Friday, August 12, 2022
Registration Opening SOON!
Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Details and Options For 2022
Here are some details for refunds on registrations and reservations:
If you decide to opt-in and roll-over your 2022 retreat registration to 2023, please contact either Bing (bingfutch@yahoo.com) or Jae (bluezfan@yahoo.com) so we can record that info into our spreadsheet.
The Florida Cracker Riverside Resort will NOT be charging for room cancelations. If you're planning on coming to Homosassa regardless, and want to stay in your room, your original rate applies.
If you're planning on staying, and want to still make a little music, Sharrie's info below will help you decide if you'll want to join us for the cruise:
We’re all disappointed not to see you all for the Retreat in Homosassa, but if you are interested, the Castaway Music Cruise is still an option if you have the dates available.
Monday, January 10, 2022
ANNOUNCEMENT: Retreat Cancelation
We have been closely monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 variant Omicron, and after much consideration, we have made the decision to cancel the 2022 Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat. All registered guests will either receive a full refund of registration fees or can opt-in to have their fees carried over to our 2023 event.
This is not a decision we have taken lightly. Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards our registered guests, with public safety as our number one commitment.
We are very disappointed that we’re unable to go forward with the retreat, but we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today.
We will be posting details regarding refunds and room reservation cancellations on our Facebook page as well as the main retreat site at www.GulfCoastDulcimer.com
Take care of yourselves, and we look forward to hosting you in 2023.
Sharrie, Guy, Jae and Bing
Sunday, October 24, 2021
2023 Schedule
Hello, all!
Here is the schedule for our 9th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat. Unlike past years, we will have at least two primary locations for workshops. Currently, we'll simply call these "Area 1" and "Area 2." Be sure to check the workshop descriptions for skill levels and details!
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Monday, August 9, 2021
Richard Ash Workshops
Tuning Your Dulcimer By Ear
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Bing Futch Workshops
Bing Futch Workshops
Manatee Orchestra - Mountain Dulcimers
In this workshop, we’ll go over the material and prepare for the Manatee Orchestra, which will open the Saturday evening concert. All skill levels are welcome to participate and we have a blast learning three songs and then rehearsing them for the show. Mountain dulcimer players are encouraged to join Guy and Sharrie’s Manatee Orchestra workshops for hammered dulcimer, penny whistle and ukulele for extra practice. There will be a full orchestra rehearsal on Saturday at 3 pm. Come join us! (All Skill Levels)
Mountain Dulcimer - Fingerpickin' Good
Once you've gained some experience with flatpicking, you'll want to broaden your musical horizons and begin to explore fingerpicking. We'll use some pretty tunes that sound great when fingerpicked and I'll show you some patterns for each song you play. We'll also get into some techniques that will help you put a "pinch" of pizzaz in your songs! (Intermediate)
Learning To Play Native American Flute
You'll be surprised at just how easy it is to play! In this workshop, you'll learn basics: flute anatomy, how to hold it, breath control, major and minor scales, ornamentation techniques and how to discover your very own spirit song. If you don't have a flute, I will have a limited supply of loaners that are also available for purchase. Key does not matter if you wish to bring your own. (Beginner to Intermediate)
Mountain Dulcimer - Key Changes Made Easy!
Key changes are an exciting element of music and you don’t need a chromatic instrument to make them happen! Taking a simple tune in one key and then switching keys somewhere in the song is a fabulous way of adding depth, complexity and emotion to your playing. We’ll look at the so-called “truck-driver modulation” and the “parallel modulation”, but will focus mainly on the stealthy “pivot chord modulation” for changing keys mid-song. You will need a 1+ fret for this workshop and a capo! (Intermediate-Advanced)
Sunday Morning Coming Down - All Instruments
This has become a tradition for a number of years at the retreat and is a great way to wind down after three full days of fun! Here’s your chance to reflect on new things that you’ve learned, ask questions, get clarification and share lightbulb moments with the group. It’s always an easy-going good way to start the final day!