OUR HISTORY by Barbara McReynolds, 1/14
Our group was first organized in 2001 by Geoffrey McGillen at the First Baptist Church in Shelbyville, KY as part of their Young at Heart Senior Program. After participation dipped a couple years later, Marian Maxwell, a retired Shelbyville music teacher, volunteered to be director. She brought her usual enthusiasm to revitalize the group by instructing newcomers in the mountain dulcimer, introducing new songs each week (that she rewrote for dulcimer with notation, lyrics, and tablature), and organizing outings in Shelby and outlying counties. As the group grew in number, proficiency, and frequency of performances, we decided on our current name, “The Merrie Melodious Dulcimers”. We now have about 24 members playing mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, guitar, and mandolin and performing multiple times a month at churches, county fairs, extension programs, schools, assisted living facilities, and more. We enjoy the music, instruments, and fellowship, and always welcome new participants. Marion passed away in 2012 but her legacy remains with the group, and we are always grateful for her treasure of music. |
CONTACTS
our leader is Saundra Smith Questions? Comments? Contact our secretary, Carol Bryner, at our email address: [email protected] REGULARLY SCHEDULED EVENTS (no charge for performances or lessons) (see the Calendar page for maps) weekly practices: 1-3 pm every first Monday at the United Methodist Church in Simpsonville Beginner lessons 11:30 am - 12:45 pm AND 7 pm - 8:30 pm 1-3 pm 2nd and 4th Mondays at the United Methodist Church in Pleasureville performances at senior centers: 12:30-1:30 every third Monday at the Multi-Purpose Community Action Agency in Shelbyville 2:30-3:30 every fourth Tuesday at the Amber Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Shelbyville |
Marian Maxwell
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Here is a link to a video of the group's first performance at the First Baptist Church, Shelbyville, KY on 5/6/01 (3 days after building the instruments). The group is led by Dr. Geoffrey McGillen, Senior Adult Minister, and performs three hymns for the Sunday service: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, God is so Good, and Nothing but the Blood of Jesus. The only member of the original group still performing in the MMD today (1/14) is Reba Hance (2nd row, 2nd from right as facing audience), who provided the video.
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