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

 

 

 

 

Workshops: R-Z
Time Period Key: AM1=9:30-11am AM2=11:30am-noon PM1: 1:30-3pm PM2: 3:30-5pm
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Renaissance Music for Beginners: Carol Thompson
If you've ever been enchanted by the sounds of Renaissance Music, then this is the workshop for you. This workshop is for harper beginners who want to know more about Early Music. You'll get a quick overview of what "Early Music" is, and Carol will shepherd you through some easy music that is still popular today (read smash hits of the renaissance). You get some new tunes, learn accompaniments and understand how to ornament the melody line. No experience necessary; harps of any size welcome. Level: Beg.
Type: Hands-on
When: Fri. PM2  
Where: Morris 3
Rhythm! Maeve Gilchrist
Rhythm brings vitality and drive to music and can make the difference between an amateur and a professional. Maeve will focus on rhythm and how to incorporate it into warm-up and practice routines to strengthen all aspects of your playing. Learn about hand independence, poly-rhythms, syncopation, ostinato's and more! Level:  Int.-Adv.  
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Sat. PM2 
Where: Morris 11
Scottish Harp of the 18th Century: William Jackson
Nowadays, Scottish harpers are just as likely to play jigs and reels as the fiddlers are but in the “old” days this wasn’t the case. Learn about the “old” harp repertoire and the harpers who played it and then learn a piece and how to make it sound Scottish. Take advantage of William Jackson’s expertise in interpreting and arranging this music. The music will be taught by ear but sheet music is provided at the end of the workshop. Level: Any  
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Thurs. 3-4:30pm
Where: Johnnes
Self-Accupressure Basics: Maureena Spadaro
The ultimate hands-on workshop! Maureena will teach basic self acupressure techniques as you learn to listen to your body's need for release. Based on shiatsu, simple acupressure helps release energy blockages. A basic Jin Shin Do head neck and shoulder release will also be taught. Lymphasizing will be explored and shared. Level: Any
Type: Lecture/Demo 
When: Sat. AM2
Where: Symmes
Songwriting from the Heart: Martha Gallagher
Songwriting is one fabulous way for creative musicians to express their heart and soul. We'll explore the ideas, inspirations and mechanics that will get you started or continuing on your songwriting journey. Finding inspirations, expressing them, weaving a song together, putting on the finishing touches and more. Feel free to bring questions, ideas, and any original material you might like to work on or share. No sight-reading. Level:  Any
Type: Hands-on 
When: Sat. PM2
Where: Symmes
Sound Decisions on Amps & Sound Gear: Michael Grupp-Verbon
Can you hear me now? For those who want to turn up the volume on their playing and just don't want to work so hard to be heard, this class is for you! You don't have to be a techno-geek to do sound reinforcement for yourself. We will look at how P.A. systems, small amplifiers, microphones, direct inputs, and effects work, and how they can enhance your playing experience and help in those challenging, hard to hear venues. Level: Any 
Type: Lecture 
When: Sat. PM2
Where: concert hall
Spice It Up!: Martha Gallagher
Variety is the spice of life, so let's fill up your musical spice cabinet with lots of wonderful choices! We'll explore a wide variety of ways to use techniques such as simple chords, chord variations, single note passages, glisses, rhythms, etc. to add interest and intrigue to your music. You'll learn how to use these "spices" in arranged works as well as in improvisation. Not comfy with improvisation? This is a great place to start! Participants are welcome to bring a piece they are working on so you can use new ideas and techniques right away. No sight-reading. Level: Any 
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. AM1
Where: Morris 9
Strike the Harp and Join the Chorus: Edie Elkan
Join Edie in this dynamic hands-on session offering you countless ways to use the harp to accompany voice (your own or another's) and/or another instrument as you learn to train your ear to anticipate chord changes. Everyone will greatly expand their repertoires in just 90 minutes. Appropriate for all levels of harpists. Level: Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. AM1
Where: Cobb
Suzuki Method for the Harp: Candyce Dunham
You've seen those cute pictures of tiny tots learning to play the violin using the Suzuki method. But did you know that there is a Suzuki method for harp? Teachers and students of all ages are invited to come and experience the philosophy, technical skills, musicality, and nurturing environment the Suzuki teaching method creates. Demonstrating material from the repertoire and teaching some quick memorization techniques, Candyce teaches what this method is really all about and why it works so well for the harp. Learn how quickly students can develop their technique through this method and how Suzuki's "mother tongue" approach can work for harpists of all ages. Level: Any
Type: Lecture/Demo 
When: Fri. PM2  
Where: Morris 8
Tai Chi Morning Exercises: Maureena Spadaro
Start your day early with a tai chi session. Chi king movements are very gentle slow moving exercises, which help create more chi (energy) and a smoother flow of chi with more blood flow in all the subtle connections within our body. This is a mini-workshop running just 60 minutes. Level: Int.
Type:  Lecture/Demo    
When: Fri., Sat. AM0
Where: Morris 11
A Taste of Jazz Harp: Brenda Dor- Groot & Sabine Meijers
Never played jazz on your harp before and want to know what it's like? Explore the possibilities. Want to lay down some blues riffs and learn to improvise? Beginners are encourage to take this workshop for a fun foray into the world of jazz and the blue. Get the basics and more! You'll never unless you give it a try. Level: Beg.
Type:  Hands-on   
When: Sat. PM1
Where: Concert Hall
Try the Tinwhistle: Dennis Gormley
Most of the harp players in Ireland play a second, more portable, instrument. Consider the tinwhistle! It couldn't get more portable or lighter and a lot easier to play at a faster tempo (once you know what you're doing!). This is an introductory class. Bring your own tinwhistle (key of D please) or use one we'll provide. Level:  Any  
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat. AM1 

