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Formal 1
Formal 2
Formal 3
Formal 4
Beth
Jim
Beth w/ flute
Jim w/ guitar
Sing!
Playing
Informal 1
Whistles

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Guitar

The guitar developed in 16th century Europe and is one of the world's most popular and versatile stringed instruments. The first guitars were strung with gut and were similar to today's classical or Spanish guitar. The steel-string variety developed in the early 20th century as a response to the greater volume required by the popular music of the day. Jim plays 00 and OM models made by John Slobod of Circa Guitars in Portland, ME.

Wooden Flute

The wooden flute was a 17th century orchestral development of the military fifes used in the middle ages. Keywork was added over time to correct pitch innacuracies. Softer in tone than metal and pitched in 'D', the wooden flute remained popular after the advent of the silver Boehm system flute, especially among traditional musicians. Beth's 4-key instrument was made for her in 2006 by Patrick Olwell of Nellysford, VA.

Cittern

Citterns developed in Europe around 1500, and were an easy-to-play and inexpensive alternative to the lute until they were ousted from popularity by the guitar. In the 1960's, Greek bouzoukis appeared at jam sessions in Ireland, and luthiers began refining its design to better suit the needs of Celtic music. These new instruments were often called 'citterns' to avoid confusion with the Greek versions. Jim's cittern was made in 1985 by Stefan Sobell of Northumberland, England.

Silver Flute

The silver flute developed in the 19th century from the wooden flute as a response to the instrument's increasingly prominent role in orchestral music and the need for greater volume and a brighter tone as a solo instrument. Today's silver flutes are pitched in 'C' and use the key system devised by Theobald Boehm in the 1830's. Beth plays a Muramatsu flute.

Tinwhistle

The tinwhistle or pennywhistle is one of the oldest traditional Irish instruments, dating from about the 12th century, when they were made of bone. They became popular as an inexpensive, easy-to-play instrument made of tin and sold in the streets for a penny, hence the name. A charming instrument with a sweet, clear tone, Beth plays brass whistles and a professional model made of ebony and silver by Chris Abell of Asheville, NC.

Mandolin

Mandolins evolved from the lute family in Italy during the 17th and 18th centuries. From the flat-topped, bowl-back versions, a new design emerged in the early 20th century, employing a number of features borrowed from the violin: an arched, carved top and back, and a steeper neck angle to put greater tension on the bridge, producing more volume and projection. Jim's mandolin was made for him by Stephen Holst of Creswell, OR.

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