Retired couple spreads joy through dulcimer performances
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 20:55 · Archive
Daryl and Debbie Doolittle perform dulcimer music for residents at assisted living centres in Beatrice, Nebraska, playing familiar folk songs on the wooden instruments. Audiences respond enthusiastically to the performances, with residents tapping their feet, swaying to the music and mouthing the words.
Resident Donavin Diller, who previously sang in quartets and duets with his wife, said the performances cheer him up. 'Music is something that cheers you up,' he said. 'And it's an encouragement.'
The Doolittles bought their first pair of dulcimers around 2009 at the Gage County Fair. They initially found the instruments challenging but persisted with the hobby, eventually performing at venues including the Arbor Day Lodge and locations in Arkansas. Since 2019, they have reformatted sheet music to develop simplified notation for roughly 300 songs, using underlined fret numbers for eighth notes and asterisks for rests.
The couple initially held sessions primarily in Cortland at the Cortland Opry House, teaching newcomers and playing with a jam group. They later shifted their performances towards Beatrice to accommodate their growing group of musicians. They provide cardboard dulcimers for beginners to practise on, drawing players from across the region.
How it is being reported
- Retired couple spreads joy through dulcimer performances in BeatriceDaryl and Debbie Doolittle play the dulcimer for residents at assisted living centers in Beatrice, sharing familiar folk songs on the wooden instruments.1011Now · 8 Oct, 20:33
- Retired couple spreads joy through dulcimer performances in BeatriceDaryl and Debbie Doolittle play the dulcimer for residents at assisted living centers in Beatrice, sharing familiar folk songs on the wooden instruments.WOWT · 8 Oct, 20:33
In this story: Daryl Doolittle · Debbie Doolittle · Beatrice · Nebraska · Gage County Fair · Cortland Opry House
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