Laurie Alsobrook

Make It/Take It

FRIDAY 10am – Interested in building your own cardboard dulcimer?? “Construction” begins at 10am on Friday morning. You’ll receive a prefinished the wooden fretboard (with 6½ fret) and a prepainted the soundbox. We’ll glue the instrument together on Friday, allow it to dry, and then, on Saturday, we’ll put on and tune the strings. Voila! The soundbox is made of strong corrugated cardboard, painted to add protection from moisture.  Your kit includes one or our 28 page instructional booklets. Dulcimer kits must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. This is a separate payment for the dulcimer, paid directly to Laurie; it’s not included in weekend registration.

Retreat Workshops

Lefty Loosey!  – Level 1 – Get your left hand ready to move along the fretboard with tunes and exercises designed to help your fingers dance.  Perfect to get the absolute beginner off to a great start!  DAD tuning

Jean Ritchie: In Song and Story – Level 2 and up – Inspired by Jean Ritchie’s book “Singing Family of the Cumberlands” this workshop offers recollections that transport us to another era. Consider these songs front porch favorites as you imagine a family gathering at the end of the day. Several tunings will be presented including DAD, DAA; bring your capo, too.

Foster Favorites – Level 3 – Join Laurie for the enduring melodies of Stephen C. Foster.  A few of her favorites are “Slumber My Darling” and “Gentle Annie” – join her for those and others. 

Whiskey…your choice!  Level 4 – What can we do with the tune “Whiskey Before Breakfast?”  Plenty!  We’ll start with the tune in its usual form and then start to play with it.  Imagine it as an Irish air, as a waltz, and in a minor key.  Oh my!!

JAM WORKSHOP – Barre Jam – All levels! – Discover how useful barre chords can be in this jam like no other! 

SUNDAY – SONGS OF TAIZE – Level 2 and up – Join Laurie Sunday morning in the bell tower!  Not familiar with Taize worship music?  Originally from a monastery in France, these peaceful, these meditative songs can enhance any worship service OR simply be enjoyed at any time.  Short songs are repeated again and again give a meditative  feeling.