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2005 April 25, 2005 This was my first performance in front of people. I didn't play by myself but with my
group. I was so scared. All went well though and I got a standing ovation. Also this one lady, Mrs. Smith, suggested for our
group to be called Sutch Sounds. This is a funday I competed in the Mid-Eastern Regional Hammered Dulcimer Competition. I
came in third place. My goal is to some day win this competition and go on to Winfield, Kansas to compete. July
16-17, 2005 I played at The Grace Church in my tent. On Sunday I performed at 5:00P.M.. It rained so not as many people
stayed. Over all it was fun. August 17, 2005 I had a 2 hour performance in the show tent at the Washington
County Fair. I was a little nervous because I was playing in front of my friends and fellow 4-H members. It all turned out
well. I even sold about 5 or 6 Cd's. I had a lot of support from the "Snow Ball Lady" and Brandon Bedillion and his friends
(who danced to a bluegrass song I played). August 28, 2005 I performed at the Washington Presbyterian Center.
I played on the side stage for about 45 minutes. I had a lot of fun here because I played all Celtic music because it was
Scottish Days. This is my favorite type of music. I also met other hammered dulcimer players who performed. September
3, 2005 I played for my uncle's party. Not many people showed up, but I got some practice. September 4, 2005
I went to a community day festival in east Washington. I played for 2 hours and got to eat with everyone. I even saw Jeff
Bull who was helping to serve food and was listening to me play. September 7, 2005 I went to a tea house in
Monongahela for an Irish women's group. All of the women liked it and I sold many Cd's. I was even asked to come back to the
tea house by the owners who stopped working to listen to me. September 9, 2005 On this day I went to
a benefit for Dave Pahanish at Jozarts studio. I opened the show and another band followed me. The people from Jozart invited
me back because of my performance at an open mic at Jozart about a month before that. September 11, 2005 On
this day I met up with my good friends Bill Schilling, Dale, Marcy and Nigel. I performed at their annual sheep and fiber
festival at their Weatherbury Farm in Avella. I even ran into Brendon Bedillion and his friends who were shearing the sheep
at the farm. They stopped up to listen to me play. September 17-18, 2005 I played at the Center In The Woods
in California. I had a good response and sold many Cd's. I even had people missing the steeler game to come and watch me.
The man in charge said if he didn't invite me back for the next year the people would yell at him. September 27,
2005 I played in a talent expo for a benefit on behalf of the hurricane Katrina victims. I played 2 songs and got a standing
ovation. I think this performance was the most challenging and frightening because it was in front of my peers and people
I knew. But after I couldn't help but laugh for thinking that they would disapprove or dislike me. October 12,
2005 I want to thank all of the people who have signed my guestbook. I am still trying to spread the word about my site
and my CD. October 13, 2005 Today I saw Heinz Ward in Washington after I played once again at the farmers
market. I sold a few Cd's. It was really cold though. October 15, 2005 Today I played at a horse festival
at a camp in Speers called Shekeena Ranch. I sold a few Cd's and I met the wife of one of the Poverty Neck Hillbillies. I
let her record me to show her husband, who couldn't come. October 30, 2005 Today I went to a lovely performance
for a churches chancel choir, bell ringers, and the junior choir. They got to take a break from there jobs of worshiping to
celebrate their good deeds. I was thankful enough to be chosen to play before people that new something or another about music.
That made me a little nervous but I played like I always do. Everyone was very nice to me there. November 5, 2005
Today I came before a crowd of women who ask a lot of questions, but it was good practice for me. I played at a current
events club where I learned some of that clubs history. On this day about every women asked at least one question. Who would
blame them there is a lot of people who don't know about the hammered dulcimer. November 20, 2005 Today
I performed with one of my friends from school. She plays the violin and her name is Hannah Min. We performed at her fathers
church in California at the First Presbyterian. We played a few church songs. It was really nice. I have never been in a Presbyterian
church before because I am Methodist, but everything went well. Now we are planning on playing for Christmas eve at the church.
This time we are playing four Christmas songs.(joy to the world, sing we now of Christmas, carol of the bells, and feliz navidad).
December 3, 2005 Today I had two shows booked. First I performed a few Christmas songs at the Back Porch in
Lower Speers. Then I went to a tea shop in Monongahela and played some more Christmas songs. December 8, 2005
Today I played for a party at Kings restaurant in Bentleyville. My grandma was throwing a Christmas party for the cafeteria
ladies at her school. It was very nice. Once everyone was in the room and ordered drinks my grand pap and I started to play
Christmas songs. Then we all ate. Once I finished eating I started playing a few other songs. Then after we finished we played
about five more different songs. Meanwhile the other customers in the restaurant were commenting on my music. So the manager
of the restaurant requested that I open the door for the other people to hear. So we played all of our Christmas songs over.
That was kind of funny. December 11, 2005 Today I played at the First Presbyterian church in Monongahela.
I played Christmas songs while about 150 people ate. When I was done the person in charge signaled me to play "here comes
Santa Claus" for he was coming to see all of the kids. That was pretty cool. December 18, 2005 I would just
like to thank everyone who have signed my guestbook. Mark, I will get you a CD when ever I see you next. I just want to thank
my biggest fans my mom, grandma, Susan and Karen. I just want to thank Susan and Karen for everything. You guys have been
a big help in everything. Grandma, I just want to thank you for starting this web site. Mom, your my number one fan. Thanks
for driving me everywhere and buying me my first dulcimer. I also want to thank my dad for being my rodey and setting all
of my equipment up at all of my gigs. I'm so glad I have a band and they go everywhere with me. If you don't know my band
they are my grand pap (Ron Howes) on lead guitar, my grandma (Darlene Howes) on rhythm guitar, My mom (Michelle Sutch) on
back up hammered dulcimer, and me on lead hammered dulcimer. I am also thinking about getting Hannah to be on one or a few
of my next Cd's. Also my brother Aaron is trying to get the up right bass started. Finally my little brother Austin is going
to start the drum set. 2006 January 29, 2006 Today I played for my cousin
Jaden's baptism at the California Presbyterian Church. February 21, 2006 Today I played at the Belle Vernon
Lions Club and they were honoring special students. I played and I knew half of the people because I play dart ball with them.
