The Greater Pinelands Dulcimer Society was incorporated in 1979, and since then GPDS members have been gathering together regularly to play, to sing and to enjoy traditional music. GPDS is a nonprofit organization. Our goal is to preserve traditional folk music by learning what we can, and sharing what we know. Our members play, teach and perform in order to pass along the folk music tradition.

Our membership includes folks of different backgrounds and cultures who share a common bond. We've become an everchanging family of friends linked by the desire to preserve folk instruments, among which the Appalachian mountain and hammered dulcimers stand out. Our extended dulcimer family also includes other well-known instruments, like autoharp, banjo, bozouki, bass fiddle, folk harp, mandolin and penny whistle.

When you attend our monthly program meetings and jam sessions, you'll hear a variety of playing styles, from old-time mountain music to Irish jigs and airs. Occasionally, you may hear some classical pieces or a familiar contemporary song. There's also a rich resource of harp tunes dating from the seventeenth century that you may recognize. And, of course, ethnic, religious and gospel tunes are popular, as are the ballads passed on from one generation to the next.

We welcome you to join us at our club meetings, programs and jam sessions, regardless of whether or not you play an instrument.

Please note: The membership application is a PDF file, which requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and print the form. If you cannot open the PDF application, please click on the Acrobat Reader icon to download and install the free Reader from the Adobe site.

Club Information
Our members include players of varying skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and folks of all ages, from children to senior citizens, with programs that include and appeal to all.

Meetings and Programs
We hold our meetings in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hainesport NJ, on the first Tuesday of each month from September through June. Our meetings are usually brief and are followed by a program or jam session. Occasionally, we'll sponsor a special event, a performer, pot luck social or an open stage, where all members are invited to perform. Meetings usually start at 7:00 PM, but may be rescheduled or started earlier if a special event is planned.

Jam Sessions
Open jam sessions are held on the third Friday of each month from September through June. We meet at various locations depending on the weather and building availability. Jams usually start at 7:00 PM

Fret & Feather Newsletter
GPDS publishes a regular newsletter that is informative and interesting. We keep our members informed about coming events, including workshops, concerts and other folk activities. We also keep our members abreast of what's happening with clubs in other local areas. Throughout our ten-month schedule, we provide tune arrangements, playing tips, buyers/ guides and festival information.

Membership Dues
Currently, membership dues are $15 for an individual membership and $25 for a family membership. Dues are paid annually and include a monthly subscription to the Fret & Feather newsletter.

An individual membership covers one person who is 18 years of age or older. A family membership includes two adults residing in the same household who are 18 years of age or older, and any children under age 18 who are residents of the same household. A subscription membership is available, and covers the cost of the monthly newsletter only.