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

 

 

 

 

Workshops: M-Q
Time Period Key: AM1=9:30-11am AM2=11:30am-noon PM1: 1:30-3pm PM2: 3:30-5pm
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Make It a Double I: Joy Yu Hoffman
A 2-day workshop to explore the double-strung harp and an exciting experience to single row harp players as well. You'll start with 2nd, 3rd. 4th, 5th, and mixed intervals, different patterns and directions with " walking fingers " to emphasize melodies. Next comes learning the Echo technique with various patterns using ascending and descending directions on both hands. You'll learn how to create arrangements using these techniques. Level:  Int 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM1  
Where: Morris 2
Make It a Double II: Joy Yu Hoffman
This is the 2nd in a 2-day workshop for those who really want to explore the double-strung harp and an exciting experience to single harp players as well. The advanced double-strung player can jump into this class without taking the first one. You'll learn different scales and "doubling notes" using these elements from the first class: intervals, chords, and scales, developing coordination with both hands. The focus in this class is on different rhythm patterns such as 3 against 2, 6 against 4, 3/4 against 6/8, triads against 7th. You'll learn how to create arrangements using these techniques and your own songs. Level: Int
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat. PM1  
Where: Morris 2
Middle East Rhythms: Chris Caswell
Most harpers are not familiar with Middle Eastern music and rhythms. These simple, powerful, enchanting rhythms are easy to establish, and yield rich results over time both within their own idiom as well as in other traditions such as Celtic. Use this workshop to strengthen your sense of rhythm and harp dexterity. They are also a strong tool for general rhythmic strengthening. No sight reading required (This class goes well with "Your Left Hand Drummer and Bass Player.") Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. AM1
Where: Morris 11
Music of Robert Burns: Debbie-Brewin Wilson
Some have called him a scoundrel, others swear he was a native genius and few would dispute that Burns was a complex, fascinating man who reveled in his Scottish identity. Debbie provides an overview of Robert Burns' life in this musical lecture using his poetry and his songs. By providing a glimpse into Burns' character and the historical period in which he lived, listeners may develop an appreciation for his work and Scottish music in general. Level: Any 
Type: Lecture 
When: Sat. PM1
Where: Morris 3
Musical Cupboard of Special Effects: Denise Grupp-Verbon
Sure, you know how to pluck the harp but what about useful special effects like glissandos and harmonics? What is PDLT and how do you do it? Learn how to make your harp sound like a xylophone and falling hail. Besides learning these fun effects, you'll find out other written musical symbols and how to play them. Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM2
Where: Morris 6
Next Steps in Improvising: April Vega
Be guided through improvisational and compositional techniques to create harmonic and rhythmic tension using color tones within scales as well as scale choices. Use of different rhythms to express different moods and learn ornamentation to add interest to simple melodies. Stick your toe in the water with some jazz harmonies too. Level: Any.
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. PM2
Where: Johnnes
No Levers, No Problem: Cynthia Cathcart
Have you ever had someone express sympathy for you and your lever-free harp, because you "can't change keys?" Well, no more! In this workshop Cynthia explains what gapped scales are and how to use them to let you change keys, even in a continuous set. We will also explore ways to impose a gap on a non-gapped tune to widen our tonal horizons. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. PM2
Where: Morris 4
Pachelbel Boot Camp: Edie Elkan
Want beautiful hands? This workshop is for you. Not only will each of your fingers get a solid workout, you'll also learn countless variations of the famous Canon and walk out with a utility cord progression harp players can't live without. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM1  
Where: Johnnes 
Paraguayan Music Class I, II, III: Nicholas Carter
Narrow your focus and immerse yourself in Paraguayan harp music by taking all 3 of these classes with Nicholas. The structure of this class is to work on one piece for three mornings and learn by observation, listening and hands-on. Nicholas will be teaching "by ear." The song has a simple melodic phrase that Nicholas will use as the foundation for teaching a wide range of Paraguayan decorative harp techniques and repetition and playing together will solidify the piece. You can download the tune and listen to it prior to coming to the festival. Level: Int.
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri., Sat. AM1, Sun. AM1
Where: Morris 2
Playing for Children: Sunita Staneslow
Sunita works at a children's hospital in Israel and will share her experiences as a therapeutic harpist working specifically with children. Get a glimpse into how a harp therapist works. What are the key differences in playing for sick children versus well children? Learn how she varies her approach depending on age. A critical piece of this work is being able to play without sheet music and being able to get the best tone out of a small harp. Get some hands-on ideas to have your harp reach out to children. Level:  Any  
Type: Lecture/Hands-on
When: Fri. PM1 

Where: Vail
Prevent Injury & Play Better and Faster: Alfredo Ortiz
Every harp player needs to be aware of how their technique and body should work together to prevent injury and playing problems and facilitate the performance of difficult passages. With his medical background in the fields of Music Therapy and Sensory Motor Learning, Dr. Ortiz will help you focus on the right aspects of your technique and learn good habits. Breaking bad habits may seem difficult but Dr. Ortiz will help you prevent or correct these issues. Take this workshop if you've ever gotten up from the harp with sore hands, arms or shoulders! Level:  Any  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Fri. PM1
Where:  Morris 4
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More workshops will be added: by your favorite artist
  Level:  Beg/Int/Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:   day/time tba
Where:  room tba
Previous Page | Top | Next Page
More workshops will be added: by your favorite artist
  Level:  Beg/Int/Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:   day/time tba
Where:  room tba
Previous Page | Top | Next Page
More workshops will be added: by your favorite artist
  Level:  Beg/Int/Adv  
Type:  Hands-on  
When:   day/time tba
Where:  room tba
Previous Page | Top | Next Page

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 1/27/12
Workshop descriptions and schedules are subject to change.