February 18, 2006 Today I played at a prom fashion show at my school in front of all people I knew. It is
very hard to do this since they want to know how good you are and if you mess up they will probably make fun of you every
day at school. But I played as they walked out and at the end they let me just play a song to wrap things up. March
1-3, 2006 On these days I performed in the King and I at my school California High School and I was the crowned prince.
My name was Prince Chaufa Chululongkorn. I also played my dulcimer in the pit when I wasn't on stage. It was really cool because
the director planned this play around me to play the dulcimer. It was also sad to see all of my senior friends do their last
performance on Friday. March 5, 2006 Today we played a few songs at a church in Mingo. It was a very nice
church and I sold a good many Cd's. March 12, 2006 Today we played at the Charleroi Elks for an Irish show.
Irish music is my favorite type to play. March 16, 2006 Today we played at the Strabane Trails Hills Village
for about 70 people. This was a very nice crowd and where we played was in the entry way where people could sit above us as
well to listen to the concert. It was really fun. March 17, 2006 Today we played at Friendship Village for
about 100 people. This was a very nice facility. Fancy! March 24, 2006 Today we played at the Crown Center
Mall in Washington for Agricultural Days. My cousin Trisha Mihalek tap danced to one of my tunes. April 1, 2006
Today my grandfather and I played at a Carnegie coffee shop. That was a first and it was fun. April 5-8 2006
I went to Toronto, Canada for the band trip and it was so fun. The weather was freezing but we went to Niagara Falls,
Medieval Times, Cn Tower, Blue Jays game, and just toured the area. April 16, 2006 Today we played at the
Presbyterian Church in California for Easter. May 4, 2006 Today I played for a talent show while my cousin
Trisha danced to it. That was really fun. May 13, 2006 Today we played for the Green Scottish Rights Club
at the Washington Elks. May 18-21, 2006 We went to Roscoe Village in Coshocton, Ohio for Dulcimer Days. It
was so much fun. We camped there and went many places. I competed in the Mid-Eastern Regional Hammered Dulcimer Competition
and didn't place. I wanted to enter the open competition but I won last year so I have to wait until next year. I learned
some really great songs from the two instructors Dave Moran and Joe Morgan. My brother Aaron got a new instrument called the
Marrimbula that sounds like a bass to add to our band. May 26-27, 2006 On the 26 I went to the Senior Prom
with Stephanie Lawrence. It was so much fun. Then on the 27 we went to Kennywood for the Prom Picnic. May 28-29,
2006 I went to the Dulcimer festival in Lisbon, Ohio. I was very tired from the Prom so I slept the whole way. Once there
I taught two workshops. This was the very first teaching experience I've had. It was very scary but fun once I started. Then
we performed in the main building. That was very fun also. Bill Schilling is the Best! June 11-16, 2006 For
the first time in my life I went to Disney World. It was so awesome. It was also the first time I've been on a plane. That
was really scary till we got into the air. We stayed at the Pop Century Hotel. My favorite ride was The Rockin' Roller Coaster
at MGM. June 18, 2006 Today I played for my cousin Trisha's dance recital while she danced at the Ringgold
High School. August 13, 2006 We played for an hour in the show tent at the Washington County Fair. September
9-10, 2006 We played at three places today. First we played at the Center in the Woods in California, Pa. Then we went
to Washington and played for the Current Events Club. Finally we went to the Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville and played for
the music on the Mon festival. On Sunday the 10th we played at the Center in the Woods again. Those two days were so much
fun and busy. October 14, 2006 Today we played at the Ramada Inn in Washington for the Daughters of the American
Revolution group. October 22, 2006 Today we played at the Millsboro church in Fredericktown for the Calender
Club. December 11, 2006 Today we played at Century Inn in Scenery Hill. We played Christmas songs for the
Old Trails Professional Business Women. Mrs. Martin the musical director was there and a lot of other teachers from Beth Center
School too. December 12, 2006 Today we played Christmas songs at the United Methodist Church in California.
My friend Sybils church. December 18, 2006 Today we did a Christmas show for Christmas at the Vestaburg Senior
Center. I had to get out of school for this noon performance. Jerry Drupp is the leader of this group. 2007
February 10, 2007 Today we played for Robert Burns birthday at the Donora Boro Building. It was so much fun.
There was an interesting parade of the Haggis that I had not ever seen before.I have a Scottish background also so it was
all very interesting. February 28; March 1-2, 2007 I performed in my seventh High School musical at California
High School entitled "Mame". I played the part of Patrick Dennis. It was so much fun after all of the hard work. March
11, 2007 Today we played at the Mingo church. That church has great acoustics and it is always fun to play there. March
15, 2007 Today we played at the Strabane Trails Hills Village. This show was just as fun as the last time we played there.
March 23, 2007 Today we played at the Crown Center mall in Washington for Agricultural Days. My cousin Trisha
tap danced again, and my brother Austin and cousin John Michael danced the limber jacks and the marrionette dolls during the
show.It was really great. March 31, 2007 Today we played at the Tartan Day festival at the Fox Chapel Presbyterian
Church. This was a really great festival and it was very fun. I got to meet a lady named Diane she has a radio station called
the Echos of Erin and she plays my music on the station sometimes so it was finally nice to meet her. My good friend Ramblin
Ron Boone gave her one of my c.d's a long time ago. April 18, 2007 Today we played for a volunteer appreciation
dinner for those at the Center in the Woods. There was a big crowd there and some of my friends from school were serving the
meal. April 20, 2007 Today we played at the Ginger Hill Grange. Tom Andreachak a former leader at our 4-H
club contacted me for this event and when we were there they held a ceremony and Tom himself did the piano playing and he
was very good..I didn't know he had such talent. April 26-29, 2007 I went on the band trip to Virginia Beach.
