Registration is ongoing for Western Carolina University’s 16th annual Dulcimer U Summer Week, a gathering that brings mountain dulcimer virtuosos and students to the campus in Cullowhee for six days of classes and concerts.

The year’s conference, set for July 19-24, will feature an instructional staff of nationally recognized musicians and performers, including hosts Larry and Elaine Conger. A variety of classes will be held during the week, and participants will get to choose the group that is best for them based on their ability level and the skills they wish to improve. 

Special classes will include “Dulcimer Building” with Bob Magowan, “Caregiving and Comfort Using the Mountain Dulcimer” with Lorinda Jones, “Learning to Teach the Mountain Dulcimer” with Judy House and Joe Collins, “Exploring our Dulcimer Heritage” with Aubrey Atwater, and “Mountain Dulcimer Ensemble” with the Congers.

The schedule for July 23 includes a mountain dulcimer concert featuring the instructional staff playing “in the round.” The show, which is open to the public, begins at 7 p.m. in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. Tickets, priced at $10 for the public and $5 for WCU faculty, staff and students, are available by calling the Bardo Arts Center box office at 828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. 

Registration that includes all confirmed classes, materials, staff concerts and other events is $350 per person. On-campus accommodations and meals packages are available for an additional $349 for single-occupancy rooms and $299 for double-occupancy rooms.

www.dulcimeru.wcu.edu or 828.227.7397.