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Spring Dulcimer Week

Program Number: 2506RJ
Start and End Dates:
4/21/2013 - 4/27/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Elkins, West Virginia
Price starting at: $715.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Music Participation; Festivals, Misc.; Music Appreciation Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 17; 5 Breakfasts, 1 Brunch, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    

"Dulcimer Week" is a week of immersion in the sounds and history of the hauntingly beautiful Appalachian mountain dulcimer. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience, enjoy hands-on instruction in either mountain dulcimer or hammered dulcimer. Indeed, even players "from scratch" will master the basics of playing. Loaner instruments are provided.




Highlights

• Explore old-time Appalachian music and culture, instrumental maintenance and dulcimer lore in daily lectures and concerts.
• Hear nationally renowned mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer and autoharp players.
• Enjoy lively evenings of impromptu jam sessions with fellow participants and guest musicians.



Activity Particulars

Walking short uphill distances with hilly campus terrain; prolonged standing, stairs.




Date Specific Information

4-21-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Augusta Heritage Center of D&E College.




Elkins

The Tygart Valley River flows near this historic town in the mountainous Potomac Highlands region of east-central West Virginia.  The area is rich in Appalachian tradition.  Elkins is the gateway to the 900,000 acre Monongahela National Forest with numerous scenic, historic and recreational sites.
Accommodations
Conference center rooms with private baths, swimming pool and fitness center.
Meals and Lodgings
   Conference Center
  Elkins, WV 6 nights
 Conference Center
Type: Conference Center
  Description: Accommodations are in Davis & Elkins College's on-campus Conference Center which is adjacent to historic Graceland Inn and convenient to dining facilities and class locations. Every room is air conditioned with queen-size beds and private bathrooms.
  Contact info: Davis & Elkins College.
100 Campus Drive
Elkins, WV 26241 USA
phone: 304-637-1600
web: www.gracelandinn.com
  Room amenities: All rooms have private bathrooms, TV, armoire, and phone.
  Facility amenities: Shuttle van is available on campus during the day for those who have difficulty walking. There is a 24-hour concierge office in the Inn next-door. College facilities available to Participants include indoor pool, fitness center, fitness trail, convenience store, snack bar, and library. Campus is within easy walking distance of city park, stores, art galleries, and specialty shops. The Monongahela National Forest is 10 miles from campus; the area also has bike trails and excursion trains.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Under $80. Check for availability.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Under $80. Check for availability.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Hotel Check-In and Road Scholar registration in hotel lobby. You will be staying at Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
10:30 am. Room checkout is 11:00 am. You will be staying at Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free. Shuttle van provides rides from building to building on campus during the day for those who find the terrain difficult and want to leave their cars parked.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Elkins, WV
  Nearest city or town:  Buckhannon WV
  Nearest highway: US Route 219 and US Route 33/State Route 92
  Nearest airport:  Clarksburg/Fairmont - Ckb
  From End of Program
  Location: Elkins, WV
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Elkins

 

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 
Driving Directions
  * From the statue of Henry Gassaway Davis (on horseback): Go one block and turn left onto the Davis & Elkins College Campus, then immediately turn right. Follow the signs to check-in at Graceland Inn & Conference Center. The Conference Center is a red brick building just to the right of Graceland Inn (which is a large stone mansion).
  From the East Take I-68 west to I-79 south at Morgantown. Take I-79 south to Exit 99 (Weston exit). Take US 33 east to Elkins to the sign for Elkins/Davis & Elkins College. Bear right and go 2 miles to the first traffic light at Randolph Ave (US Rts 33, 219 & 250). Turn left at the light, and go through one more traffic light. In the next block, turn left at the *statue of Henry Gassaway Davis (on horseback).
  From the North Take I-79 south to Exit 99 (Weston exit). Take US 33 east to Elkins to the sign for Elkins/Davis & Elkins College. Bear right and go 2 miles to the first traffic light at Randolph Ave (US Rts 33, 219 & 250). Turn left at the light, and go through one more traffic light. In the next block, turn left at the *statue of Henry Gassaway Davis (on horseback).
  From the South Take I-77 north to Beckley, WV. Take US 19 north to I-79 north and proceed to Exit 99 (Weston exit). Take US 33 east to Elkins to the sign for Elkins/Davis & Elkins College. Bear right and go 2 miles to the first traffic light at Randolph Ave (US Rts 33, 219 & 250). Turn left at the light, and go through one more traffic light. In the next block, turn left at the *statue of Henry Gassaway Davis (on horseback).
  From the West Take I-77 south to Parkersburg, WV. Take US 50 east to I-79 south. Take I-79 south to Exit 99 (Weston exit). Take US 33 east to Elkins to the sign for Elkins/Davis & Elkins College. Bear right and go 2 miles to the first traffic light at Randolph Ave (US Rts 33, 219 & 250). Turn left at the light, and go through one more traffic light. In the next block, turn left at the *statue of Henry Gassaway Davis (on horseback).
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival and Orientation
(Sunday, April 21)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in will take place between 3:00 and 5:00 pm in the lobby of Hermanson Campus Center. You will be greeted by the Road Scholar Coordinator and receive a packet, badge, meal ticket, schedule, and information about the week.
 Dinner: Dinner is in the Madden Center, next door to Graceland Inn. The Dining hall is accessible by elevator. Food is cafeteria-style, all you care to eat. There is a choice of several entrees and desserts at each meal, including fresh fruit. There is a soup and salad bar, deli section, self-serve ice cream bar, and self-serve beverages. Most special dietary needs can be accommodated including vegetarian, vegan, and low carb.
 Evening: At 6:00 pm, in the Chapel, there is an Road Scholar Orientation conducted by the Road Scholar Coordinator. Following that, there is a general orientation where all the instructors, musicians, and artists on staff are introduced. After that, there is a 'potluck' reception and a beginner-friendly mixer square dance.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Dulcimer Class and Evening Entertainment
(Monday, April 22)
   