We stayed on the beach, competed in a band festival and went to Busch Gardens and Williamsburg. I am looking forward to next
years band trip it is going to be to Disney. May 5, 2007 On this day I had two shows. The first was held at
the Coal Baron restaurant for a bowling banquet. It was neat to see the inside of the Coal Baron I had always wondered what
it was like. Our next show was in Scenery Hill at the Methodist church for a banquet. That was fun because I was already warmed
up from the first show and I think I played really well..while we spent all day performing my dad and brother Austin were
at a baseball game and home run derby. My brother who is 8 won with 3 home runs over both fences. May 6, 2007
Today we played for a mother daughter banquet. It was at the Donora Presbyterian church. I think it was a good perfomance,
but when my mother tried to thank Mrs Caldwell a lady who helped my family out when my dad had his accident, she began to
cry. Other than that we had a good time. May 17-20, 2007 This weekend we traveled to Coshocton Ohio for the
Dulcimer days festival. As we have in the past three years we camped. It was really cold again as it is every year but we
were thankful for no rain. My Aunt and her friend and my grandparents camped with us. I got to meet Rick Thum a great hammered
dulcimer player who enjoys playing fiddle tunes..I learned a lot of great songs especially "pleasure house rag" which I plan
to add to our shows. We met up with Kathy Kerr and her husband who live near us in Carmichaels PA. We also jammed with a family
who happened to have the same pop up camper as we had they had a neat bass, it was like strings with no fat part..It is hard
to explain.. we also admired a camper that came in that was just like my grandpaps and the truck pulling it was exactly like
my dads new truck so as we starred we were shocked to find that it was Mark Wade and his dad..cool...He came over to our site
and invited us to jam with him and his students on Saturday. So Aaron and I did it was fun...Then I went to compete in
the open competition... There were a lot competing. I ended up placing third to two mountain dulcimers...but on Sunday in
the Mid Eastern Regional competition I was named the Hammered Dulcimer Champion. I was and am still so shocked... I thought
I did well, but I thought I had done well in the years past, but I guess the third time was the charm..my mom and grandma
cried and there were so many people who stayed around to support us I am so happy and greatful for all who have influenced
and also supported me throughout my career.. thankyou to all. Especially my family! May 26, 2007 Today we
traveled to Lisbon Ohio for the Dulci-more 13 festival. We went for the day. We arrived about 8:30 A.M. Bill Schilling arrived
shortly after and there was a few young musicans checking in when we arrived. Bill introduced us as fiddle champion meet Hammered
Dulcimer Champion....I wasn't sure what all that meant but I guess he was the Ohio Fiddle Champion. I wanted to meet Russell
Cook and see about his dulcimers..my dad talked with him about all those details. I really really really want dampers for
my dulcimer, but my mom doesn't want me to start cutting into my dulcimer...so I may just buy a second one with the damper
system on it and sound system??? My brothers took a few workshops while I was in Russell Cooks classes and then we had lunch...after
lunch everyone in my family but me went to this bluegrass band jam where my family met this young fiddle champion he was 14
years old his name was Jacob he is one of four brothers who play bluegrass and gospel music "The Stockdale Family" the oldest
brother was Calvin "19" who played the banjo, then Charles "16" who played the mandolin then Jacob"14" " the fiddle champion
and then James "11" who played the upright bass and the dad Tim played guitar... I wasn't at that Jam and my parents said
I had missed a good time so in talking with them we got together at one of the pavilions and proceeded to play some more.
That was a lot of fun...we had to break it up to get something to eat and they needed to warm up to perform in one of the
mini concerts. We had dinner and then went in to listen to them....they were so awesome..they sang in harmony and they switched
instruments around in the middle of the song... we were so impressed....when they were done performing we played a baseball
game using trees for bats. It was the Sutch family against the Stockdale family. We played for like two hours then we both
had to get going home the game ended in a tie. It was the best fun being able to jam with such talented young folk nothing
against older people but most musicians we have come in contact with are older. It also was fun to play ball with them and
get to know them even better......my brother found out they are farm people like us. We are planning to go and see them at
a bluegrass festival in July. We can't wait we are planning to bring some real bats this time but i think nothing will be
as fun as using natures trees... June 3, 2007 Today we played for the New Hope Parish at the Roscoe Methodist
Church. It was an hour show and they took a love offering toward my trip to the Nationals. The response was great and it was
a fun evening. June 8, 2007 We played for a group today that was called 55 plus, at a church called the Church
of the Covonat in Washington. My brother Aaron and I missed school and my mother played the guitar for this show. It was ok
but not like my grandfather accompanying me. June 10, 2007 We played for my uncle Roger's and Aunt Rhoda's church
a huge church in Dawson. We played for worship and then did a concert after a luncheon there too. June 21, 2007 We
traveled to Cranberry this evening to Sherwood Oaks to perform. Had a great dinner and then did an hour show. It was a beautiful
facility. June 28, 2007 Played the Farmers Market in Washington today. July 13, 2007 Went to Mickey
Mountain to see a bluegrass show. The Stockdale Family Band was there and we got to play ball in the field again with them
and enjoyed their show. July 25, 2007 We played at the Presbyterian Sr. Care at the woodlands clubhouse. We got
to eat picnic style out back while they had their meeting inside and then we performed. It was a great place and I met a nice
lady who helped me out tremendously for my trip to Kansas. August 4, 2007 We played at a place called Asbury Heights
this afternoon. It was a great time. August 17, 2007 We played at the Washington County fair today. there wasnt
a big turn out but there was a lot of dancers standing around waiting their turn to perform. And the magician Bill Horner
