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Can't make it to Somerset? Then come to the
Harpers' Escape Weekend
October 4-6, 2013

 

 

 

 

Workshops: A-B
Be sure to refresh this page every time you visit our site to get the latest updates.
Time Period Key: AM1=9:30-11am AM2=11:30am-noon PM1: 1:30-3pm PM2: 3:30-5pm
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Accompaniment for Singers: Cormac de Barra
Whether it’s you that’s doing the singing or somebody else, there’s definitely a way to create harp accompaniment patterns that support the vocals rather than stomp on it. Learn tips and tricks on getting both hands working together from a master player and accompanist who also sings.
Level: Int-Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Cobb 
Act Like a Pro: Therese Honey
Becoming a professional musician can be fun and a challenge at the same time. We will discuss specific situations and learn how to book a gig, what information goes into a contract, how to insure payment. We will discuss performance anxiety as well.
Open to companions.
 Level: Any
Type:  Lecture 
When: Sat. PM1
Where: Morris 3
Adapting Arrangements: Lois Colin
As you've become a more advanced player, you've figured out that harp arrangements written by others don't always work for you or for your harp. If you know your scales and arpeggios this workshop will give you the courage to figure out how to best adapt and modify an arrangement. Lois Colin of Colin Harp Music will be using examples from her own publications, including "Have a Harp" and "The Session Collection" to demonstrate these principles. Level: Int-Adv    
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM2  
Where:  Morris 9
Adapting Arrangements for Beginners: Lois Colin
As you've started the harpr, you've figured out that harp arrangements written by others don't always work for you or for your harp. Arranging seems like a daunting task but with encouragement and some handy tips and tricks from Lois, you get the tools you need to figure out simple arrangements on your own. Level: Beg 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM2 
Where: Morris 2
Adapting Piano Music for the Harp: Louise Trotter
Someone's invariably going to hand you music they want you to play that's a piano arrangement. Don't panic. Louise will show you how to simplify, simplify! Create a harp arrangement from piano music by leaving out notes and altering accidentals. Get familiar with reading chord symbols.Open to non-harping companions who play piano and might want to help out their harp-playing friend. Level: Beg-Int
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. AM1
Where: Morris 4 
Arranging Pipe & Fiddle Tunes on harp: William Jackson
Pipe and fiddle tunes are such an integral part of traditional Irish and Scottish music. You'll get some useful ideas on how to expand your Scottish repertoire and how to select tunes from non-harp instrumental collections from William, who not only plays harp but the pipes as well. Learn how to develop creative arrangements and perform them by using devices such as intros, bridges and "outros". Level: Int. 
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sun. AM1
Where: Morris 10
Arranging Renaissance Dances for Harp: Therese Honey
What do you do with that Renaissance dance music arranged for six recorders? Learn how to create an arrangement with a danceable rhythm, with variations that you create. Discover Renaissance ground basses and the opportunities for improvisation with them. This music can be played solo on the harp or with an ensemble of other instruments. We will discuss practical ideas for performing Renaissance music with other instruments and where to find music. Sight-reading. Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM1  
Where: Morris 8
Arranging the songs of Robert Burns: William Jackson
Robert Burns is called the national poet of Scotland who left an indelible stamp on and reshaped Scottish folksong. He collected, amended or wrote lyrics for over 200 Scottish songs--only a handful of which will get covered in this workshop! Learn how to use simple chord progressions as the basis for developing song accompaniment as well as adding intros and bridges between verses and choruses. Level: Int. 
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. PM1
Where: Symmes
Art of Arpeggios & More: Sunita Staneslow
If you've never taken Sunita’s arpeggio workshop and want to get some new ideas for playing different types of arpeggios, this is the workout you're looking for! If you've taken her Arpeggios workshop before, you'll get even more out of this supercharged version. Perfect for all levels of players who want to learn how to creatively noodle! Learn how to sculpt beautiful phrases and play more musically. This is very hands on and liberating because there is lots of looking at your harp and not at the paper. Level: Any   
Type: Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Vail 
Basically Beginning I, II, III: Debbie Brewin-Wilson
If you've just started to play the harp, come to this special 3-day beginner class and get going with the fundamentals, particularly if you don't have a teacher yet. Get confortable with the instrument and yourself! Music-reading ability is not necessary to get started. This has been such a successful starter class for the past 3 years that we're repeating it again and hoping to attract even more beginners to Somerset. Be sure to sign-up in advance on the registration form to take this class. Level: Nov. - Beg  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:   Fri. & Sat. AM1, Sun, AM1
Where: Morris 2
Blazing Levers: Maeve Gilchrist
This class aims to get the already advanced player more comfortable with their levers. Whether one is playing a harmonically complex jazz piece or simply reaching for that one chord change that will make their arrangement shine, this class aims to make the levering process easier. Maeve will work with the lever's both in a harmonic accompaniment setting AND in a melodic right hand setting. Through various exercises and tunes, she will show you that fluid lever use IS possible. Level: Int - Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM1  
Where: Cobb
Blues Harp: Walk on the Wild Side: Martha Gallagher
It's time for you and that harp of yours to take a little walk on the wild side. Besides snagging techniques for playing blues on the lever harp, you're going to feel the music in your soul and exude a little attitude. Oh yeah, we'll be feelin', and groovin' and showin' some attitude! Get down 'n dirty on the harp and have lots of fun in this workshop. No sight-reading necesary. Level:  Any  
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat. PM2  

Where: Morris 11
Build Your Own Harp: Dennis Waring
Professor Dennis Waring of Waring Harps will guide you through the construction of their 19-string, corrugated cardboard and wood harp, built from their unique kit. Kits are $110 but you must reserve your kit with a $50 advance deposit. All tools and materials are provided. This is a 2-session workshop. Build the harp in the first workshop and then string it in the next. You can email Dennis to reserve your kit in advance or purchase one at the Waring Music booth onsite. Class is limited to the first 12 people though.
Open to companions.
Read more about this harp on the Waring Music website.		 Level:  Any  
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat. 9am & 1:30pm
Where: Festival lobby back area
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If you find a mistake in any of these schedules pages please let me know!

 

Updated 5/6/13
Workshop descriptions and schedules are subject to change.