Summer Festival Workshops

July 10- 13, 2008

We present the following workshops: (Subject to Change)

WORKSHOPS - 2008

This is a short list of titles. Descriptions have been added at the bottom of this page.

Workshops marked with a double asterisk will receive CEU credit from the MHTP program.

What is a "track" and what workshops are recommended? Press on the word "track" to find out!

BEGINNERS! Special Track for you! Press here!

Workshops open to companions, Press here

For additional general information about workshops, go to the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Page.

Angi Bemiss
1. KISS Weddings - Fri 3:30
2. Lead Sheets - Sun 8:30
3. Copyrights not Wrongs - Sat 1:30

Backyard Music
Build a harp while at the Festival using Backyard Music Kit Fri and Sat mornings beginning at 8:00 am Details TBA

Barbra Bailey Bradley
1. No-Stress Ensemble for Beginners. Fri 1:30

Jerry Brown
1. Designing and Building Harps.Fri 9:30

Pamela Bruner
1. Tension Tamers - Fri 9:30
2. Awakening Your Inner Muse - Sat 9:30
3. Practicing - For Great Results! - Sun 8:30
4. Beginning to Teach Lever Harp - Sat 3:30

Nicolas Carter
1) Learning to play Paraguay's favorite harp melody: "Pajaro Campana - The Bell Bird" - Fri 9:30
**2)Improvisation with traditional Latin American Music, Rhythms - Fri 3:30
**3) Paraguayan Harp techniques. Sat 9:30

Cynthia Cathcart
1) Crossing Fingers - Sat 1:30
2) Goal Setting at the Harp - Fri 3:30
3) Intro to Wire Strung Harp - Fri 1:30

Melissa Collins
**1) Harping Without Harming - (yourself) Fri 1:30
2.Gentle Yoga - Fri 8:00 am
3) Power Yoga - Sat 8:00 am

4) The Very First HArp Workshop Sat 3:30

Kathy de Angelo
Playing in an Irish music session - two workshop sessions. Attend either or both. Sat 1:30 and 3:30

EDIE ELKAN
1)Bedside Harp Report - Sat 1:30 Open to Companions
2) Modes and Scales - Sun 8:30
3) Ooodles of Noodles - Sat 3:30

Gloria Galante
1) Ensemble workshop for intermediate to advanced players. Sat 1:30
**2) Egyptian Music - Fri 3:30
**3) Italian Music - Sat 3:30

Melinda Gardner, RN, CMP and Mona Peck, CMP
**1) Singing and Playing the Songs of Saint Hildegard of Bingen. Sat 9:30
**2) Accompanying the voice in a therapeutic manner Fri 1:30
3)Taize Morning Meditation - Saturday 8:15 am

Martha Gallagher
1) Harp Power - Understanding and Effectively Using Sound Amplification and FX - Fri 1:30
2) An Exciting New World! Exploring and Creating with MIDI Harp - Sat 9:30
3) I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart! The Joy and Mechanics of Songwriting - Sun 8:30

Robbin Gordon -Cartier
1) Ensemble workshop for beginning players - Sat 1:30
2) As the Spirit Leads - playing sacred music in every denomination - Sat 3:30
3) Gadgets and Gizmos Galore - Fri 3:30

Corrina Hewat
**1) Singing with the harp - Scottish Style. Bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Sat 9:30
**2) Learning Traditional Scottish Tunes, by Ear, Part I, bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Fri 3:30
**3) Learning Traditional Scottish Tunes by Ear, Part 2, bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Sun 8:30 Attendees may attend either or both of these workshops. There is new material in each one.

Nancy Hurrell
1. History of the Harp Seminar - Fri 3:30
2. Renaissance Dance Music for the Harp - Sat 1:30
3. Add Variety and Spoice to your gig book. Sun 8:30
Ensemble Music Reading session, using Nancy’s new book Ring of Harps. Nancy's arrangements have become standards in many harp circles. Come to the reading session and find out why! Bring your harp and music stand. Fri 11:30

Cynthy Johnson
Morning Meditation: "Finger - Walking the Labyrinth; for joy, inspiration, celebration or meditation.
Friday 8:15 am.
1) Interested in Becoming a Therapeutic Harpist? Sharing Stories from the Heart through the Harp! Fri 1:30
2. Introduction to Improvising Between the Melodies – for Beginners Sat 9:30
**3. Improvising Between the Melodies – for Intermediate and Advanced Sat 1:30

Sharon Knowles
1) Irish Jigs for all - Sat 1:30
2) The Art of the Strathspey - Sat 3:30
3) The Music of the Scottish composer Neil Gow- Sat 9:30