was anxious to get us moving so he could set up. We had a great week as we always do at the county fair. August 24,
2007 This was a really fun day We got to go to Kennywood Park and ride all day and then perform on this huge stage for
the Scottish heritage days. August 26, 2007 Today we played outside of the St. Spiridon hall for their church
picnic. After our part we got to stay and see the wild animal guy who had an ornery monkey and some other odd animals. September10-16,
2007 This was our trip across the country we started out heading toward St. Louis and stayed there three days. We got
to see the St. Louis Zoo, The Arch, a huge Catholic Church, an Elk Reserve, and the butterfly conservatory. Then we continued
on to Winfield Kansas. The whole trip was very cold for September but it was fun to see the flint hills and other parts of
the US we had never seen. We stayed at this great HI Express and traveled to the Kansas State Fair the one Day and then to
the Walnut Valley Festival the next day. I thought I did a good job on my performance but it didn't work out. Maybe next
time. October 7, 2007 Today I auditioned for the HSM at Flatwoods. I was chosen to play the role of Chad. I was
so happy to be a part of this performance. October 13, 2007 Today I played solo at the Bednars Greenhouse in Cecil
at the "Art Under Glass" expo. It was a brand new place and huge. I had a fun time. October 18, 2007 Today was
a very exciting day for me. I did have to miss school though. I was contacted by the commissioners office that they wanted
to present me with a special award for competing in the nationals. I got to play a couple of songs for Bracken Burns, Diane
Irey and Larry Maggi. I got a standing ovation and I felt so honored to be at this meeting. October 21, 2007 We
played for the Millsboro church. This was the second time we had played here there were a lot more people this time. It was
a nice day. November 9, 2007 Today I had to get out of school early to get to this Expresso Cafe for a Athena
ladies meeting. I played by myself. They seemed to really enjoy the show and we got to eat some great pumpkin custard after
the show. November 16-18, 2007 I was in the HSM at flatwoods. I met some great people from other high schools
in the area, and became friends with them too. December 12, 2007 Tonight we played at the Mary Mother of Church
in Charleroi. A Christmas show of course. It was very nice. Brian Abercrombies mom set us up for this show. December
13, 2007 Tonight I played solo again at the Nemecolin Castle I also got to take a tour. I had never been in there before.
That was great to get to tour and play holiday favorites in the beautiful castle. December 15, 2007 Tonight we
played at the St Pauls church in Monesson. A Christmaas show of course. They had a great dinner that we got to eat with them.
The pastor of the church was a lady. That was something I had never seen too. December 30, 2007 We played at the
Liberty church out past the Washington mall. This was another woman pastor. She was very nice too. We played practically for
the whole service, and then got to eat covered dish with them. The congregation was all very nice. We met a guy named Bryon
Smilick who writes for the paper. Maybe he will do another article on me. 2008
January
13, 2008
Today we went to the Country Meadows Home in Bridgeville. We were scheduled to play in this big room and we began
to set up and the lady in charge Karen asked if we would mind going to another part of the building to play for a smaller
group, so we did and then came back to the big room and did our hour show.
February 14, 2008
I missed yet another
day of school and went to the lion king at the Benidum. It was awesome.
March 5-7, 2008
I was in the musical
Oklahoma at our school I was the traveling salesman Ali Hakim. I had more lines to learn than i ever had in my 8 previous
musicals I had been in. My brothers Aaron and Austin were also in it they were cowboys. It was a blast.
March
19-21, 2008
I was in our churches passion play called gods masterpiece. I was in the last supper portrail. I was john,
right next to jesus. I also sang in the choir. My two brothers and my mom and grandmother sang in it too. Austin got to carry
a lamb down the aisle.
April 4, 2008
Today we went to the riverside place which was where the old montgomery wards
was and played for an over 50 group.
They really seemed to like it.
April 5, 2008
Today we went to the Fox
Chapel church for the Tartan Day celebration. We played in the parlor again It was a nice day and we got to see the bagpipers
agian.
April 16-21, 2008
This was our band trip to Florida. Before we got on the bus to leave we had a very emotional
balloon release for our assistant band director who died a few days before our trip. It was a long ride, but I had a
great time once we got there we went to all the parks and on the last day we stopped at universal studios and I liked
it. My brother and my mom went too.
April 27, 2008
Today I performed for the cultural arts festival at jozarts
studio. It was suppose to be a competition. But I have not heard the results yet.
May 3, 2008
Tonight we
played for our dartball banquet. This is where I first began playing out at shows three years prior to this. This was
the 50th anniversary of our dartball and my grandfather got a special award for playing for 50 years.
May 4, 2008
Today we saw part of my brothers baseball game and then we went to my show at the St. Peters Lutheran church to do a show
for a mother and daughter banquet. The people were very nice there and the food was great. There was a lady who makes her
own salad dressing and we bought like 4 jars.
May 5, 2008
Today we all skipped work and school to go to Beth Center
School to play for the art class and the band. The art teacher Mr Shimrock installed my telescoping legs on my dulcimer and
he would not take any money but would accept a concert so today was the day.Then in the afternoon we had to play at the monvalley
hospital where we are volunteens. IT was a fund raiser called the linnin gathering. It was a fancy luncheon. I had a great
day.
May 10. 2008
Today we went to the St. Spirdon Hall to perform for the "Bee Tea" they had deserts and tea. It was a banquet to make
everyone aware of the jobs they do giving cows, goats and bees to help under privilaged countries so they can help support
their own lives. Jennie Galis a great lady who supports us and enjoys our music sete us up for this event. Thanks Jennie.
May 10-11 & 17-18, 2008
These dates I did an encore performance of HSM at the flatwoods grange. It was so great to get back and see all of my
new friends I had met the past fall.
