FEATURING

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Registration Fee is non-refundable. Early registration through October 15th is $125. Registration fee from October 16th - November 8th is $140. Registration is complete on the date which both form and fee are submitted.

Registration fee includes lunch on-site, all workshops and ensemble participation and evening concert. Bringing your own lunch does not change the registration fee amount. Dietary restrictions may be stated on the registration form.

Registration fee does not cover ensemble music. If you choose to participate in the ensemble playing, you may purchase your part(s) as directed under "Ensemble Music" for 1, 2 or all 3 of the ensemble pieces.

For information and fees on rental harps, go to "Rental Harps".

MARY RADSPINNER has an extensive background in music education, performance, retail, marketing and publishing. Co-founder of Melody's (FolkHarp.com), she is now consultant specialist for this beloved Houston harp store. Mary has served as editor-in-chief of the Folk Harp Journal, as American Harp Society regional director, and is a founding member of the Gulf Coast Harpers, a chapter of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen. GCH's mission is to support Texas harp students financially through annually awarded memorial scholarships which are dedicated to continuing the legacy of those who have gone before us.

Mary is the founder of “Harp Teachers Gathering” – a community of and for harp teachers. She also edits for Afghan Press Music, a harp music publishing company which she established and which now represents over 50 artists. Mary is an arranger and recorded artist. She is a creative teacher and enjoys harp and piano students of all ages in person and virtually. Her knowledge of the harp world, its trends, networking and instruction offers much to our community.

KIMBERLY SNAUFER DEROSA's musicality and versatility take audiences on a meaningful journey. She is dedicated to elevating and inspiring audiences’ and performers’ personal experience with music. Kimberly is an active soloist, orchestral/church ensemble performer, recording artist, presenter/lecturer, private teacher, festival director, conductor and composer. She has performed in the US, Canada and Australia. Kimberly co-hosts Harp Teachers Gathering and has been featured on Beauty of the Harp, Hangin’ with the Harp, Northern Colorado Harp Festival and AHS 2011 Institute. Recordings: Tidings of Joy, Zero Hour, and on the Naxos label with the Fort Smith Symphony. Her next recording project includes original compositions exploring meditative and vibrational benefits.

Kimberly’s passion for teaching focuses on nurturing the love for music and the harp, developing skills and self-expression, and building confidence and polish. She is founding director of Houston Summer Harp Festival and Harp Journeys for Adults. Graduate studies: The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Bachelor of Music - Southern Methodist University.
Kimberly has served on the local, regional and national levels of the American Harp Society. www.harpjourneys.com

KELA WALTON enjoys a varied career as a harp teacher and freelance performer. She began her musical journey at the age of five as a Suzuki piano student. By the age of eleven she finally convinced her parents to let her study harp, and it was love at first lesson. Kela now serves on the faculty at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where she teaches university, pre-college, and continuing education students. She embraces teaching with a fun and loving approach, and has maintained a private studio since 1998. A registered Suzuki instructor, Kela founded the harp program at Buffalo Suzuki Strings. She may be heard on recordings for the Naxos label. She held the position of Interim Principal Harp with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra during the 2017-18 season and has performed with many other orchestras throughout the U.S.

Ms. Walton holds a Master of Music in Harp Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston Moores School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin. Passionate about serving the harp community, Kela is a past Chairman of the Board of Directors for the American Harp Society and is currently Co-chair for the 2027 AHS Harp Ensemble Festival in Texas.  www.kelaharp.com

Schedule and classes are subject to change without prior notice.

“A DAY TRIP”

THE BEGINNING OF THE JOURNEY - Kela Beginning/Early Intermediate level. Designed specifically in mind for those new and newish to the harp, Kela will reinforce the basics - from tuning and hand position to early repertoire that’s attainable and fun to learn. Learn a piece in class to add to your repertoire!

Family Trip
ENSEMBLE PLAYING All levels.
Enjoy making music with others! This is fun and beneficial to harpists of all levels. Those wanting to participate in ensemble playing may choose a part to prepare for 1, 2, or all 3 of the pieces selected. The ensemble will perform at the 7:00 pm concert which is open to the public with free admission. Go to Ensemble Music for details.

Where will you travel next?
THE MUSIC OF AFGHAN PRESS - Mary All levels.
Looking for that next new piece to learn? Mary Radspinner, the founder of Afghan Press (https://afghanpressmusic.com/), talks about the artists represented and plays selections from Afghan Press’ catalog. Come and listen, look and try it out yourself. Music is available for purchase!

Vacation Mode
REFLECTIVE MUSIC - Kimberly All levels.
Focusing on the joy and benefits of simplicity for both the player and the listener. Kimberly discusses how to enjoy reflective music, environments that lend themselves to this genre. She will share her favorite titles and
lead participants through an exercise in creating a piece of their own. You will have the opportunity to hear and try ambient effects on Kimberly’s 30 string electric Camac.

Reading a Map or GPS?
THE SHAPE OF MY HARP - Kimberly All levels.
Do you find yourself looking back and forth from the music to the strings a lot? Do you miss that chord more than you get it? Pieces flow when the hands know where to go! Feeling the shapes, spacings and distances allows you to move freely around your instrument, build confidence and ease of playing. Learn patterns and tips for finding your strings that will raise your comfort and confidence.

