The concerts each lunch time and evening held "something for everyone!"  Some of our favorites were, Robin Huw Bowen, a well-know harpist from Wales who played the triple strung harp, and Jan Jennings, who played beautiful classical arrangements on the lever harp - many from another Florida resident - Barbara Brundage.  And then, of course, everyones favorite - Louise Trotter! She came out in her adorable western wear, including red fringed gloves . . . and for a second, we all thought she was going to play with them on!  Several performers played with other instruments or sang, told stories, or played less familiar types of harps such as the Madagascar bamboo harp!

  Also available at the festival were private lessons, harp jams, harp "tasting" and music reading sessions.  Early each morning, we were invited to attend a morning meditation, which was a wonderful way to start the day. Bambi and I were very inspired by the musical devotions given by The Marini Sisters. These teenage girls played solos and duets of their own harp arrangements of praise and worship music and accompanied some of the pieces with their sweet voices and a violin. Their father made their harps and is the owner of The Marini Made Harps in Pennsylvania.  

If this didnt keep us all busy and inspired, there was a huge convention center full of vendors who brought with them over 260 harps, scores of music, accessories and gifts, and donated very nice door.
Tentative dates for 2002 are July 18 - 21, 2002.

Sarasota Area First!

On Sunday, July 15, 2001, Pacy Weinstein and twelve of her beginning harp students, ages six through adult, presented a recital in honor of Arabella Sparnon. The recital included solo and ensemble works featuring international folk songs and classical pieces. Pacy and I played Nocturne in E Flat by Chopin, an arrangement penned by our beloved friend and harp mentor, Arabella Sparnon. The audience was attentive and enthusiastic. The students have already been asked to return next year. As far as we know, this is the largest harp recital ever given in Sarasota. Congratulations to Pacy and her students for a job well did.

Linda A. Fiore, FHF member, AHS chapter president and Harpist with the Venice Symphony

Welcome new members:

Brittany Browning
Kristen Bruce
Arami Malaise
Mac and Faye Perry
Mariah Pickett
Ava Ryals

Gaelic Song, Language, and Harp Workshop
Banner Elk, NC - July 2001
Review by Marg Chauvin

  Having experienced many workshops and conferences, this was a delightful change from the professional events. It was an intimate five-day workshop held at LeesMcRae College situated in the beautiful North Carolina Mountains. The harp instructor, Allison Kinnard –Scot traditional harper and teacher - and the location drew me. But it was the quality of instruction, size (under 40 participants, 3 instructors), student friendliness and sharing, and the leisurely pace that made it a memorable week.  

  Long before the event we had constant email reminders, last minute organizational tips, group searches for rides and weekend lodging. I was able to locate a ride to/from Asheville with Susidh, my intermediate destination from South Florida. Susidh, a dynamic redhead, proved to be an instant friend – this was her second year and she shared the basic survival tips on the trip from Asheville. 

  All students “lived” in the same dorm. There was a TV area and porch on the first floor where there was always someone with whom to chat, sing, play a tune, speak Gaelic, or watch a movie. We had a nightly ceilidh (song/jam session) on the front porch lasting late into the night. Our classes were held in the adjacent building, convenient for the harpers and we chose from beginner, intermediate, and advanced Gaelic Language, Gaelic Song, and Scot Harp classes. There were five 1-¼ hour classes each day on a rotating schedule. The instructors were knowledgeable, friendly, and patient - simply wonderful. 

  Lastly, Allison Kinnard. She is a soft-spoken artist (glass engraver and harper), historian/researcher, and excellent traditional instructor. I have attended many (maybe 20) traditional music classes but she is the best for teaching traditional style. I could easily retain the tune and recall it the next day with little prompting. She rarely emphasized technique or theory directly as they were embedded in every tune or passage she taught. I left the week with a lighter touch, more tone, and a new idea of how to approach a tune, and a better grasp of using the left hand to take part of the melody. 

  Allison was always open to discussing her life, music, Scotland, the US. She would join others and me in the dining hall, at the ceilidhs, in the TV room, and on the sidewalks.  As we left, Allison was certain to thank each of her students for coming. Yes, it was a great experience.