: ann.wassell@yahoo.com

SECRETARY_______________________Mick Mastal

A board meeting was held before the March 20th jam. Minutes to this meeting will be made available upon request. Our next board meeting will be on April 17 at 5p.m. at Good Hope Church.

Check your Dropbox for the “Tune of the Month”; “Sandy Boys”

PLAYDATE CHATTER__________VP BUSINESS

It's hard to believe that another month of the sweet sounding music has passed. We had five great gigs in March, all centering around a St Patrick’s Day Theme--such a festive holiday! Our musicians all wore some kind of green in their dress or a St. Patrick’s hat, shirt, necklace, socks or other ornaments to add to the Irish music that we played. And three of the venues even invited us to eat with them! Somehow I think food is a motivation for signing up for gigs (smile or laughter please), but nonetheless, it was very good and very much appreciated. As many of you know, I lost my Mother about 2 years ago. Music was the center of her life since she was a little girl. She ended up playing the piano and organ professionally and even taught piano lessons until she was 90! Sometimes it is still hard for me to play at the assisted living homes as I can see my Mother's eyes in many of the residents. Such was the feeling when we played at the West Lake Health Campus in Commerce Township. When “Southwind” came up on the list, I asked Carol Ann Matthews to "stroll" with me as we played our harmonicas. We like to call this the Silver Strings version of "surround sound" as we walk around the room playing. It has a magnificent effect on not only the resident but the musician playing. We have brought our sweet sounding music closer to them and have made them feel a part of the moment and the entertainment. And looking into their eyes and smiling with your eyes gives both of you a wonderful meaningful feeling. Such was the case for me as I strolled through the audience and saw my Mother in many of the residents. Many of the residents seemed to want more from us, so as we strolled we also put out our hands out to greet them. Some residents really held on tight. Some drew us closer to tell us things about their family or a memory the music had brought up. Some were locked inside themselves with their illness or dementia, but for a moment broke free and seemed young again. It is really a great feeling for both parties. If you can play and walk at the same time, I would encourage you to join us for "surround sound" sometime! A big thank you to all those who signed up for the March gigs! For a listing of our upcoming playdates, please see the Events Calendar in this newsletter. If you are unable to attend a club meeting and would like to sign up for this playdate, please email karenturner@comcast.net or call (734) 678-7405. KT

Kay Rowe will lead a Beginners' Whistle Workshop at 6:00 pm before the April 17 Jam. Anyone new to the whistle or wanting to review the basics is welcome. If you need a whistle I recommend www.harpandragon.com. I like the Tony Dixon TDSW1 soprano, a good

inexpensive whistle to begin with, I still use mine. A good book to start with is Step One: Play Pennywhistle by Peter Pickow, available on Amazon. Call Kay with questions at 734) 223-9591.

From the VP PROGRAMS___________Marie Naster w/ Megan Callaghan and Jeff Despard

This is being written on the first day of Spring. It still isn't warm but it IS getting better. The Silver Strings Family and Friends campout is officially confirmed for June 13, 14, 15. We will once again be at Myers Lake Methodist Campground in Byron Mich. For those of you who have not been to this event please make the time. It is a great deal of fun in a lovely tree filled setting with a nice lake. There is plenty to do for the non-music playing spouses and kids and grandkids. They have bikes and boats for rent, fishing is good and the beach is sandy and nice for the swimmers. We mostly play music and eat, and play some more, and eat some more, and (you get the idea.) We may have instrument specific jams. To be announced. We will have a large jamming tent, and the barn is available for evening, individual jams and bad weather. This campground also sprays for mosquitoes so they should not be a problem. Friday night will be everyone for themselves, setting up and visiting. Saturday is a pancake breakfast and a potluck. Sunday morning everyone usually brings out the leftovers. Sunday we also play for the morning church service on the lake, so take a look at your religious songs. Usually only four or five but we will select later. Here is the info you need.

Myers Lake Campground 10575 Silver Lake Rd.

Byron, Michigan ph: 810-266-4511 - email: www.myerslake.org

Group #: G1301087

We will be in group area 2, the jamming tent will be in group area 3. Prices per night have gone up a whole 25 cents from last year so they will be $29.00 a night for basic, and $33.00 for air. For non-campers the fee is $3.00 a day. I would advise registering on line. You need the Group number above, and mention Silver Strings to get to the correct area. Go to the website and list above and look at the pictures and what they have to offer and think about spending a weekend doing what you enjoy most!

