The Grand Old Dulcimer Club Gazette is published electronically every two months.

David was a Master teacher whose easy manner of instructing made learning easy and pleasurable. David, the man, had a very sweet spirit. He will be missed by all of us who had the great opportunity to know him, take lessons from him, and to play with him ... Sue Claiborne

I have a funny remembrance - we were at the Bayou Dulcimer Club's annual workshop in Covington, La., and it was late - we were all standing around the fire outside the "mess hall," and Steve Seifert was tossing powdered creamer into the flames and it was making big bursts of fire. I mentioned that marshmallow peeps would expand to five times their size in the microwave (it was around Easter). Well, David decided he had to try it, and somehow we found some marshmallow bunnies (the pink ones) so he popped them into the microwave and alas! Stay Puff marshmallow bunnies :) it was just one of those silly, gleeful moments that David was fond of....Michelle Nikolai

Brenda, Carolyn and I became David's first ensemble dulcimer group in the early 1990's when we asked for his assistance putting together three-part dulcimer arrangements. He was eager to help. I will never forget how excited he was with his very first recital of Blair students in December 1995, which we were also privileged to be a part of. David literally jumped up and down with exhilaration and pride that night. He was a patient and gentle teacher who, like Peter Pan, never lost his childlike enthusiasm. At Dulcimer Day, it was always great to get that nod and "thumb's up." signal from David, in his straw hat, attentively listening to all the performers. May we continue to carry Davidâs enthusiasm for sharing the mountain dulcimer forward. I'd also like to add that after David's memorial service at Dyer, we had to go finish out our ten-day gig at the Wilson County Fair that afternoon. It was really hard to be energetic and upbeat after that, but we verbally dedicated all six performances that day to David and played a lot of his arrangements. We took comfort in the smiles of the people we played for...Marilyn Konruff

When people ask me how long I've been playing the dulcimer, I can be very specific....since January 20, 1987 at 4:30 in the afternoon. I had never seen a dulcimer before and had no idea who David Schnaufer was, but I left my first lesson knowing there was magic in this man and in the instrument. For twenty years, David has been my cherished friend and mentor, and I learned from him the value of passion. David lived his life with a passion that created energy, commitment and joy, a passion that made a difference in his life and in the lives of others. .... Sandy Conatser

I first met David in the late 1980's at a lesson when he lived across from Belmont University. I had had my dulcimer for a couple of years, and, like many of us, I had looked at it more than I'd played it. The sunny morning did little to quell my butterflies as I approached for my first lesson. I was a little apprehensive as I had only listened to his tape with the Cactus Brothers. It was quite intimidating to think that I could walk in and actually take a lesson from such a master of the instrument! David welcomed me warmly and I lost all self-consciousness about being a new dulcimer player in the presence of the master player. We worked on "Old Joe Clark" and "Morning Has Broken," songs that still remind me of that first lesson. Thus began my journey of hours with David as a guide as we worked together to bring life to music through the dulcimer. David's teaching style embodying his skill and his gentle encouragement helped me believe in myself and that I, too, could make the dulcimer's voice heard...Mary Lawrence Breinig

David always made me feel good about myself and my skills, even when I was lacking in self-confidence. He introduced me to a wonderful world of friends and played on my albums. Last fall, he co-taught some dulcimer workshops with me at the Renaissance Center. It was his idea for us to work together; he sure didn't need me, and it was a thrill and a major crash course on teaching for me to get to work with him. I'll always hear his music in my head and in my heart. Great friends are forever .... Adie Grey

David could convince us "all thumbs" types that we, even we, could play all those difficult tunes, just get out there and try. Patience of a saint. Sense of humor to match. What an inspiration. Even if the song was simple, like Boiling Cabbages or Gray Cats all the way to all those notes in fiddle tunes like Eighth of January...Flem Smith

Last December David and Butch played at the Bluebird Cafe and my son and I attended. After their time of playing, the Mandolin Ensemble played and David and I were in a back corner talking...whispering, I thought. We were "shushed at the Bluebird!" (Everyone in Nashville knows this is a "no no!) David bent over double laughing about this the next time I saw him. Being shushed at his own gig!! My world seems quieter now. He was so special....Shan Bacon

David gave us a wonderful example of how to follow your dream and share that dream with others. I will always remember his generosity and enthusiasm in launching new dulcimer players. I wonder if he had any idea of the enormous number of people far and wide he influenced not only with his music but with his goodness....Mariam Slaughter

