Featuring Music Enthusiast Kathryn Prinz, Performs, Teaches & Shares the Joy of Music

On Sunday, September 17th the FPHS will host Kathryn Prinz who will present a program called “The Hammered Dulcimer.” Kathryn is a “Music Enthusiast” who enjoys performing, teaching and sharing the joy of music with others. She will introduce the audience to the hammer dulcimer and other instruments.

The love of music is a gift she learned from her parents. Her mother, Ruth Prinz, was a respected organist, pianist and teacher. Her father, Harvey Prinz, a Lutheran Pastor and Bishop, also built a played hammered dulcimers, performing extensively throughout the Midwest. Kathryn, along with her family, received the”Kansas Musical Family of the Year” award in 1980.

The hammered dulcimer is a percussion instrument and stringed instrument with the strings typically stretched over a trapezoidal sounding board. The hammered dulcimer is set before the musician, who may sit cross legged on the floor or on a stool at a wooded stand on legs. The player holds a small spoon shaped mallet hammer in each hand to strike the strings. (cf Appalachian dulcimer).