May 24, 2008
Bill Schilling was so kind to invite us out to perform a mini concert at the Dulcimore weekend again. I got to teach
a few workshops during the weekend and got to see Bing Futch and Dan Landrum again. When we were doing the mini concert my
mom was announcing the next selection and she just about fell off the back of the stage luckily she regained her balance and
didnt fall. I would have been so embarassed. The best thing that could have happened to me did that weekend. Not only did
I enjoy Dan, Randy, Butch, and Bings concerts, I was so happy because I was able to order a brand new HD it was a D650 with
"DAMPERS" Yeah! and Telescoping legs. with in a week I was practicing on my newest arrival. It was beautiful weather for the
weekend and they had good foor at the festival. looking forward to coming back next year.
June 7, 2008
On this evening I was asked to play on the beautiful deck of the HIgh Point resturant. Due to the small area just my
grandfather and Aaron and I played the sets for the evening. It was a great evening and the people seemed to enjoy it.
June 9, 2008
Today we played at the Center Presbyterian Church it was a real nice place and everyone seemed to enjoy the performance.
June 20-22, 2008
We camped for the weekend of Dulcimer Days ( well it is called Heritage and Craft festival now) I brought my one student
and his family with us. They camped next to us. We enjoyed many concerts and looking at the vendor booths for the weekend.
The second night there as it always does it rains and a big gusty storm came through and tore ours and several peoples awnings
off. We all weathered the storm and the power outage and the many repeated trips to walmart and are looking forward to going
back next year. I hope to get two of my students to compete next year.
June 22-28, 2008
I had to leave late saturday from the dulcimer festval and I actually didnt get to experience the storm. My grandparents
who stayed in the local hotel took me home so I could go to the Keystone Boys State school sunday a.m. which was held
at Shippensburg University. My friend Ronnie's mom took us there and my mom and gram picked us up on Saturday. There was a
real nice ceremony and I was elected senator of our group and also played in the boys state band. It was alot of fun but tiring
cause we were on a busy schedule from morning to night. We got to visit the state capitol building in Harrisburg on one afternoon
and I also played a few good tennis matches while there.
June 29, 2008
On this day we played at the Freedom Fest which was held in Huston behind the American Legion. There was a huge
crowd for this church wide picnic under a huge pavalion.. They all seemed to enjoy it. Vicki Gibson a friend of the family
attends this church and set us up for the list of entertainment. Thanks Vic.
June 30, 2008
ON this day I joined the millions of Americans in the workforce. I got hired at the Country Fresh Market. I am lucky
to have gotten a job with the way the economy is. I was nervous when I started, but it is easy now that I know what to
do. I like all my co workers, they are all very helpful.
July 3, 2008
Today we played for a Sr. Citizens group in the town of Midway. I have never been to that town. We had a covered dish
luncheon after. It was so good.
July 5, 2008
My family took the day and went to the Festival at Twin Lakes Park a Heritage Festival. There are so many vendors and
a lot of great music. We were looking to buy a steel drum for my brother, but we didn't get it that day. Maybe in the future.
July 10, 2008
Today we played at the farmers market in Washington. It was a moderatly busy day. At least it didn't rain. every other
year we have played at the market it rained and stormed.
July 11,2008
On this evening we played on the back deck of High Point resturant again. I like to go there and play, there are a lot
of people we know when we go there. And they all seem to enjoy my dulcimer music.
July 13-16, 2008
Our family, my grandparents and my cousins went on a short trip to Cedar Point. We had a great time. We stayed at the
hotel right by the park and rode everything even the dragster, the fastest roller coaster. We spent some time on the beach
outside our hotel and we didn't get rained on this trip. It was a great vacation.
August 4-22, 2008
These three weeks were my last weeks of band camp in High School. It was hot some days, rainy other days and we practiced
at the elementary school this year for the first time because they were working on the air conditioning at the HS.
August 8, 2008
Today I performed for my first official wedding. It was held at a beautiful church in Chartiers Huston. I played in the balcony
while the guests were coming in and then I played here comes the bride with the pianist. The couple had met me at the Washington
farmers market in the summer. I was a little nervous because I had never done a wedding before, but I think it went really
well.
August 9-16, 2008
We camped at the Washington County fair in our camper as we have for many years now. I showed a goat, lamb and pig at
the fair we did alright on our projects, but I hope to do better next year. It is a fun time to meet up with old friends each
year at the fair.
August 15, 2008
We performed in the big show tent at the Washington County Fair once again. There seemed to be a little bigger crowd
this year. It was hot and sweltering as always at the fair. I am happy they invite me to perform at the fair, it gets my name
out there and hopefully will get me exposure for more show opportunities.
August 19, 2008
Today we went to Kennywood for our annual Fall Fantasy Band performance. We get to ride all day and then march through
Kennywood in the evening parade. When we went to leave on the bus to go home I told my mom I had left my retainers in Kennywood
on a table at the restaurant. She was so mad and wouldn't even talk to me she was disappointed at my irresponsibility. Well
we were almost home from Kennywood and I discovered I had placed my retainer case in my bag and they weren't lost after
all. She was still mad at the thought that I may have lost them, but she got glad and we all laughed the next day.
August 22, 2008
This was my last preview show performance with the HS marching band. We did our field show at the elementary school near
the tennis courts.
September 2, 2008
Today was the first day of my senior year of HS wow a senior. I adjusted my schedule and I began applying to schools
for music.
September 19-21, 2008
Well this was an exciting weekend. I missed school on Friday and my gram, mom and I went to the Pittsburgh airport in
the morning and boarded a plane which we had a lay over in Milwaukee airport then we continued on to Kansas City, Missouri.
When we landed we had to be shuttled over to the rental car company and then began our driving journey 3 1/2 hours through
the flint hills to Wichita Kansas. Where we stayed in the same HI Express as last year. About a week prior to our trip my
mom had sent my precious Dulcimer UPS to the hotel. We were all worried about doing that, but everyone ships their instruments
all over the place we found out. And it made it there successfully. On Saturday we traveled about an hour south of Wichita
to Winfield Kansas to the Walnut Valley Festival where the National competitions are held. If you recall we took the (Grizwald
Driving Trip across country last year to the festival) and now we were here once more(via air).