Joanna Mell
1) Christmas in July - Fri 3:30
2) Peaceful Heart, Peaceful Pieces - Sat 3:30
3) Left-Hand Heaven - Sat 1:30

John Metras
1) Introduction to Cross-strung Harp - Sat 9:30
2) Approaches to Better Sight-Reading on the Harp - Fri 9:30
3) Arranging For Ensembles - Sat 3:30

Jo Morrison
1) Overview of the Celtic Harp - Sun 8:30
2) Celtic tunes for all occasions - Fri 9:30
**3) Oral Scottish Music for beginners - Fri 1:30

Ray Pool
1)Help! I’m supposed to play harp in church this Sunday - Fri 9:30
2) How to play Harp Along with Organ - Sat 1:30
3) How to accompany the Taize refrains using the harp - Sun 8:30

Sue Richards
1)Celtic Ensemble for Music Readers - Fri 1:30
2) How to play Celtic tunes faster - Fri 9:30
3) Celtic Jam - Fri 3:30

Barbara Seidman
**Incorporating Alexander Technique into Harp Playing. - Fri 3:30

Sunita Staneslow
**1) Jewish music for Synagogue, Weddings, Ecumenical services - Sat 1:30
2 and 3 Double work shop on simplicity, musicality, and flexibility in your church playing, Fri 1:30 and 3:30

Harper Tasche
1) A trip around Scandinavia with the harp. Bring harps! - Fri 3:30
**2) Making the Most of your small harp - Sat 3:30
3) Music Theory and Modes with a look at Eb Tuning - Sat 9:30

Bob Tedrow
Introduction to the Concertina - A Hands-on Class. Fri 9:30

Louise Trotter
1) Playing harp music from a piano score. Fri 9:30
2) Stage Presence and Overcoming Stage Fright. Fri 3:30
3) Beginning Composing sat 1:30

Frank Voltz
1. Geography of the Harp - Sat 3:30
2. Finding Leverland - Fri 9:30
3. I Got Rhythm! You've Got Rhythm! Sat 9:30

Workshop Descriptions

Subject to slight change

Angi Bemiss

1. Reading from a Lead Sheet Description : Are you intimidated by the thought of playing from a lead sheet? Have you ever wanted to arrange a favorite song but didn't know where to start? Have you dreamed of being able to play for an hour with only a few pages of music? (No, we don't mean playing the same song over & over!) In this work shop you'll learn how to use lead sheets/fake books to expand your musical horizons. We will discuss the format of fake books, how to create lead sheets in “harp-friendly” keys, chords, left-hand patterns, and some basic arranging secrets. As a bonus, you'll receive two pages of lead sheets already transposed into the key of C. Level – Advanced Beginners/Intermediate. Harp? Bring your harp (tuned in C) and a music stand. Sun 8:30

2. Copy Rights, not Wrongs - Recording, Publishing, Copyrights and Royalties Description : Someone walks up to you as you're playing and asks, “Do you have a CD of your music?” You sheepishly reply, “No, sorry.” You've heard that it's too hard or too expensive. And, aren't copyrights really tricky? This work shop will address your concerns and answer your questions. We will cover the basics of 1) making a CD, 2) royalties and licensing, and 3) publishing original compositions and/or your arrangements of others' compositions. For CDs, we will discuss the basics of music selection, recording studios & engineers, and manufacturers. Then, we'll cover the facts about copyrights, as well as the process of obtaining permission for usage and the payment of royalties -- hopefully dispelling some common misconceptions about it being a difficult, even prohibitive, process. Recording & publishing are fun, and we will look at ways to do it easily & legally. Level – All. . Sat 1:30 Open to Companions

3. KISS Weddings – Keeping It Simple & Serene Description : Does the thought of playing your harp for a wedding frighten you? Or, have you ever arrived at a wedding gig in a tizzy because you didn't “have your ducks in a row?” This work shop could be titled “The Scout's Guide for a Wedding Harpist.” (The scout motto is “Be Prepared.”) Angi is a management consultant who has used her organizational skills to develop a basic, well thought-out system for wedding harpists. We will discuss the entire process, from the initial conversation with the bride-to-be to your “Wedding Notebook.” We'll talk about essential repertoire and supplemental pieces, plus what to carry in your “Gig Bag.” The combination of a logical system and a reliable repertoire will serve you well. You'll look forward to weddings, and you'll show up well-prepared and serene! Level – Intermediate and Advanced. Fri 9:30

Barbra Bailey Bradley
1. No-Stress Ensemble for Beginners. Bring your harps and try these easy and tuneful trio arrangements that Barbra has perfected with the Washington Area Folk Harp Society. There is no performance venue - but there will be a jam on Saturday evening to play this music again. Music will be provided. Perfect for the beginner! Fri 1:30

Jerry Brown
1. Designing and Building Harps. The fundamentals of harp design and construction, de-mystifying such topics as harmonic curves, string analysis, harp acoustics, and other elusive challenges of the trade, and helping hobbyists succeed in producing performance quality home-made harps Fri 9:30 Open to Companions.

