Jody Webb, center, leads The Dulcimer Connection with Richard Palmer and Lori Ball at a recent practice session in Greenfield.
Maribeth Vaughn | Daily Reporter
GREENFIELD – Jody Webb has a favorite phrase whenever she introduces her group of friends to an audience.
“We like to call ourselves the all-strong, no-sing, not-half-bad dulcimer band,” she said with a chuckle.
The Dulcimer Connection, a group of about 10 seniors that practices weekly at the Greenfield Senior Center, has relied on that connection, especially these last two years. Staying connected through music even when concerts have come to a halt due to a global pandemic, Webb said they have hope that the concerts will pick up again soon. But in the meantime, they’re grateful to still have each other.
“We’re family,” Webb said. “We’ve been together a long time, and we care about each other, and we love to make music together.”
The group began at the senior center about 15 years ago, and each member brings their own instrument to play together – classical, hymns, folks, holiday music and more. Most players have multiple instruments. Since dulcimers are hand-crafted, each is unique.
“They all have their own voice,” said Pearlann Haines. “It’s strange in such a small instrument. You can play the same notes, but they all sound different. You find the one that the voice talks to you.”
Before the pandemic, the group would play at festivals, car club events, nursing homes and more, five to seven times a year.
Haines recalled one performance at a nursing home. A man at the back of the room seemed to be asleep during their performance but when a familiar hymn was strung on the instruments, his beautiful voice sang the words loud and clear.
“I just still remember that,” Haines said.
“I think it speaks to the universal language of music,” added Richard Parker. “Everyone appreciates it.”
Diane Lutes said the group loves to play songs with multiple parts to hear beautiful harmonies – the more parts there are, the better. Still sometimes a solo dulcimer is just as beautiful, she added, like the times she lulls her grandchildren to sleep at night strumming her instrument.
The dulcimer is popular, Webb said, because it’s portable and an easy instrument to learn. Many people can pick it up within a few months. She’s currently teaching newcomer Lori Ball, with the hope that she can become a regular member of the band.
Haines adds that it also relieves stress.
“You find yourself totally immersed in what you’re doing, and everything outside just disappears.”
Webb hopes for a swift return to live performances, and they’re ready to go. Even when the senior center was closed due to the pandemic in 2020, the group met often to continue to practice in homes or at the library. One of her favorite aspects of performing live is going around to “glad hand” the crowd – mingle and interact after their performance.
“Music brings people together,” Haines added. “It really does.”
At a glance
The Greenfield Senior Center offers several programs, including Bingo, Euchre, yoga, billiards, fitness classes, music, line dancing, wood carving and more. The center is located at The Patricia Elmore Center, 280 N. Apple St., Greenfield. For more information on programs – including The Dulcimer Connection – call 317-477-4343 or visit www.greenfieldin.org/parks/senior-center. Transportation is provided on a limited basis for those within city limits. For details on Hancock Area Rural Transit, call 317-462-1103.