As contrast to last year when it was so cold that we had to wear gloves and hats and winter coats, it was so hot and
we were in shorts. In the wooded area where there had been about a million campers crammed on top of each other it looked
like an abandoned forest. About a week before we arrived there had been a severe storm that went through and dropped like
17 inches of rain and the water had been running through all the festival buildings and just saturated the camping area. So
we took advantage of the wide open wooded area and I tuned and practiced my songs for the competition. I had four songs lined
up for the competition. First two songs were Blackberry Blossom and Carol of the Bells. You only need the second set of songs
if you get called back to the final round and they choose only five. I was so ecstatic to be selected in the top five. Now
the second round began. I played The Swan and Joy to the World. To my surprise I was named third in the Nation. Third only
to a lady formerly of China who played exquisitely on her ying quin and took the top honor. The second place person was a
lady who was no stranger to the competition, she had competed many times before and did a fine job. After the competition
I was congratulated by many people and in particular a couple from sterling Kansas Dean and Renee talked to us for hours and
helped in sorting out the confusion on how we would transport the winning dulcimer I received and the trophy back home. In
all of the preparing for this trip to Kansas, we never thought about what if I did win. How would we get a dulcimer back home.
Mom had already made arrangements to send my dulcimer to and from Kansas UPS. But it was late Saturday evening now and my
mom called around to find places that we could ship from and to no avail and the fact that we had to leave early on Sunday
morning we could not ship it UPS. After calling the airlines and not really getting a distinct answer about carrying on the
dulcimer and hand checking it at the gate we tried it anyway. On our flight out to Kansas we had noticed several people carrying
on guitars and we actually thought they might be going to the WV Festival with us , but it turned out they weren't but looking
back for an answer to our dilemma we thought why couldn't we carry on the dulcimer. Even with the transfer of planes it worked
and out and we soon arrived home to the Pittsburgh airport and I was relieved and still on cloud nine that I had done so well.
I still would like to take the number one spot someday so hopefully one day I will be reporting in this journal that I was
the "National Hammered Dulcimer Champion". ( Never stop dreaming)
September 28, 2008
Today I finally got to see it I had been waiting for years. My mom took my brothers and I to the broadway performance
of "Wicked" I thought is was awesome. I love the songs and was so happy to have finally seen it. Now I need to see the
Phantom of the Opera another I have never seen and is on my list.
October 4, 2008
Today I played at my second wedding. The ceremony was a casual one at Allenport park. A beautiful setting by the river. They
were dressed in fall colors. It was a pretty short ceremony. After I concluded I had to hurry along because I had been asked
to the Beth Center Homecoming dance by Anna Berthold. I went home got dressed picked her up and we went to dinner at a place
in Uniontown called the Titlow Tavern. The food was real good and then we went on to the Lakeside pavilion out on route 21
for the dance. I had a great time Anna enjoyed dancing like me, so it was a fun night.
October 5, 2008
Today we performed at the Roscoe Methodist church we had done a show there about a year ago and were scheduled
for a Christmas performance last December and we got like 4 inches of snow and it had to be canceled. That was the only show
we ever had to cancel to date because of the weather. This was the first show that we incorporated Austin into the
show with his snare drum. He had been playing the bodhran for about a year with Sutch Sounds, but recently took up the snare
in the Elementary band. He played Drummmer Boy and Wish you a merry Xmas. We played alot of Irish tunes that day and some
Xmas tunes to get everyone into the holiday spirit.
October 24, 2008
On this night although I had been on the football field many times before this was the first time I got to walk under
the arch. Yes I am finally a Senior. After about an hour I got to go through the arch. The did it in alphabetical order and
of course Sutch was the last one through the arch. It was a memorable evening though. Many of my classmates had only one parent
due to illness or divorce I was lucky to have both of my loving parents still around to escort me across the field.
November 22, 2008
On this evening we performed a Christmas show at the Olive Branch church. We play dart ball here on Monday nights. We got
to eat covered dish with them and then we played. It was a good show and the sound system worked good. ( some places the sound
doesn't sound as good due to carpeted floors or even some hardwood floored places have an odd sound.) When you are used to
practicing in a 10 x 10 room everything sounds different when you are out performing.
December 1, 2008
Today was the first day of Deer Hunting. I usually go hunting with my dad, but dad and Aaron went to a new spot and I was
not familiar with the area so I chose to go on my own and hunt at my Grandpap Howes's. I went over on Sunday p.m. to sleep
so I could just wake up and go hunting. My Gram made me a great hot breakfast and out I went. I waited until about 8:30 and
was thinking about taking a break and going up to the house. Well just about that time here he came across the thicket a nice
young buck he was about 250 yards away from me. I looked down into my scope and lined him up and POW! He reared up into the
air and then down he went. I got him. My pap walked across the field with me and watched as I gutted him and then he helped
me lift him over the fence. Then we dragged him back to the house and pap sprayed him out. It was a nice young 8 point buck.
Not a huge rack but one I can say for the record books that I got all by myself with out my dads coaching. Although as you
sit there with you finger on the trigger you can still hear your dads voice in the back of your mind shouting out all of those
comments...wait!.. don't shoot yet!.. OK now!...aim higher!.. aim lower!... you got him!...No matter how old you get you will
always remember dad and his excitement over the kill.
December 10, 2008
On this night we left the deer shop and traveled to Charleroi for the First federal saving Bank Christmas party. We got there
set up our instruments and then we have to wait until they are done eating, so we all walked down and grabbed something to
eat at MC Donalds to kill time. The group seemed to enjoy the show there was even some one there who was Irish and loved our
Irish tunes.
December 11, 2008
On this evening we didn't have to go to far as we performed at the Hugo restaurant for the L.O.O.F Christmas Party. My mom
thought the crowd was a little to loud as we performed but even though they were loud they still must have heard me as they
rallied around me after the performance to ask questions and say how much they enjoyed the show.