The first time I went to David's little apartment for a dulcimer lesson, I was awed to see "the evolution of the dulcimer" as it played itself out in his collection of instruments that basically progressed around the room, from an old Tennessee music box that stands on a table with legs, to rustic and crudely-fashioned homemade lap dulcimers, all the way to the gorgeously sleek modern McSpaddens. I remember thinking, as I looked around David's room," Maybe someday the dulcimer will be able to fly!" The innovative and inspiring way that David played, he made it seem possible....Ahna Christina Phillips

David was a joy to be around and his passion for the dulcimer was contagious and inspirational. It was too soon to say farewell and I already miss playing dulcimer with him. There won't be a wedding anniversary my husband and I won't think of him, and Mule Day just won't be the same. In his memory, we need to keep the traditions going for future generations...Denise and Alan Gartin

I hadn't been going to the GODC very long, and the group was trying to get the timing right on a certain song, and I proceeded to tell David how I thought the song should go, and played my version of it for him. I had no idea who David was or anything about his background, etc. I just thought he was someone who came to learn to play the dulcimer like the rest of us. But he very kindly said, "Well, that's one way of doing it. Now let me give a 4 potato count & try it this way." I felt a little foolish about 3 or 4 months later when I found out who he really was, and that I was trying to teach HIM to play a song. (ha ha)...Gloria Kirkland

Blair passed out an evaluation form some years back...and I filled it out to the effect that David was a National Treasure and they should never let him go...just as true today...let us not let him go but keep him firmly in our memories...and honor him every time we play our delcimores!...Glen Wilson

David was such an inspiration to me in learning to play the dulcimer and a good friend. I always took his class at festivals and took away more than learning a song. He told us stories about the songs and made them come to life. Thank you, David...Nancy Seifert

I'm remembering David's generosity. After only eight lessons with him, and only six songs in my repertoire, I walked in one morning to find him playing his beloved Tennessee music box. He showed me wear marks on this 150 year old instrument and how he figured it had been played with a turkey feather. Then to my amazement, he handed me the turkey feather and like a kid on Christmas morning I stepped up and played "Will the Circle Be Unbroken"...Cheryl Scott

I remember when I was struggling to get a tune during one of my lessons with David. I was aware that there were people outside his door, waiting for their lesson. We were going over my allotted time. Feeling intimidated, knowing that those "good players" could hear the struggle, I said, "Those people outside the door must think I'm crazy to not get this. I know we are going overtime." David ignored their knock on the door and took even more time with me. ...anonymous

Being as uptight as I was, taking lessons from David, laughter was rare during our sessions. One day I said, "David, you are going to get extra stars in your crown up in Heaven, for trying to teach dulcimer to me." He responded, "Will you play "Down Yonder "at the awards ceremony?" That day, we both had a good laugh...anonymous

I had but one personal one-on-one session with David, but I learned more there (history, technique, building, etc.) than ANY other 10 players, historians or builders could teach me! I bought Dulcimer Player Deluxe right out of his office and am still amazed every time I play it. I suspicion practically every dulcimer fest and every player can trace most of their inspiration to David's Spirit, directly or indirectly! God Bless and Keep him... Scott Conner

David influenced me in so many ways - I just feel very fortunate to have known him and to have had the opportunity to take lessons from him and to share in so many nice experiences with the club under his direction.... Mary Ann Asson-Batres

David had a very special connection with my cousin, Sean, who has autism. David would always spend the July 4th weekend with my family. When Sean was two, he was here for July 4th, and David came over to play some music for Sean's parents. After listening to David play for hours, right as he was about to leave, Sean ran up and gave David a quick hug. David's smile was priceless...Sarah Elisabeth

The Saints Came Marching In complete with dulcimer accompaniment at this year's Labor Day celebration by the lake in Centennial Park. This may have been Nashville's first brass band/dulcimer duet!! Thanks to Glen for working with the band director and making it happen. It truly was too much fun!!

