Anthony Gennaro
Folkcraft: How long have you been playing the dulcimer?Anthony: I began playing on a regular basis around 2008.
Folkcraft: When did you get your first Folkcraft dulcimer?
Anthony: I made a dulcimer, from a kit, in 1970, but it collected a lot of dust until I picked it up again. I put the kit together in a woodworking shop at the school where I taught science. It came with only minimal directions, and so it's somewhat roughly built.
My family saw me struggling with it and purchased a FolkRoots D Series for me that I've been playing since 2009. In my photo, the FolkRoots D Series is on my lap, and in my right hand is the 1983 vintage FolkRoots D 0.00 that I found at a flea market in Coventry, CT, this past summer. I saw the FolkRoots symbol inside the body with Rugg and Jackel music company and thought, "OMG ! Wow! A classic." It has no 1/2 frets - a true purist dulcimer! On the stand to my left is the 1970 Tony G original - the only dulcimer that I made. Finally, on the table to my right, is a clay model of me playing dulcimer that was made by one of my sons, TJ. It plays music - a song of me playing a tune that I wrote for him. I am truly blessed by family and support group.
Folkcraft: Where do you enjoy playing your dulcimer?
Anthony: I play mostly at home with family. But also jam at the local art league and belong to the Pocono Dulcimer Club and we play at churches and other functions..
Folkcraft: What other hobbies, or interests, do you have besides playing dulcimer?
Anthony: I've done some leather work--made the hat I'm wearing in the photo. I also enjoy fishing and golf. Visiting family and grandsons. Did a lot of running, biking and camping.