IT’S APRIL...LET’S CELEBRATE !

BIRTHDAYS

1....Alice Avery 1....Larry Roper 7....Jack Mullins 10...Luke Kawecki 13...Bill Deighton 23...Harold Crane 28...Marsha Kozlowski

ANNIVERSARIES

9....Marlin & Carol Harmon 27...Nancy Sullivan

FROM THE TREASURER’S DESK__Terry Koslowski

“Top of the day” to you (still feeling the effects of all the March Irish music gigs). I received a nice note from John Freeman who submitted his membership renewal so that he can stay connected to us. He misses “playing music with his friends!” Hearing from our members is one of the perks of this position. After three months, I am finally getting settled into the position of Treasurer.

* If you have been issued an expense check and have not cashed it, please do this promptly so that I might reconcile the bank statements

* If you have not renewed your membership, please do so. I have seen “former” members at the jam who have not renewed. This means you are NOT a member and will be taken off Dropbox Access by March 31. So, where else can you get such a bargain? Submit your $15 membership fee and send it to me at 45880 Denise Dr., Plymouth MI. 48170

* Current 2014 membership as of March 1st is 93

members strong.

* 2014 State of Michigan State LLC license fee has been paid.

* 2013 Corporate Tax statement has been filed.

* CD Inventory – currently there are about 400 Traditional CDs and 850 Holiday CDs on hand

* Open Book Policy – if you desire to review the monthly statements, see me. I will bring this with me to all the club meetings.

* Emergency Notification Cards – the Board decided it should assume the responsibility of maintaining and keeping this information. As Treasurer, who takes membership applications and dues, it seems logical to be the liaison for this. I am in the process of getting this information and making sure it is accessible to the board as needed. Therefore, if you have not completed a card or your information has changed for emergency contacts, please let me know so we have your current information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry

To print the April play list,

please click on our website or this link : http://www.silverstrings.org/sections/tunes/PDF/2014/apr14.pdf

Silver Strings April 2014 Playlist

Key Tune Play D Whiskey Before Breakfast 3 D Over The Waterfall / Mississippi Sawyer 3/3 G Westphalia Waltz 2 G Red Wing 3* G Maggie 3 G Southwind 3* Em Road to Lisdoonvarna / Riding Load Hay 3/3 Am Cold Frosty Morn 3

D John Ryan’s Polka 5 C Tennessee Waltz 3* G March of St Timothy 3 Em Tamlin 3 D Hey Polka 5 Em Missouri 3 D Coleman’s March 3* G/D Jamie Allen / Road to Boston 3/3 Em Dancing Bear 3

D/D Bonaparte Crossing Rhine / Flop Eared Mule 3/3

D Simple Gifts 3* D/D D/G

Endless Medley: Ragtime Annie / Soldier’s Joy / Golden Slippers

2/2/2/2

Extras G You Are My Sunshine 5 A Red Haired Boy 3 G/G Seneca Square Dance / Mairi’s Wedding 3/3

*2nd

time: If instruments are available- Fiddles, Harmonicas, MD or Whistle take it with backup; HD’s softly

Silver Strings Dulcimer Society Music: We have been given permission, by several composers, to play their music in our club. We also pay for a license that allows us to play some of our favorite tunes. We want to protect our Silver Strings members and respect the composers who have generously shared their music with us. In consideration of the composers and SSDS, do not sell, copy, give away or share any of our Silver Strings music.

Silver Strings performed in Irish green at the First United Methodist Church in Wayne--a wonderful potluck dinner hosted by the Church, an enthusiastic audience and a great performance by talented musicians!

FESTIVALS-WORKSHOPS-JAMS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNCLE CARL’S DULCIMER CLUB 2

nd Saturday of month 12:30-4:30pm (next is Apr 12

th)

For info. call Pennye 517-547-7448 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NETTLE LAKE MUSIC JAM First Saturday of Month – 6pm (next is Apr 5

th)

For info contact Jack & Marilyn Mullins 517-270-2870 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MAUMEE STREET MUSIC JAM (formerly called West Adrian Jam)

Forth Saturday of the month – 6pm (next is Apr 26th) For info. contact

Jack & Marilyn Mullins 517-270-2870 Or Larry Roper 248-437-5403

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SUGAR (Saginaw Ukulele Gurus and Rookies) First Saturday of the month 10:30-Noon (Apr 5

th)

Now at Sullivan's Restaurant on Gratiot in Saginaw, MI Songs are posted beforehand on the internet For info email: muzyka2007@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MT. HALEY JAMBOREE Last Friday of every month (Apr 25

th)

Mt. Haley Township Hall, Midland County For Info contact Alice Perry at: mthaleyfmsm@gmail.com

1:00-4:00-Folk and Traditional Music Jam Clubs and individuals are welcome.

