Summer Plans 2

Somerset Folk Harp Festival

Not long after OSAS – many of us gather again at the Somerset Folk Harp Festival*.  Somerset has become a “must go” event for harp players!  It is an amazing 4-day conference celebrating the diversity of music, talent and experience of the folk harp world. Whether you want to focus on one style or type of music, solidify some specific skills, or try out something new, there is something for you.  The breadth of workshop offerings is sure to expand your musical horizon. The Exhibit Hall is the best harp and music shopping under one roof you'll find anywhere on the East Coast. There are daily concerts that will inspire you. I strongly suggest that you plan to come for the whole festival but if you can only swing one day – do it!  There are loads of registration options.

Somerset is coordinated by Kathy D’Angelo and is pulled off by a small but mighty band of people.  But what makes it such a good way to spend your time?  Well, I think they answer this well in a section entitled - What is the Festival Like? And the answer is - it's awesome! It is like a three-ring circus, a harp feeding frenzy, a family re-union, and your wildest harp dreams come true! You get to meet and talk with and play with other people who are also addicted to harp. There’s time to swap "war stories" "craziest wedding stories" and "why I started to play the lever harp" stories. There are loads of good harpy things going on but the one thing that really makes the Festival so great is all the other harpers there!  You will have an instant group of best friends at the Festival - including the stars of the harp world. You will find that you can talk with icons just as easily as you would talk with the other harpers in your harp circle. No matter what your level of harp experience, you will be welcomed most warmly and drawn into the family!

And – did I mention the Exhibit Hall?  There’s loads of stuff to try, read through, buy, dream about, plan for, and take home including harps, CDs, sheet music, doo-dads, jewelry, artwork, music stands, carts, and more.  And then there are the concerts which are designed to give you a diverse and broad exposure to the non-pedal harp world. There’s Celtic of course, but there’s also lots of other ethnic music, early music, classical, jazz, popular, and many sorts of harps including Paraguayan harps, bray harps, cross-strung harps, wire strung harps, double strung harps, harps with other instruments, and more! Diversity everywhere!

The workshops are incredible and span a wide range of levels and interests. Some of them are really substantive and challenging - some will pique your curiosity - some will inspire you to play better and some will be an occasion to let your hair down. The worst thing about the workshops is that you cannot take them all.

You do need to pace yourself!  Somerset is held in Parsippany NJ 19 – 22 July and all the details are available at: http://www.somersetharpfest.com

*once again – all this content (except my gushing and comment) unceremoniously stolen directly from the Somerset website.

Summer plans 1

Although we’re still whinging on about the snow and cold, it’s already April and summer is fast approaching!  This month I’ll highlight some of my favorite summer activities.  If you want to attend any of these events, you’ll want to get a jump on it so you’re sure to get a place.  Few things are worse than being excited to attend a workshop only to find out that it is sold out!  I will present them in calendar order.  These are events I really enjoy and have learned a lot from. There is no affiliate marketing (i.e. kickback) only the potential benefit of possibility of running into you at one of these events!

Let’s start with the

Ohio Scottish Arts School*! 

This is the 40^th Anniversary of the Ohio Scottish Arts School!  (you also have the opportunity to help celebrate this momentous anniversary here - donate $40 for 40th Anniversary)

OSAS has been an excellent hub for meeting the greats (and future greats) of Scottish Harp in the US and UK – some as instructors, some as students (and later as instructors).  It is a fun and intensive week.  The (harp) classes will focus on basic harp technique (for beginners and intermediates), repertoire at all levels, including tunes for competition sets, Scottish style, including ornaments, lilt, and dance types.  Every day you study Scottish dance music, airs, and songs, ornamentation, Scottish style, accompaniment, and learning by ear. Each day there are lectures, practice time, and playing in sessions. If you play the harp, there’s a class for you! Classes are available for beginners (who have played for a few months), as well as intermediate and advanced players. 

In the evenings there are activities (and snacks!) and you can always join (or start) a session.  The harpers have become spoiled by the students of Ringgold Middle and high schools who prepare and share a lovely mid-week Tea – an event to which we all look forward!

OSAS is a fun, exciting workshop chock full of stuff you want to know.  Some participants have been coming for years.  And, lest you think this sounds like summer camp - it is!  But with a delightful twist and students - kids and adults - really enjoy the week.

Of course, perhaps the most important thing to know is who will be teaching – and this year has an outstanding line up (again!).  Sue Richards organizes and is the coordinating teacher (www.suerichards.net), Gillian Fleetwood is coming from Scotland for a second year! (gillianfleetwood.com),Seumas Gagne returns after a few years away doing amazing things! (www.seumasgagne.com/), and me!  I am delighted to be teaching at OSAS again this year and to be working with such exceptional people! I keep pinching myself over my good fortune.

The 40th Ohio Scottish Arts School will be held June 23-29, 2018 – don’t miss it!  For more information and to register go to http://ohioscottishartsschool.com/.  See you there?

* except for the occasional comment, all this information (including the photos) is unceremoniously lifted from the OSAS website