Where: Concert hall
Using the Small Harp in Music Therapy: William Jackson
This workshop will educate harp players who may be interested in the field of music therapy and want to see how harp may be used. Medical professionals (doctors, nurses, physical and occupational therapists) will also gain new perspectives on how music therapy may be used with their patients. This is an open interactive session using William’s own video of working with special needs children, as well as his demonstrating his talking points using his harp and other instruments. Level: Any 
Type: Lecture 
When: Sat., PM2
Where: Suite
Venezuelan Joropo: Angel Tolosa
Joropo is the national music of Venezuela. It's very civerse in the four major regions of the country but one defining characteristic is its complex rhythms. Take this workshop to explore how this music is interpreted on the harp. Besides getting a thorough workout for your left hand in rhythm, you'll come away with better coordination for a stronger right hand. Level: Int-Adv
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat., AM1
Where: Morris 4
Venezuelan Merengue: Angel Tolosa
If you're interested in exploring different rhythms this is the workshop for you! A very popular musical style in Venezuela is Merengue, which varies from region to region, but which all incorporates the 5/8 time signature. Have fun working both hands into the melodies and harmonies of merengue with this master player. Level: Int-Adv
Type: Hands-on
When: Fri., PM1
Where: Morris 8
Venezuelan Waltzes: Angel Tolosa
The waltz was originally from Europe and underwent a transformation when it came to Venezuela. There are at least 5 types of waltz, each defined by the specific structure if its melodies and harmonies. Venezuela's waltz becomes magical through the subtle beauty that is Venezuelan Music on the Harp. Level: Beg-Int
Type: Hands-on
When: Sat., PM1
Where: Morris 4
Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy: Sarajane Williams
There are now many facets of therapeutic harp. Learn about Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy from harp therapy pioneer Sarajane Williams. Sarajane will review the development, theoretical models and current applications of Vibroacoustic Harp Therapy (VAHT) in this lecture and demonstration. This is an interactive Q&A opportunity to explore this area of harp therapy. In addition to this workshop, Sarajane will be offering private sessions throughout the weekend, which you can schedule at the Planet Harp booth. Level: Any 
Type: Lecture  
When: Fri., AM1
Where: Johnnes
Water Workout: Kathy Kasley
Water takes 60 % of our body weight, and exercising in the water takes stress off of joints. We will do a full body workout with stretching, range of motion and balance, and incorporate arm muscles, shoulder, back, hand & finger exercises. Ideal for harpists, and a great antedote to sitting all day. This is a "Water Walking" type of class in shallow water - no swimming ability or previous experience necessary. Everyone is welcome. Come and energize your day with a gentle morning workout. Open to companions. Level: Any 
Type: Hands-on  
When: Fri, Sat. 7:30am
Where: Pool
Weddings & Working with the Bride: Aideen O'Donnell
This workshop is not just about the business end of the wedding but about how to communicate with the bride to prepare the program for her special day. Choosing songs and pieces specifically for the ceremony whether it's in a church or a catering hall is so important. You’ll want to get advice on working with the bride who wants a certain theme for the day or remembering someone special on the day. Aideen will show you how to prepare a program with the bride and steps you'll want to take in making the whole day work with less stress. Level:  Any  
Type:  Lecture  
When: Sat. PM2  
Where: Morris 9 
With a Song in You Heart: Singing With Your Harp: Aideen O'Donnell
If you've got a song in your heart and you need to work on playing the harp and singing at the same time, Aideen will show you how to do it. Between having the right posture, coordinating your hands and voice, and then knowing what chords to play there's a lot to keep track of and Aideen will give you tried and true tips for bringing it all together. Learn how to arrange the song to really make it "sing" and get tips from a real pro on communicating with the audience. Level:  Beg.-Int.
Type:  Hands-on  
When:  Sat. AM1
Where: Morris 9 
Your Left Hand Drummer & Bass Player: Chris Caswell
There is huge untapped potential in our left hands. Take this workshop to get practical tools you can take away to develop that potential. Learn the great gifts of rhythmic damping and rocking (oscillation), and of laying down your own groove to play against. It's challenging and fun. All levels welcome. No sight reading required. Level:  Any
Type:  Hands-on  
When: Fri. PM2  
Where:  Morris 11
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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.