December 18, 2008
Tonight I went and played solo at the Nemecolin Castle. It was so cold in there. I guess it takes a while to heat up such
a big old house by the time the end came it was finally warming up. Mr Bowman invited me to be the entertainment while they
ate. A few people stopped in and watched and talked with me between their castle tours. There were three teenagers who lead
the tours and they stayed for a long time to watch and listen to me play. They even took me and my mom on a personal tour
toward the end of the evening. The two girls were home schooled and the boy went to Brownsville HS. I was glad they enjoyed
my music too. Maybe I will get to see them again next Christmas.
December 20, 2008
Today we went to the Beallsville Civic Center to play for a Christmas concert for a group that helps out less fortunate in
the community. A family friend Karen is involved in this group and asked me to play. There were many people from throughout
the community and the local churches. It was a very enjoyable night.
December 21, 2008
On this afternoon we went down the road to the Daisytown Bible Fellowship church. This was the first time I had been in this
church. The afternoon featured local talent and from their church. The pastor put on a puppet show and they had some great
food after the concert. It was a great day.
December 24, 2008
On Christmas Eve we were to play at a church in Perryopolis. The preacher from this church heard me at the fall wedding and
asked my group to play for the Christmas eve Service. Although it was an 11 p.m. service and we were all tired, it was such
a great message and the church was decorated the most beautiful I had seen. We got home and to bed about 1:00 a.m. But that
really put me if no one else into the Christmas spirit.
December 31, 2008
On New Years Eve we did our annual cosmic bowling at Brunswick lanes. Each year we invite friends and family to the lanes
to celebrate with us. We go to the early bowling from 6-9 P.M. and then sometimes go to someones house after and play games
or watch movies. Well we had reserved 10 lanes and filled them all with our family and friends. This was my first official
date with Kayla. After bowling we just went to our house this year and played rock band me and my brothers and Kayla, while
my mom coughed to death and my dad slept on the couch. We watched the ball drop and then drove Kayla home. I hope you all
have a great and prosperous NEW YEAR. See you in "2009"
2009
February 13, 2009
Tonight I played solo at my Uncle and Aunts Church in Ellsworth called The River of Life. It was a fun night they had a themed
night and it was country. The church was decorated with all kinds of old country items and even bales of hay in the church.
They had pulled pork sandwiches, corn on the cob, baked beans and pie. I played a few tunes between their skits and most of
them seemed to like it. I wonder what their theme will be next year?
February 14, 2009
Tonight was my concert for county chorus. It was held at Trinity high school. I didn't care for all of the songs we sang this
year, but it was great to see old friends again.
February 15, 2009
Today I traveled with my parents to Olgelbay in West Virginia. I played for the Ryans Wedding. It was so beautiful this was
the third wedding I have done in the last year. Each one is uniquely different and I will have to start taking note for myself
someday.(not)>br>
March 4-6, 2009
These nights were my performance for Hello Dolly. I was Cornelius Hackel. I had to be funny and I think I was successful in
my performance. Everyone commented that I had done a good job and I had a great time as always. I even asked my counter actress
to the prom on stage on Friday night.....She said yes!
March 11, 2009
Tonight we went really far to Midway...well it felt far as we followed the GPS which took us through the scenic route. But
we made it there successfully and this was a great show. They were celebrating their 150th year and they really seemed to
enjoy the performance. My mom forgot her dulcimer stand, but we made a megshift stand and it all worked out ok.
March 19, 2009
Tonight we went back to the Strabane Trails Independant Living Center. I always enjoy this place because the people sit down
in front of you and also above you in the balcony it is neat and they really enjoyed it I think. Well Collen the lady in charge
did, because she had invited us back for a Christmas performance and again next St. Patricks Day. She is so nice.
March 21, 2009
Tonight we performed in Jefferson at a Red Hat dinner. That was really neat cause all the ladies were dressed in red and purple.
I think my playing was the best I have done in a long time. Not to brag but some days it feels better than others and I felt
I was right on.
March 26, 2009
Tonight we played at St. Benedicts in Mcmurray. This was a huge church they have like 9000 in their congregation. We played
in the social hall and there were alot of people they had sncks after we played and they were tasty too. I think over all
it was a good performance. I ran into a lady we had met a few years ago at the Washington county fair, she happened to make
slushies near our show. It was nice to see her again.
March 27, 2009
Today my mom and I went to the Hillcrest middle school which is Norwin school district. They had an Arts Day at the middle
school (which has like 900 students in the 5th and 6th grade). They had like a magican, jewlery maker, violinist, opera singer,
etc. A folk guitarist was there that I knew, but i didn't realize it until we were at lunch. We jammed over break it was fun.
But starting at 8:30 I had 20min with each classroom and i would tell them about myself and play a song then tell them about
the dulcimer and then another song. Altogether i played like 4-5 songs for each group and answered alot of questions. The
kids seemed very interested in the Hammered dulcimer which most of them had never seen before. This went on all day until
2:45 then we left the school and traveled to Seton Hill University. I attended a scholarship awards banquet and toured the
university. After the banquet my mom made me go to the Westmoreland Mall I just wanted to go over to our hotel but I'm glad
we didn't cause i got to upgrade my junk phone to a really cool Alias phone. I am so happy now.
March 28, 2009
We got up this morning and went back to Seton Hill UNiversity for my audition. I was nervous only when i had to sing I did
really well singing and on my dulcimer. Now I wait to see what they say.?
April 21, 2009
Tonight we had our senior National Honor Society banquet at Nemacolin Country club. I had never been in there and it was a
nice place. We got to sit with Sarah's family for dinner.
April 25, 2009
Today we played at the Pigion Creek Church I think the concert went real well.