Pamela Bruner
1. Tension Tamers
'I played it perfectly at home!' We've all said this, but what causes those differences in playing level? Usually it's tension - even a small amount of tension in the muscles can throw off the fine motor movements of harp playing. You'll learn a wide variety of tools and tips for releasing this tension, before and during your harp performance - even if it's just for your teacher! You'll experience the freedom to make each playing experience your best! Open to all levels, no harp required. Fri 9:30

2. Awakening Your Inner Muse
How do you bring creativity to your playing? Do you feel that playing the harp is an exciting adventure that you undertake in partnership with your harp, or is it a skill to be mastered? This is not an improvisation workshop, or an arranging workshop, but something more than both - a unique way to relate to the musical expression within you, so whether you're playing from music, or improvising, you express yourself on the harp in a way that feels exciting, new, and creative! Open to all levels, harp required. Sat 9:30

3. Practicing - For Great Results!
Do you feel like you practice and practice, but don't really learn anything new? Or do you have very little practice time, but still want to make real progress? This workshop is for you! We'll go over exactly how to practice to learn new pieces in record time, and really KNOW them. You'll also be able to take on new, more challenging pieces if you wish, or play more effortlessly at your current level. We'll also cover tips on fingering and brackets, so your playing is smooth and flowing. Beginner - intermediate, harp suggested. Sun 8:30

4. Beginning to Teach Lever Harp
Perhaps you've had requests to teach harp, or you've already been showing some friends the basics.  Are you ready to move into having a teaching studio?  We'll look at questions such as 'Am I ready to teach?'  'What do I need to know?'  and 'How should I best set up my teaching studio?'  You'll know if teaching the harp is right for you, and be able to set up your teaching studio with confidence!  This workshop is open to all teachers and prospective teachers, no harp required. Sat 3:30

Nicolas Carter
1) Learning to play Paraguay's favorite harp melody: "Pajaro Campana - The Bell Bird" We will explore this composition in detail, practice the Paraguayan polca rhythym and learn some traditional Paraguayan techniques used in this composition. Recommended for advanced students. Fri 9:30

2)Improvisation with traditional Latin American Music, Rhythms - explore the differing styles and rhythms of the Paraguayan Polca, Venezuelan Joropo, Cuban Cha Cha, Colombian Cumbia, Andean Huano - etc. Fri 3:30

3) Paraguayan Harp techniques. A workshop to practice some of the unique techniques developed by Latin American harpists, such as the tremolo, the staccato bass plucking, the muffle glissando, etc Bring Harps! Sat 9:30

Cynthia Cathcart
1) Crossing Fingers. Crossing Fingers is a technique that works for beginners to advanced players. Cynthia just added it herself a couple of years ago, inspired by the study of early music fingering techniques. Crossing Fingers is the answer to playing descending and ascending passages with an evenness and grace that many harpers struggle to achieve. It is useful in resolving problem passages in your current tunes, or as a nimble new skill for your future repertoire. Do bring a harp: you really must try this technique to realize its worth! Sat 1:30

2) Goal Setting at the Harp - Many people simply bounce from tune to tune, adding to their repertoire in a haphazard fashion. Do you feel frustrated, sensing that there must be more to music than just knowing a bunch of tunes? It is the goal of this workshop to help you discover a purpose for your music, to realize where it can take you, and then lay out a path that will get you there. Beware – you may find that you need to change your approach to practicing.Fri 3:30 Open to Companions

3) Intro to Wire Strung Harp -Whether you have recently welcomed the wire strung harp into your home, have one that you bought years ago and are feeling guilty about neglecting, or even if you are merely considering exploring the harp with metal strings, this workshop is for you! Basic wire-strung harp technique, care, repertoire and resources for study will be presented, all with the aim of giving you the courage to make this strange and wonderful instrument your own. Fri 1:30 Open to Companions

Melissa Collins
1. Harping Without Harming - (yourself) Do you relentlessly push your body to get through the 3 hour gig or have a sore back, neck or wrists every time you play? This workshop will help undo the damage caused by overuse and misuse and help develop habits to eliminate many of these problems. Fri 1:30 Open to Companions
You will learn:
• self massage, partner massage and acupressure to relax and renew tight bodies.
• PNF Resistance Stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) to gently open those tight areas harpists frequently experience.
• Breathing exercises to activate energy
• How to relax without trying
• You will also feel great!