Come to play or listen. Admission is free but donations to the Metamora Historical Society are appreciated.

Metamora’s 1888 Old Town Hall is part of an historic community.

For info. Call Alice Gajewski at 248-628-5287 or go to FolkJam.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

GREAT LAKES UKULELE GATHERING

First Wednesday of the month 7:00 (Apr 2nd

) Good Hope Lutheran Church, 28680 Cherry Hill, Garden City

Ukulele players of all abilities can strum and sing. A donation of $3.00 is requested for the church.

Contact: Bob at bsnemo@yahoo.com or David at musicalcraft@yahoo.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PITTSFIELD OPEN BAND

Pittsfield Grange 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, First and third Saturday from 3-6pm.

Our jam sessions are free and open to all interested musicians. We play jigs, reels, and waltzes as played for

contra dancing. The goals are to have fun, learn more tunes, and develop our contra dance musician skills.

http://www.aactmad.org/sa/pob.html ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LAMS - Livingston Acoustic Musical Society 3

rd Saturday of the month (Apr 19

th)

Fowlerville Church of the Nazarene 8040 Country Corner Drive, Fowlerville

Share musical talents and appreciation for music, song and other forms of joyful noise on the 7:00-11:00

Contact: Tony Miceli 517-223-9590

LOOKING FOR – Club Historian Someone who will keep the heritage alive by writing periodic articles for the newsletter about our history: Items like the oldest member, some of the unusual instruments that have been played, the

significance of Westphalia Waltz, etc. Perhaps initiate a monthly trivia question, such as “What is Silver Strings connection to Henry Ford?” Or use some other creative way to give our members an awareness and understanding of the club’s evolution. Someone who will make sure that the highlights of this year are recorded by taking or gathering photos, documents or memorabilia. We have many people who take photographs and record some the activities. The “historian” would be the person who utilizes and collects those that are “best in show.” Someone who would consider creating a timeline or “family tree” – this may include the “firsts” of the club (CD, first gig, first President, etc.) It could include the “branches” – those sub-groups that formed from people who first came to SSDS and then “branched out” or where some of our members have moved but stayed connected (I know we have former and still current members in Arizona, Massachusetts, and Florida). Someone who is interested in a project that will become a special feature at the club banquet in October. Are you Someone? If you have questions or would consider being Someone – contact me and we can discuss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marsha

Mel Bay Publications Author for Hammered Dulcimer – Linda G. Thomas will offer:

3-Day Comprehensive Workshop for Hammered Dulcimer

July 14-16, 2014 - Free Methodist Church 6153 95th Avenue, Evart, MI

This 3-Day Workshop will be open to: Advanced Beginners, Advanced Level Players,

“Readers” and “By Ear” Players

The Workshop is designed to include a wide variety of Repertoire

(Reels, Hornpipes, Contemporary, Celtic, Hymns)

Each Title will include: Basic Melody, Embellishments and Accompaniments/Backups

Tuition is $150 and includes all handouts Pre-registration is required by May 1

st

Space is limited to first 25 participants For questions or to request flyer/registration form

Contact: Linda G. Thomas – lindadan@primary.net or

816-941-7834 or 816-519-3840

GETTING TO KNOW YOU -- FRANK SURHIGH Dzienat' dobry, my name is Frank Surhigh and if you are Polish you would know what that means (good day). I have been a member of Silver Strings for 3 years and play both the 6 and 12 string guitar, violin, recorder, and a little bit on the harmonica and trombone, too. I was born in Hamtramck, MI along with 3 brothers and 1 sister. My mother was a homemaker and played some on our old piano but loved listening to the radio the best. She had her favorite soap operas and singers like Kate Smith and Frank Sinatra on the radio every day. My Father worked at Dodge Main in Hamtramck for 35 years. My Mother's brother played the violin and was a real showman, he could even play the violin behind his back. When he died at age 17 the violin stayed in our family. When I was about 10 or 11 the union at Dodge Main offered free music lessons to its members children so that’s when I started on that violin and my brother Larry on the piano which we still play today. My teacher was Joe Adamski and he taught me how to read music and