April 26, 2009
Today we played at the Ave Maria Church for a calendar party for the Catholic Daughters of America. It was really neat to
see this kind of thing cause each table was decorated for a different month or holiday. I think the show went well we were
on a stage up high and the sound may not have been the greatest but i think it went over well.
May 2, 2009
Tonight we performed at the Nemacolin country club for the Bentleyville lioness club. Never been to the country club then
boom twice in the same month. It was a great show and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.
May 9, 2009
Tonight we performed for a mother daughter banquet at the first Christian church in Carmichaels. It was a good show we had
a good time.
May 10, 2009
On this Sunday morning we performed during the worship service. It was an hour long and it was a church near my grandparents
in deemston near the BC school.
May15-May17
Our family went to Mt Pines campground. I got to play tennis with some older gentlemen that were great players. it was a fun
weekend
May 17, 2009
We had our annual all sports banquet at Cal U tonight. I won the MVP award for the second year in a row..that was awesome.
May 18, 2009
Tonight we had our senior band banquet at Paci's. It was alright and not a huge turn out but it was the last HS band banquet.
May22-May25, 2009
WEll we spent the weekend at the Dulcimore Festival in Lisbon Ohio. Bill Shilling is an awesome friend and this was the third
time we had been invited to perform a the dulcimore...It was great i taught a couple of workshops and this was the first time
we camp right at the festival... We had either commuted or stayed at a hotel. The weather was beautiful and no rain me and
my brothers got to stay late at the jams and we rode bikes on the nearby trail. It was one of the best Dulcimore festivals
yet....Looking forward to next year.....Thanks Bill
May 27, 2009
Tonight was May Day at our school. It is an annual awards ceremony and wedding style procession of girls in gowns and then
the awards. I won two scholarships and a musical plaque for my high school accomplishments....the night was long but it was
still memorable to see what each of my peers won and to see the favored girl crowned may queen.
May 29, 2009
Tonight was my senior prom. It was held at the willow room on rt 51. This was my second prom that i had been to. I went when
i was a freshman with a good friend, but tonight was special because i went with the girl of my dreams. It was a memorable
night as we dance the night away.
June 5, 2009
Well tonight was the night i had been striving for from the day i began my school career. It was my GRADUATION!. I was finally
done with this chapter of my life. I graduated with high honors and a 4.5 avg. After graduation we went to Laugerheads to
celebrate and have dinner.
June 6, 2009
Today my grandparents accompanied me to do a wedding at the center in the woods. It was my moms arch enemy and competitor
in the trumpet section Jimmy Carls wedding, It was a very nice wedding I had never been there for a wedding before. They seemed
to enjoy it.
June 13, 2009
Today we celebrate....I am having a huge party my mom dad and aunt janet have been cooking and preparing all week for this...tony
marriscotti lent us his huge tents, tables and chairs....the weather was great it didn't rain. we had tons of food and lots
of socializing and fun.
June 19, 2009<>br>
Today i played by myself at the Bentleyville Library for the Sr. Citizens luncheon. My mom and I got to eat lunch with them
and then i played. They crowned a King and Queen and a gentleman from the paper took my picture and put it in the paper. It
was a good day.
June 22, 2009
Today I had to go to the university to register for all my classes. A Theater Major.
July 15-July 18, 2009
We went to confluence at the outflow campground to camp with my family and grandparents. The campground was the nicest we
had been in..we rode bikes on the trail had a campfire and one day we had planned an outing at ramcat rafting the whitewaters.
We went to a local outfitters and inquired about rafting years ago we had rafted on this same stretch of river and enjoyed
it so much. The raft outfitters said that with the river levels being low we should use a canoe or duckie to have a smoother
ride and avoid getting stuck. They said it was unflipable in a canoe and we would be fine...well unflpeable that is like saying
the titanic was unsinkable neither was true. My brother and i nearly drowned after flipping into the cold river water...My
mom and grandmother were stuck on a rock for almost an hour after flipping their double canoe. Although it could have turned
out very tragic it was very awesome and a great adventure. Fun times.
July 19, 2009
Today we played a Tony Barrs Daughter; Jennifer Herrringtons church. The preacher was really nice and everyone seemed to really
enjoy the tunes we played during the service.
July 30, 2009
Today Aaron and I went to the farmers market by ourselves because my parents were in Connecticut with Austin in the mustang
championships. It went well with us on our own. And it didn't rain on this Thursday at the market.
August 6, 2009
Along with it being my grandmothers birthday we played at the Mid-Way Sr citizens group meeting again. We had a luncheon with
them and then played. They are really nice to me out there.
August 14-August 19, 2009
This was time spent at the Washington county fair. Our annual showing of our animals we have raised throughout the year.
August 20-August 26, 2009
This was my first experience with college band camp...it was alot of work but also alot of fun. i met some great new friends
and we learned some cool spanish tunes.
August 27-August 30, 2009
This was the freshman orientation. This was meetings and classes about issues and events dealing with attending college. some
of it was boring and other things were very interesting.
August 31, 2009
Today was my first day of college it was very overwelming but it was a neat experience to be so much more relaxed than in
high school.
September 18-20, 2009
We flew out early in the morning to the walnut valley festival in Winfield Kansas. I was competing in the National Hammered
dulcimer competition which i placed third in last year. The competitors were very very good this year. I would not have wanted
to be the judge of this competition it would have been tough to pick. I really played well and hoped for the best. I was called
back for the second round and played two different songs. Soon the long awaited end. I placed second which i was a little
disappointed as i hoped for first, but also excited to have done better than last year. I won $75 a trophy and another cloud
nine Hammered dulcimer.
October 18, 2009
Today we sang at Dr. Ikachs church Belle Vernon Presbyterian with the Cal U choir.
November 12, 2009
Tonight we played at McMurray hills manor. This was a very busy place because they had all the families in for the thanksgiving
feast. We had to wait on the first round of dinner to be served and then we hurried up and set up. The concert went well it
was a mixture of original songs and Christmas tunes too. I had a good time.
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