The "Singin' Strings" Dulcimer Club at St. Joseph Academy was established on March 9, 2006.  Our interest in Appalachian music started in 2003 during an "Artist in Residency Program" sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council.  During this residency program (performed by Mr. Russ Childers), our students participated in square dancing, the art of storytelling, singing traditional Appalachian songs, the history of the banjo and playing the mountain dulcimer. 

The artistry of "Mr. Russ," ignited a passion for dulcimer playing in our school.  In January 2006, we were able to have a "Five-day Dulcimer Residency Program."  After the residency program, I decided to continue what Mr. Russ started in our school.  This is how the "Singin' Strings Dulcimer Club" began at SJA.

The mission of the SSDC is to promote the art of playing the mountain dulcimer and preserve our rich Kentucky Heritage through music.  One way of promoting the mountain dulcimer is to raise money to purchase dulcimers or acquire dulcimers (with geared tuners & 6½ fret), teaching materials, dulcimer music stands, straps, capos and cases for our school so all of the students can experience the joy of playing the mountain dulcimer.

We are also expanding our grant project to include other folk instruments, bowed psalteries and hammered dulcimers.  Please refer to our "Grants" page.

DULCIMER RESIDENCY 2006 January 16th - 20th Teacher Initiated Program Funded by the Kentucky Arts Council Audio Samples
	Boil Them Cabbage Down (Gr. 5)
	Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star (Gr. 6)
	Go Tell Aunt Rhody (Russ Childers & Sister Margaret Mary)
	Red River Valley (Russ Childers & Sister Margaret Mary)
	Amazing Grace (Russ Childers & Sister Margaret Mary)
	My Old Kentucky Home (Sister Margaret Mary)

Note: The dulcimers for this residency program were provided by Russ Childers.