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Can't make it to Somerset? Then come to the
Harpers' Escape Weekend
October 5-7, 2012

 

 

 

 

Workshops: F-L
Time Period Key: AM1=9:30-11am AM2=11:30am-noon PM1: 1:30-3pm PM2: 3:30-5pm
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From Hymnal to Harp: Frank Voltz
If you think jazz harp in church is beyond the boundaries of religion - think again! We're going to wake everyone up in the pews! We will take several hymns and create jazzy arrangements. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore many musical possibilities with jazz styles and techniques. Most hymns are simple 16-bar tunes that make them easy to arrange. You can take everything you experience in this class and apply it to pop tunes as well. Level:  Int/Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Johnnes
Fun Stuff: Kim Robertson
With the exception of Harpo Marx, harpists tend to take their instruments quite seriously, forgetting just how much fun it can actually be to play In this workshop, learn ways to lighten up and make your harping more playful, using sound effects and experimental techniques. Learn practical applications, including creative and sometimes silly exercises that can lead to composing and improvising at any level. For performers and instructors who work with children, or for anyone who would like to lighten up their musical life. Music-reading not necessary. Level: Any 
Type: Hands-on
When: Fri. AM1  
Where: Vail
Gear Up Your Harp: Brenda Dor-Groot & Sabine Meijers
You won't believe how a harp can sound using some cool effects. We'll try out mics, pick-ups and other amplification gear, and get geeky with wah-wah pedals, chorus, delay, distortion and other fun stuff. Also, we'll cover some basic technicalities so you'll never feel embarassed in front of sound technicians and guitar players again. Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM2  
Where: Concert Hall
Geography of the Harp: Frank Voltz
Have you ever thought about the geography of the harp? If you understand the geography of the harp (string spacing = finger spacing), you can learn your repertoire faster and literally play faster on the harp because your fingers "know" what to do before they touch the strings. This hands-on workshop will help you think of the harp in a new way with ideas and exercises that will improve your playing. This is a hands-on workshop so bring your harp. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. AM1
Where: Cobb
Getting in the Mode: Cynthia Cathcart
This class will listen to the Ionian, Dorian, Phyrgian, Lydian, Mixolydian and Aeolian modes of early and traditional music to hear how we can change the ethos of our music today. No Levers Required! (in fact, if you have them it's best that you pretend they've gone missing.) Level:  Any
Type: Hands-on 
When: Fri. PM1
Where: Morris 3
Goal Setting at your harp: Cynthia Cathcart
If you're wandering around aimlessly, musically speaking, and just feel like you're adding tunes to your repertoire but feel like you're not going anywhere, this workshop is for you. Isn't there more to music than knowing a lot of tunes? What do you do with them? The goal of this workshop is to help you discover a purpose for your music, to realize where it can take you, and lay out a purpose-built path that can get you there. Beware. You may find that you need to change your approach to practicing.
Open to companions		 Level:  Any
Type: Hands-on 
When: Sat. AM1
Where: Johnnes
Guerilla Music Theory I: Chris Caswell
Hear the "angel voices" by singing (regardless of quality!) with others as a tool to unlock the magic and majesty of triads. This class gives a practical holistic basis to understanding chords and modes, and works towards a direct experience of music. Get less stuck in your head and more able to be with the music itself. For all levels. No harp or sight reading required. Both sessions recommended. Based on the work of William Allaudin Mathieu (The Listening Book, The Harmonic Experience) Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM2
Where: Morris 10
Guerilla Music Theory II: Chris Caswell
Description to follow. With that kind of title, you know it'll be good! Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sun. AM1
Where: Morris 8
Healing Sounds from Himalaya: Edie Elkan
New this year from Bedside Harp is a highly sought after offering their host hospitals just adore. There will be a short discussion and slide presentation on how sound and vibration affect our bodies, minds and spirits and then an experiential session where participants first learn how to use their own voices to heal themselves before relaxing into the soothing sounds of Himalayan bowls, bells, the harp, and a number of other instruments. The session will close with an opportunity for participants to play the instruments themselves. Limited to the first 15 who show up. Participants might want to bring yoga mats and/or towels to deepen their experience.
Open to non-harping companions.		 Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sun. AM1
Where: Morris 9
Healing with Sounds: Maureena Spadaro
