The road to Launde started over two years ago when I was given a dulcimer on the condition that I used it.  A combination of moving home, getting married, and my mam dying all conspired to prevent me fulfilling the requirements of the gift. However as a early birthday present my wife, the lovely Susan, bought me a Launde Weekend.  It transpired that the cost for none playing partners was the same as players, so she arranged a loan of a dulcimer and was committed to the weekend.   

First Evening - The AGM

The majority of the first evening was taken up by meeting and greeting, and the business of the AGM.  As relatively new members the intricacies of the AGM went largely over our heads; however it was interesting to see the debate over ‘virtual’ and real distribution of newsletter is similar to that of many other small associations.  The need to support new and novice players likewise reflects discussions in other societies, also the fact that Nonsuch is blessed by the support of many talented and experienced members both on the committee and ‘just’ as members. After the AGM there were two play arounds.  I was in heaven (I’d never heard more than one HD at a time) and there were about 8 all playing together.  To hear Jenny and Christie playing at the same time was worth the money alone.

Workshops

The first session was an open session led by Christie.  Her enthusiasm for the instrument was infectious.  I had never seen the HD played in 3D.  Not only was her playing inspirational; but she was so keen to share a recently learnt skill.  So there I was learning where a left hand lead went to as compared to a right hand lead (was it 3-5 or 4-4 for left or right).  Her sheer enthusiasm to share new skills to make playing easier was amazing.

Beginners Sessions

Following the first session we joined a group of fellow novices. This turned out to be  a group of new friends.  Two had played for sometime, and two complete beginners on HD brought knowledge from other instruments.  Roger was to be our mentor for most of the weekend.  He was clear about what he hoped we would learn – mainly playing patterns, but relating this to wider characteristics of the instrument.  He managed to combine practical playing sessions with theory in a seamless manner.  He did not try to show how good he was, but rather helped all of us realise how good we could be.  Thank you Roger. 

Concert

Excellent.  The range of skills and instruments was amazing.  I was blown away by so many things.  The Grandfather Clock – story and playing was made for the instrument; Christie and Bruce just so very very nice, people in love do make great duets; Bruce trying to play the MD like Springstein; and finally the young women who obviously ensures that the next generation of players are going to carry the tradition forward.

 Sunday Extra Hour

I had set myself the target of learning a tune by the end of the weekend.  On Sunday it looked like this was not going to happen; I was not too worried as I had learned so much.  However, Roger asked if we would like another hour together. This proved to be a chance to look at intervals and the fact that notes existed in more than one place.  The upshot of this discussion was by ‘accident’ we finished up playing Hot Cross Buns.  Excellent....Whilst I had learnt Hot Crossed Buns, Susan (who had never heard HD played before and only joined the course because it cost the same as just staying) had learnt Angelina Brown, had written out the notes and arranged it for Northumbrian Small Pipes and managed to take part in the final play around of it by playing the third part!  Needless to say she now wants a HD of her own.  A really expensive weekend!

 I know we will be trying to get to next years, and hope to renew contact with all our new friends.  We’d like to thank everyone for making us so welcome; and to thank the organisers for all their hard work – thank you.

 Malcolm and Susan Craven