 Breakfast: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Morning: Following breakfast, there is an all-morning class on playing either the traditional mountain dulcimer or hammered dulcimer, with a short coffee and tea break at mid-morning. No experience is necessary. Total beginners will be taught in one class; those who have had a little experience will be in another classroom nearby. Both classes get together during coffee breaks and for special demonstrations. Instruments will be supplied to all who need one.
 Lunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Afternoon: After lunch, dulcimer classes resume. After a short break, there is a one hour session featuring guest speakers, discussions on dulcimer lore, and an informal concert by master musicians.
 Dinner: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Evening: There is a choice of several evening events. These include a workshop on how to change strings and clean an instrument, a lecture/film on traditional folk culture, and old-time instrumental music jam sessions.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Dulcimer Class and Mountain Square Dancing
(Tuesday, April 23)
   
 Breakfast: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Morning: Following breakfast, there is an all-morning class on traditional mountain or hammered dulcimer, with a short coffe and tea break at mid-morning. See Day Two for details.
 Lunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Afternoon: After lunch both dulcimer classes resume. After a short break, there is a one hour session featuring guest speakers, discussions on dulcimer lore, and an informal concert by master musicians.
 Dinner: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Evening: Evening activity is an introduction to mountain square dance, for the dulcimer students and college students and faculty. This offers live music and instruction for complete beginners. Following the dance there will be light refreshments and jam sessions led by the instructors.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Dulcimer Class, Choice of Workshops, Local Music Jam Sessions
(Wednesday, April 24)
   
 Breakfast: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Morning: Following breakfast, there is an all-morning class on traditional mountain or hammered dulcimer, with a short coffee and tea break at mid-morning. See Day Two for details.
 Lunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Afternoon: After lunch, there is a choice of several special "one-time" workshops offered on a variety of topics. These include lectures and demonstrations on various aspects of traditional music, films on Appalachian folk arts, and a hands-on introduction to playing other instruments, such as autoharp. Following this, there is an informal concert featuring guest artists.
 Dinner: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Evening: Evening activity is a gathering with local old-time musicians. Road Scholars can listen to, and sing along with, bluegrass, old-time, and country music jam sessions.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Dulcimer Class, Choice of Workshops, Evening Instructor Concert
(Thursday, April 25)
   
 Breakfast: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Morning: Following breakfast, there is an all-morning class on traditional mountain or hammered dulcimer, with a short coffee and tea break at mid-morning. See Day Two for details.
 Lunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Afternoon: After lunch there is a one hour group session with a guest artist. Following this, participants have a choice of attending special workshops or presentations (such as a film with discussion, lecture, storytelling, or slide show).
 Dinner: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Evening: Evening activity is a concert featuring the week's instructors.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Dulcimer Class and Student Showcase
(Friday, April 26)
   
 Breakfast: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Morning: Following breakfast, there is an all-morning class on traditional mountain or hammered dulcimer, with a short coffee and tea break at mid-morning. See Day Two for details.
 Lunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Afternoon: In the afternoon, everyone gathers to participate in the student showcase.
 Dinner: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
 Evening: Evening activities include jam sessions, impromptu dancing and refreshments.
   
Accommodations: Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Departures
(Saturday, April 27)
   
 Morning: Depart Davis & Elkins College for home
 Brunch: Davis & Elkins Dining Services (Madden Center).
   
Meals Included: Brunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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