I wish to convey my heartfelt thanks to Dana McCall. This is the fifth year she has directed the Homer Ledford Dulcimer Festival. The first year she had 45 participants and this year she had 62. She hires 10 to 12 teachers who teach dulcimer, ukulele and Native American flute from beginning to advanced levels. Activities begin on Friday evening and run until 4 p.m. on Saturday at these annual workshops.

Dana advertises through dulcimer clubs and Facebook. This year’s participants came from as far away as North Carolina, Michigan, Louisiana and California. Several brought Homer’s handmade instruments with them. One lady brought a dulcimer she had made in one of Homer’s dulcimer-making classes at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. Bill Johnson, leader of the Backroom Bluegrass Band, brought a banjo and guitar made by Homer.

Dana herself has a collection of 13 of Homer’s handmade dulcimers.

Dana donates her time completely; she just tries to break even. This year, the entire proceeds after expenses will be given to the music department of Campbell Junior High School in Homer’s memory.

Each year, on the final evening of the workshop, a concert is held by the attendees who play and sing. This year’s concert was at Campbell Junior High School and was most enjoyable. However, we need more local people to come out and support the concert in future years.

Again, thank you, Dana, for honoring the memory of my beloved husband Homer and keeping music alive.

Colista Ledford

Winchester