"Dulcet Sounds" captures the passion of American and Irish history with the talents of Katie Boyenger on the mountain dulcimer and piano, and Natalie Friesen on the tin whistle. Their blend of tin whistle, piano, dulcimer and vocals create a powerful and heartfelt depiction of music of the period. Many traditional Irish melodies go far back in history, such as "Fisher's Hornpipe" and the Irish reel, "Drowsy Maggie", while piano pieces "Black Stallion" and "The Ludlows" are taken from 20th century films. Not all instrumental, the soulful voice of Natalie adds a tender rendition of the ballad of Captain Taggart in "Free and Green", by Carl Funk and David Kincaid, while Katie's rich alto lends to James Cowan's worshipful song "When It's All Said and Done". They have been in high demand wherever they play at history or community events. Featuring many favorites, their own written music, "Shades of Fall", "A Hint of Spring" and "Days of Summer", along with the traditional song, "First Snow", seem to be frequent requests. "Dulcet Sounds" delivers unique and inspired songs that are destined to revive your heart for our history, as you celebrate the joy of good music.
Katie was born in 1988, in Manhattan, KS, the first of three girls in the Friesen household. She began playing the piano at age 6 , and showed a gifted ability for playing by ear. After many recitals, musicals, even playing a piece she wrote at age 14 for the legislatures at the Kansas Capital, she played the keyboard in a girls' praise band. Several of her arrangements have been played often by the local radio station, Angel95 FM. Later, in 2006, Katie was introduced to the mountain dulcimer at a living history event at Fort Atkinson, Nebraska. Since then, she and Natalie have had a great time playing for anyone who will listen. Katie home schooled for most of her life, with classes at local colleges, she graduated in 2007 with honors, and married Levi Boyenger of Potwin, Kansas, where she teaches piano, and continues in music venues, as well as taking care of her horse, Rowan.
Natalie was born in 1991, the second of three girls, she went from violin to piano and finally settled on the tin whistle as her instrument of choice. She showed an amazing ability to play by ear. Always joyful and fun, Natalie is the free spirit - through all variety shows, musicals and performances with her sister, Natalie continues to awe us with her tin whistle ability. Natalie is a junior this year at Face-to-Face Christian School, and has aspirations to attend Manhattan Christian College after she graduates. Her interests are still developing, and growing, especially since taking over for Katie on the piano at her church. She loves horses also and doing stuff with her sister, Carolyn (15), who is learning to play the fiddle.
The girls' love for history was forged when the family became involved in living history events. They were introduced to Dave Kincaid's album, "The Irish Volunteer", which created a continued curiosity for anything Irish. They began jamming together with piano and tin whistle. Soon, they began performing at nursing homes, Lions club, 4-H and Living History events. Many friends and family have encouraged them to make this CD.
Today, their blend of tin whistle, piano, dulcimer and vocals create a powerful and heartfelt depiction of music from our history.
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