SODA BEGINNINGS
In the magazine, "Dulcimer Players News" a letter to the editor appeared by Peter Nemeth asking if there were any hammered dulcimer players in the vicinity of Toronto. He received a number of responses and arranged a meeting. This meeting took place on September 12th, 2001; the day after the tragic 9/11 event.
8 musicians attended this meeting with the intention to get to know each other and to share music. The dulcimer community in the United States had requested that all music clubs join together at 8:00 p.m. to play the tune Amazing Grace in memory of the events that took place the day before. Amazing Grace was the first tune that was played at that meeting. The newly formed club decided to hold monthly meetings in different members' vicinities. The format of the meeting included playing a few tunes together, listening to someone perform a mini concert and then learning a new tune.
In the Spring 2002 the club held its first mini Dulcimer Music Festival at the Conestoga Sailing Club, not far from Waterloo. This event brought new members to the group. The day was filled with learning new tunes and sharing other tunes. During the evening the club performed for the sailing club members. The club needed a name and hence SODA - Southern Ontario Dulcimer Association was born.
Other performances followed over the years like: busking at the Orillia Farmer’s Market, participating in church services and fundraisers, opening the Celtic Festival in Alton Mills, providing background music for re-enactments in Keswick.
At one meeting the members developed their own theme tune called Sweet SODA.
We continue to meet monthly on a Saturday so that people have a chance to travel to and from our meeting locations. Please consider joining us. Visitors are always welcome!