Discover what is happening now in the area of sound healing. In addition to her therapeutic harp programs Maureena uses Solfeggio Body Tuners, Fibonacci interval tuners and Solar Harmonic Spectrum, Angel Tuners. All can help to ease Body Mind Spirit. Maureena will help you explore all these sounds and you’ll receive a sound healing treatment as a group. Limited to the first 20 people. This workshop may be repeated on Saturday if we have enough interest. Level: Any
Type:  Lecture  
When:  Fri. & Sat. PM1
Where: Suite
The History of the Irish Harp: Grainne Hambly
A musical lecture on the history of the harp in Ireland, from its earliest depictions and descriptions up to the present day. It's an audio history tour with Grainne punctuating her talk with musical examples.
Open to companions.		 Level: Any
Type:  Lecture  
When: Sun. AM1
Where: Morris 10
How to Practice Effectively: Candyce Dunham
Do you find yourself wanting to play your harp but not sure how to make any real progress on your pieces? Do you play the same pieces without ever feeling like they are performance ready? Candyce will take you through the steps of planning an effective practice session, break down the music into obtainable tasks, and give you tips on making the most out of your practice sessions. Candyce prepares students for competition and performance on a regular basis and will share proven methods to make you a more confident player. Attendees will be given a new piece to learn during this session and are encouraged to bring music they are currently working on. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Morris 10
Improvisation for Beginners: April Vega
Are you tied to the page? Do you wish you could write and play your own music, but don't know how to get started? In this workshop, we'll work through the very beginning steps of learning to play "from the heart" and not the page. Get elementary vamps and basic chord progressions with simple bass lines that are easy to play (but also easy to 'dress up' for the more skilled harpists) , and then get into improvising in major and minor scales with your right hand. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. AM1
Where: Vail
International Lullabies: Kim Robertson
Perfect for a Sunday morning after a long festival! Join Kim for a sampling of lullabies from around the world along with good accompaniment ideas that tap your creative side. Nice easy pace in this workshop. Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sun. AM1
Where: Vail
Japanese Folk Songs : Tomoko Sugawara
Japanese folk tunes are sometimes a bit sad, but beautiful. The favorite songs almost all deal with the seasons, a subject loved by the Japanese. In this workshop, you will learn the melodies and simple chords to 4 songs. Sakura is a traditional Japanese folk song depicting spring and autumn. Level:  Beginner
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Morris 4
Jazz & Blues Harp Special: Brenda Dor-Groot & Sabine Meijers
This all-day workshop is offered on Thursday to early arrivals to the festival. Get down with Jazz and Blues Harp with this in-depth look and feel of the harmonic and rhythmic structures that go into these great American music forms. Accompaniment and improvisation are emphasized and you'll get solid tips for putting together coherent and cool solos. Lots of fun. Please sign-up in advance for this class. Level: Int.-Adv. 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Thurs. AM1  
Where: Morris 11
The Jig Is Up! Grainne Hambly
There's nothing that says Irish so much as the sound of a jig. Yet getting that "lilt" is a nuance that escapes many players just reading eighth notes on sheet music. Learn a jig or two from a master player and find out how to get the lightness and lift into your playing. This workshop will be taught by ear. Recording devices are encouraged. Written music will be handed out at the end of the class. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Thurs. 1pm-2:30pm  
Where: Symmes
Latin American special effects & techniques for any harp: Alfredo Ortiz
Latin American harp traditions include many unique and fun special effects. Even if you've never heard these terms before, you'll learn muffling techniques, muffled glissandi, Paraguayan "trino" (mandoline-like effect) and more. If you're interested in pop or jazz or looking to do something with your own compositions, this workshop will expand your technique repertoire with these interesting effects. Even beginners will be able to master some effects right away while understanding others to put them into practice in the future. Level:  Beg/Int/Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. PM2
Where: Morris 6 
Lone Arranger: Denise Grupp-Verbon
You want to create an arrangement of a melody but don't know where to start. This is the workshop for you! There are letters and numbers above the staff: what are they and what can you do with them? Join us for introductory tips on creating your own arrangements and how to read a lead sheet. Level:  Any  
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat. AM1 

Where: Morris 6
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If you find a mistake in any of these schedules pages please let me know!

Do you have a harp or music product to sell?
Get a booth or table at the festival. Call Kathy 856-795-7637.
Here's our rate card.

Updated 1/31/12
Workshop descriptions and schedules are subject to change.