Dolce Chamber Trio gets serious about music
Aimee Seim/Columbia Basin Herald<br>Members of the Dolce Chamber Trio practice in Harriet West's home one afternoon. The Trio plays music for weddings, special occasions, receptions, and dinners. From left to right are Barb Franz, Harriet West and Ruth Ames.
MOSES LAKE — In the Dolce Chamber Trio, Harriet West, Barb Franz and Ruth Ames each have their part to play.
Within the tight knit group of friends Ames is known for her humorous side, West for her ability to arrange music and Franz for her serious dedication to being a musician.
"We have an absolute good time," West said.
A chamber trio is a small ensemble of three to eight musicians who perform pieces primarily of the Baroque period.
The three women started playing together in 1994, but did not officially form a group until a year ago when they began playing on a more consistent basis.
With all of their own children grown, the time felt right to consider taking their musical interests more seriously.
While out running errands one day, West and her husband were approached by a friend who was looking for someone to play background music for a tea.
"'Well, what do you think about piano, cello and flute?'" West said to her friend.
That is the same message West has relayed to others looking for musical arrangements for weddings, receptions, special occasions and dinner music.
The group's passion is playing background music for such events.
The Dolce Chamber Trio is a unique group in the Moses Lake area as many trios are more commonplace in bigger cities, some of them being part of a university orchestra who form smaller groups that perform for community events.
Being able to play with musicians who are at the same ability level and appreciate each other's company makes the group cohesive.
"It's a pleasure just playing and making music," Ames said.
When asked about the most challenging part of playing, Ames replied, "hauling my cello everywhere."
To which West answered back, "it's easier to haul a cello than a piano."
With Franz playing the flute, three is a comfortable number for the group.
"I really enjoy these two ladies' company," Franz said.
The trio has a performance coming up in September to play at the Harvest for Hope fund-raiser for the Moses Lake Cancer Foundation.
A final date has yet to be decided.
For more information call 765-5216.