play violin in the classical way. He was a good teacher. Later I got involved in making and flying model airplanes when I saw some of the kids flying them in the park. I started with rubber power ones and then moved to ones powered my small engines. My first job was as a paperboy selling the Detroit Times, News, Free Press and the Dzienik, a Polish paper for 4 and 5 cents a copy. Then I got a part time job at Liberty State Bank as a messenger clerk which paid 55 cents per hour. My brother Eugene joined a radio club in high school and started building radio transmitters and set up a radio station in our house. In 1959 I got my first amateur radio license and still have one today. I was drafted into the army and sent to Germany in the signal corps for 14 months. When I got home my Mother had rented the rooms upstairs to a really nice family who owned a Stella Guitar and they traded it with my Mother for a birdcage. One of my older friends from flying who played guitar and accordion got me started on that guitar. He taught me how to chord and sing Country Western Songs and later I joined a 25 member mandolin orchestra. I played the guitar and mandocello with that group. I got a job as a machinist in Hazel Park and then met Mary Ann who was the daughter of the guy who taught me how to play the guitar and I married her. I worked as a pipe fitter at Fords for the next 26 years 12 hours a day and helping Mary Ann raise our four children so there was little time for music. Sadly, I lost Mary Ann to cancer. I started flying in 1962 and bought my first real airplane, a Cessna 170A along with earning an associate’s degree in general studies and got my aero mechanics license thanks to Ford. Nineteen years ago I met my present wife Judi from a friend I had at work and we hit it off and got married. Then I retired and we moved to Colorado and then to Galveston Island in Texas where hurricane Ike destroyed our home in 2008 so we moved to Waterford Mi. Judi and I have traveled to 43 of the 50 states and have thought of going to France, Poland, Russia, South America and Mexico. I missed playing my guitar and being around others who played instruments so I asked the senior center in Waterford if I could start a senior jam there for people like me who wanted to play and make music with others. We put an ad in the bulletin and now we have about ten people who come every Thursday to jam at the center in the winter, and more come during the summer months. My goal is to stay healthy, live a long life, and get better at playing the guitar and violin. Silver Strings has really helped me with improving my playing, and meeting some really nice and talented people plus offering me the opportunity to play and entertain others. Dowidziena, which means I’ll be seeing you in Polish.

SSDS BOARD OF DIRECTORS – 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PRESIDENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marsha Koslowski mt.koz@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(734) 239-4190 V.P. BUSINESS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Turner karenturner@comcast.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (734) 678-7405 V.P. PROGRAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marie Naster mnaster@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (734) 981-3772 TREASURER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Terry Koslowski mt.koz@hotmail.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(734) 239-4190

SECRETARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mick Mastal mastal@comcast.net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (734) 552-4773 SOUNDBOARD EDITOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lee Ann Lack leelack@att.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (734) 612-1172 WEBMASTER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Turner karenturner@comcast.net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(734) 678-7405

SPRING WORD JUMBLE Rearrange the letters to form a common word. 1. aubogl __________________ 2. neryud __________________ 3. krayct __________________ 4. oescj __________________ 5. fmmuy __________________ 6. fualh __________________ 7. uimoshr __________________ 8. emliibusp __________________ 9. reapq __________________ 10. kosof __________________

Answers: 1)sorry 2)but 3)you 4)have 5)just 6)been 7)pranked 8)happy 9)fool’s 10)day!

Silver Strings Dulcimer Society Meetings on the 1

st and 3

rd Thursdays every month

7-9p.m …. with jamming till …?

Meeting at Good Hope Lutheran Church In Garden City, Michigan

Featuring the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer,

and other acoustic band instruments : banjo, guitar, autoharp, fiddle, string bass, washtub

bass, mandolin, folk harp, recorder, tin penny whistle, and harmonica.

Learn new tunes and techniques, jam together with other players, receive new music

and a monthly newsletter. Participate in workshops, festivals, performances,

picnics, fun and fellowship.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT : http://www.silverstrings.org

Silver Strings Dulcimer Society P.O.Box 1116 Garden City, MI. 48136

IT’S APRIL... ! SPRING IS HERE !!

Everyone is welcome ! Come to listen, or come to play.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Start thinking about getting articles for the newsletter to me by the 20th.

Articles or pictures from any member are always welcome.

If you were on the mailing list your name would be here.