Resident finds peace in cultural music

Spring Valley resident Dennis Petersen was in his late 50s when he found peace .

Now 61, the warehouse manager had never imagined himself as a musician, but when a fascination with Native American culture led to the purchase of a Native American flute, Petersen said his life changed.

"I'd been in band in middle school but haven't done anything since then," he said.

According to Petersen, he and his wife were at a fair more than five years ago when he passed a vendor's table that displayed the instruments, and he decided to purchase one.

"I thought it would be a fun thing to learn to do in my spare time," he said. "What I discovered was a release, a way of expressing myself I'd never known existed. I can't do it any other way aside from playing."

Diana Petersen said she has seen a significant change in her husband since he began playing.

"He seems more at peace," she said. "He's really good, too. For a long time he would do small gigs that would lend themselves to questions about if he had a CD available."

Until recently, the answer to that question was no. But Petersen said he released a debut recording last month with original music, titled "Spirits of Red Rock."

Petersen said the album was inspired by hikes he and Diana take at the park.

"Nature inspires me but especially out at Red Rock," he added .

Petersen describes the flute as a primitive instrument that has six holes instead of the traditional five.

"They're simple instruments, but once you've heard one played, you never forget it," he said.

Petersen said he finds a kind of peace and solace in playing that he describes as unmatched by anything he has experienced throughout his life.

"It's hard to put it into words, but it's one of those things you search for, and once you find it, all you can do is hope that everyone, at some point in their lives, will get the chance to find something similar," he said. "I am only sad it took me so long to discover a passion that brings me so much joy."

Petersen's album is on sale at the Red Rock visitor center for $18.95. A concert and reception in his honor is scheduled there for 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.

Although the album has been out less than one month, Petersen said he has been pleasantly surprised by the number sold already.

"We had 1,000 made, and 100 have already gone," he said. "Life is grand right now."

Petersen said the greatest lesson he has taken away from the last five years has been to be open to new experiences.

"I was middle-aged by the time I found my calling," he said. "Don't give up on finding new things that bring you joy."

Contact Southwest and Spring Valley View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.