The Sandbridge Dance Tune Collection

Book excerpt: This collection is drawn from Ken Kolodner's extensive library of arrangements for the hammered dulcimer, developed from over 30 years of teaching thousands ofworkshops. This first book in this two-book companion collection includes traditional and original dance tunes including reels, jigs, hornpipes and polkas. The repertoire draws primarily from traditional music of the United States (Old-Time), Quebec (French-Canadian), Ireland, Scotland and beyond. Each tune is presented as a simple melody with chord progression along with one or more detailed arrangements, offering a wide range of levels of complexity. Backup and harmony parts are provided for many of the pieces. Included is a discussion of over 20 arranging ideas/techniques. The book is intended to be a lifetime resource for players of all levels. Kolodner is widely known as one of the most prominent teachers and performers of the hammered dulcimer and is especially known for his teaching of arranging techniques.