Around the Corner - ’TIS THE SEASON! - Kela All levels.
The holidays are coming! Kela will share ideas to develop the repertoire you already have through techniques such as adding introductions, varying verses and creating medleys. Looking for new holiday music? Her vast knowledge of published holiday repertoire will help you find the right arrangements as she demonstrates and offers suggestions.

Vacation Mode
REFLECTIVE MUSIC - Kimberly All levels.
Focusing on the joy and benefits of simplicity for both the player and the listener. Kimberly discusses how to enjoy reflective music, environments that lend themselves to this genre and recommends pieces. Participants will be led through an exercise in creating a piece of their own. You will have the opportunity to hear and try ambient effects on Kimberly’s 30 string electric Camac.

AT THE END OF THE DAY
Chill-axing with Kimberly and special guest Zakariah Roy. Take a deep breathe and soak in the vibes of an electric Camac with handpan drum, bells and native flute.

Enjoy making music with others! This is fun and beneficial to harpists of all levels. Those wanting to participate in ensemble playing may choose a part to prepare for 1, 2, or all 3 of the pieces selected. FEEL FREE to edit your part to your comfort level. The ensemble will perform at the 7:00 pm concert which is open to the public with free admission. You do not have to play in the ensemble but we encourage it!

You will need to PURCHASE your music and prepare the part for the piece(s) you have chosen. Our selections are available at many of the harp vendors available to us. Melody's has created a specific page with these 3 selections (and recordings) for your convenience - https://folkharp.com/harp-journeys-with-kimberly/

1) HARPER'S DELIGHT by Joanne Meis
Intermediate and up. Pedal and lever.  No sharps/no flats.
A tuneful, upbeat piece for non-pedal harp duet or ensemble. 12/8 time, allegretto tempo, no hard rhythms or accidentals, no fancy techniques.

2) LANTAU ISLAND by Haley Hodson
For all levels; Lever and pedal harp. Written with B and E flats. When purchasing this piece, you will have the choice for harp duet, harp trio or harp quartet. Any of the parts will work together so please look at the scanned score pages and decide which best suits your level. Note that the parts for the 2 harps are more involved than the parts for 4 harps (and the trio parts are somewhere in between).
This beautiful piece was written when the composer attended the World Harp Congress in Hong Kong. Lantau Island is the location of the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha statue.  This harp composition depicts peace and happiness.

3) DANCE OF THE HARPS by Meg Robinson Multi-level. Lever and pedal harps. Requires B, E and A flats.
This hauntingly beautiful three-part harp ensemble was commissioned for the opening of a new 2000-seat concert facility, Strathmore Music Hall, in Bethesda, Maryland. Dance of the Harps is presented with an underlying 3/4 accompaniment of swaying rhythm. The melody is shared between the first and second parts, while the third part provides underlying rhythm. The contrasting middle section is faster and jig-like. As the piece comes to its dramatic conclusion, layer upon layer of rich harmonies unfold and become increasingly intense, culminating in a bell-like explosion of syncopated celebratory sound. The piece can be played by an ensemble of all level intermediate lever or pedal harpists, as each of the three parts is written with a different degree of technical difficulty.

Schedule and classes are subject to change without prior notice.

9:00 - 9:30 Check in

9:45 - 11:00 The Beginning of the Journey OR Shape of My Harp

11:15 - 12:15 The Music of Afghan Press

12:15 - 1:15 Lunch provided on-site and Music available for purchase. Open mic for anyone wanting to share a piece.

1:15 - 2:30 Ensemble rehearsal

2:45 - 3:45 'Tis the Season OR Reflective Music

4:15 - 4:45 At the End of the Day - Kimberly performs with special guest Zakariah Roy

5:00 - 5:30 Dress Rehearsal

5:30 - 7:00 Dinner on your own

7:00 - 8:00 Harp Ensemble and Presenters Concert

RENTAL HARPS - are of limited availability and are an extra fee. PLEASE CLICK ON THE EMAIL BELOW kimberlyharp@gmail.com to submit a request no later than October 25th. You will receive notification by November 1st if a rental harp is available to you. Rental fees are paid at the time of check-in with check or cash only. Lever harps - $75. Pedal harps $100.

LUNCH is included and will be provided on-site to all participants. Dietary restrictions and preferences may be noted on the registration form.

REFRESHMENTS Coffee and water and light snacks will be provided throughout the day.

DRESS: Please dress comfortably.

CONCERT DRESS for harp ensemble: Nice casual - dressy.

7:00 CONCERT is free and open to the public. Located in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

ENSEMBLE PLAYING - Do I have to play the ensemble music? You do not have to play in the ensemble but we encourage everyone to try at least one piece. Please edit your part to your comfort level. Observers may find rehearsal fun and informative. Check "Ensemble Music" drop-down for details and descriptions on the music.

Further questions? Text or call Kimberly

at (713) 962-6923 or email kimberlyharp@gmail.com

Rhett Barnwell, Angi Bemiss, Laura Logan Brandenburg, Robbin Gordon-Cartier, Therese Honey, Cindy Horstman, Jan Jennings, Joanna Mell, Mary Radspinner, Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, Louise Trotter and Frank Voltz