• Don't forget the October club meeting on Sunday, October 15. Freddy Brown has volunteered (thanks, Freddy!!) to teach us a new fiddle tune, and we can brush up on the following tunes for the Music and Molasses gig - Skin and Bones, South Callaway Waltz, Amazing Grace, Angeline the Baker, Fly Around My Pretty Little Miss, Gray Cat on a Tennessee Farm, June Apple, Wildwood Flower, Wild Flowers Don't Care Where They Grow, old Joe Clark, Give Me the Roses While I Live....and others!! We'll also run through some Christmas tunes to help us get ready for the Carter House playout too. We'll have a busy fall!
• Remember...if you're looking for dulcimer tablature, use the link in the resource section on the left side of t he page to find a great list of websites with tab for you to download and use. If you find another site that's helpful, send it to Sandy to be added to the list.
• We have an invitation to play for Franklin's historic Carter House Christmas Candlelight Open House fundraiser again this year. This will make our fourth appearance. It's always been a fun time and we're looking forward to a good time again! Preliminary information: Dates: Saturday Dec. 2 and Sun Dec. 3. Last year the we had two groups - one playing at 5:00 and one playing at 6:00 on Saturday. That seemed to work well and let's do that again this year. There are openings Saturday for "your group" to play at 7:00 and then Sunday is open for groups to play at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00. Please take a look at your calendars......we'll talk more about it during club meetings. For info, check with Glen.
• December 8 - Sanders Family Christmas at the Donelson Senior Center. This is a professional cast......further adventures of the Smoke on the Mountain folks..."our kind"of music and good times. We're planning to go on December 8 and hope everyone can come for an evening of fun together...$21 includes dinner and show. Call the Donelson Senior center, 883-8375, for reservations and tell them you want to sit with the dulcimer club.

• October 22 - Music and Molasses Festival, Ellington Agricultural Center. Our play time in the gazebo is 2:30-3:30 but we can jam all day!! Bring your pickin' chair.
• Saturday, December 2 and Sunday, December 3 - Carter House Christmas Candelight Open House, exact time and location to be announced

• October 7 - Stephen Seifert dulcimer workshops at the Renaissance Center in Dickson. Contact the Renaissance Center at 740-5533 for registration and information.
• Beginning October 12 Lee Rowe, Zada Law and Sandy Conatser will teach a six week group class of holiday music at the Blair School of Music. Contact Carol Dunne at Blair (322-7651). Registration for private lessons is also available through the same number.
• October 14 - White House Dulcimer Players Harvest Moon Festival...Sue 325-0310 or Chester 672-5736
• Oct.18-21 - Dulcimer Chautauqua on the Wabash, New Harmony, IN, 1-800-782-8605 (Sherrie) for Reservations at the Inn A.S.A.P. For information, visit Maureen Sellers website at maureensellers.com
• Nov. 10-12 - Knoxville Smokey Mtn Retreat, Contact Nancy Basford atjbasford@netstarcomm.net or 865-483-1121
• November 3,4 - Heartland Dulcimer Club Festival, Elizabethtown, Ky www.heartlanddulcimerclub.org
• November 16-19 North Georgia Foothills Dulcimer Festival, Unicoi State Park near Helen, Georgia. Details at http://www.ngfda.org/ff_details.html
• December 8 - Sanders Family Christmas at the Donelson Senior Center.
• December 2 - Stephen Seifert dulcimer workshops at the Renaissance Center in Dickson. Contact the Renaissance Center at 740-5533 for registration and information.
• March 2-4, 2007 - Ohio Valley Gathering in Lexington, Ky ... check www.louisvilledulcimers.com
• April 14, 2007 - Appalachian Celebration, Memorial Concert Celebrating the Life and Music of David Schnaufer, Ingram Hall, Blair School of Music.

• The Cheatham County club meets at the Simpkins Chapel United Methodist Church in Ashland City from 3-5 pm on the second Sunday of every month. Email Fred Miler for more info.
• The Murfreesboro club meets on the first Sunday of each month from 2-4 at the Visitor's Center at Cannonsburg on Front Street in Murfreesboro. Contact Mary Nichols for more information.
• The White House Dulcimer Club meets the second, third and fourth Mondays. Contact persons are Chester Page (672-5736) or Sue Claiborne (325-0310) or Joyce Partain (672-9604).
• The Duck River Dulcimer Club has been organized in Columbia. They meet on the 2nd Sunday (2-4 pm) and 4th Tuesday, (6:30-8:30 pm) of every month at Maury County Park. Contact Denise Gartin for information.
• The Scottsville, Kentucky Club meets in the fellowship hall of the United Methodist Church on East Main Street in Scottsville from 7-9 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month. Email Freddy Brown or by phone. (270-237-3078)

In partnership with Metro Parks, The Grand Old Dulcimer Club sponsors Grand Old Dulcimer Day each year in May at Two Rivers Mansion. Don't miss our NINTH annual Grand Old Dulcimer Day in May of 2007!

The club and its members perform at festivals and civic events and often take their music into special needs facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other care facilities.

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