History

The Silver Strings Dulcimer Society had its beginnings in hammered dulcimer classes given at Greenfield Village by Ceclia (Cece) Horodko Webster in the fall of 1983. At the last class a sign-up sheet was passed by Lynn Bower for those who would be interested in continuing to meet and play together. Lynn also circulated the sign-up sheet at the 1983 ODPC Funfest at Evart. 

The first meeting of about 13 people took place just after the Evart Funfest on July 27, 1983 in Wyandotte at a gazebo in Bishop Park near the Bob-Lo Boat dock. After playing throughout the summer of 1982, they found a new home at Fischer School in Dearborn Heights. The group adopted the name, Silver Strings Dulcimer Society and started organizing the music and framework for the club.

In 1985 an “operating committee” was formed as they started playing “paid” gigs and hosting events: picnics, annual dinner. SSDS became a non-profit organization. 

By October 1985, the club had 44 members with various instruments including: guitars, recorders, harmonicas and washtub bass. 

Workshops were offered for mountain dulcimer, beginner and intermediate hammered dulcimer.

In 1986 Silver Strings moved to Good Hope Lutheran Church in Garden City. The club continued to grow, perform, offer workshops and participate in various music festivals. Regular meetings were the first and third Thursday of the month. 

A club newsletter “Soundboard” kept members informed. Official by-laws were adopted, musically creative ideas were tried, and the repertoire grew.

In the 1990s, the club continued to evolve, creating various ways to help and mentor new players. The meeting format attempted to accommodate various levels of players, prepare for performance opportunities, allow time for announcements and socializing. 

Membership dues were raised to $15 for new members and $10 for membership renewal. Membership grew to about 120. The number of gigs increased to over 20 a year.

In 1997, the club began hosting “Variety Nights” when there was a fifth Thursday in the month. A light dinner was enjoyed followed by various “acts” where individuals and small groups performed for the rest of the club. 

The decade ended with Silver Strings’ first recording, “Silver Strings Dulcimer Society.” Traditional Oldtime Stringband Music. We also launched the club's website.. 

The club entered the new millennium with enthusiasm. In June, 2001, a new tradition began and continues: SSDS Friends & Family Campout at Meyers Lake. SSDS friends and family come to enjoy informal jamming, a few workshops, and hospitality. 

SSDS performance opportunities increased. New member fee is now $20 (including music), and membership renewal is $15. The “Soundboard” went electronic on the club website.  

In 2009, Silver Strings produced its second CD, “Holiday Traditions”. The project to standardize club music was accomplished. 

A strong SSDS presence at Michigan festivals continues, noted by performance, hosting jams, leading workshops and volunteering. 

In 2018, after an extensive search, SSDS moved to Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Livonia MI, a facility that is handicapped accessible and geographically in the center of the club’s membership.

2018 also marked our 35 Anniversary as a club. Watch our anniversary video on YouTube

The club’s on-line presence expanded. The “Spirit Jam,” a Facebook “Live” themed jam was born during COVID and draws people from across the US and other countries. All 34 Spirit Jams are recorded and archived on the club’s YouTube page.

Video Christmas Cards were born during COVID to spread Musical Holiday Cheer when we were unable to gather in person.  The cards are recorded and archived on the club’s YouTube page.

In 2023, the club celebrated 40 years of music making and friendship. Subgroups form. Currently we have the 'Sweet 'N Psaltery' bowed psalterys & harmonicas, the 'Mountaineers' lap dulcimers and a Ukulele group.