2.Gentle Yoga - Never done yoga before and are curious about it? Or perhaps you already practice and just want to come to a class. In this session you will experience the benefits of breathing, moving and relaxing in "yoga style". Come stretch body and mind and discover the ultimate relaxation. All levels. Fri 8:15

3) Power Yoga - This is a dynamic style of yoga in which traditional postures are melded together in an uninterrupted flow of movement. The practice in challenging, calming, and fun. Start your day with deep breathing, stretching and strengthening. All levels Sat 8:15

4) The Very First Harp Workshop Discover the joy of harp playing in this workshop for novices. If you know nothing about the harp this is the class for you. Absolutely no musical experience is required!
By the end of the session you will be able to:
Play a familar tune
play in two harp ensembles
improvise a tune
Added bonus: you will fall in love with the harp.
Bring a harp if you have one. Some harps will be provided and we can share. IF YOU ARE A TEACHER, or plan to teach young children,you would benefit from observing Melissa teach this class! Companions Welcome. Sat 3:30

Kathy de Angelo -
Playing in an Irish music session: Kathy does 2 back-to-back workshops on how to be a harp player amongst the variety of instruments and personalities at an Irish music seisiún. She’ll teach accompaniment techniques for keeping up with the fast fiddles and there will be lots and lots of hands-on practice with some tune “standards.” Live non-harp playing musicians provide the backdrop for the practice. Recorded music will also be used. Also covered will be the finer points of session etiquette as well as participants sharing their session stories. Participants are then encouraged to attend the Saturday night session at 10pm to apply their new gutsy style. Sat 1:30 and 3:30 with session to follow in the evening. Open to Companions!

Edie Elkan
1. MODES AND MOODS AND EXOTIC SCALES, OH MY! A hands-on workshop where you will not only finally understand what’s what with modes and scales generally, but make some beautiful music. Featuring Cindy Kleinstuber Blevins’ Perceptions Sun 8:30
2. OODLES OF NOODLES: Bring your harp, and your fingers and we will proceed to make sensational sounds as we come to understand how easy it truly is to make our harps sing! Sat 3:30
3. THE BEDSIDE HARP REPORT: Bedside Harp’s unique hospital-based harp therapy program enters its 7th year of bringing beautiful music, healing and hope to thousands of patients in five hospitals. Learn how this unique program works and why it has won wide acclaim and recognition throughout healthcare. Open to Companions Sat 1:30

Gloria Galante
1) Ensemble workshop for intermediate to advanced players. The Somerset Folk Harp Ensemble will once again perform in a concert at Somerset! This workshop is for the intermediate to advanced players. Music will be provided ahead of time so that harpers can be prepared when they arrive at this workshop. There will be another practice session joining with the beginner section, just before the concert. If you want to take this workshop and play in the concert, you must contact a music seller - such as the Virginia Harp Center (www.vaharpcenter.com) to get the music ahead of time. From Two Harps Plus by Joyce Rice, Danny Boy, The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls; Gail Barber's Mexican Serenade; and The Ash Grove - by Claudia Place
. Sat 1:30

2) Egyptian Music The builders of the great pyramids of Gizah lived under the IV dynasty. About the same time appeared the first harps. Harps became the most important instruments of Egyptian culture. Gloria Galante will present a brief historical knowledge. We will mainly focus on simple music that you can play on your harp, basic rhythms and dance. Please bring your tuned harps, we'll supply the percussion instruments if anyone would like to improve their rhythm skills.Fri 3:30 Open to Companions

3) Italian Music A real repertoire builder! Lovely romantic music appropriate for weddings and much appreciated in retirement homes. The music of Italy ranges across a broad spectrum of opera and instrumental classical music, the traditional styles of the country's different regions, and a body of popular music drawn from both native
and imported sources. Bring your harps and learn some of the Italian innovations such as Canzone Napoletana that form an important part of the Italian music genre. Short historical presentation presented by professor Gloria Galante and Martina Finocchiaro from Sicily. Sat 3:30

Melinda Gardner, RN, CMP and Mona Peck, CMP
1) Singing and Playing the Songs of Saint Hildegard of Bingen. Composer, author, visionary, healer, naturalist, artist, dramatist, friend and contemporary to Kings, Queens and Popes: Hildegard of Bingen is recognized as a creative and influential genius of the 12th century.Learn more about this unusual woman and her extraordinary and healing music. We will celebrate her unique style and will teach workshop participants how to generally interpret, play and/or sing Hildegard’s many songs. Participants will learn one or two songs that has been transcribed from the neumes, enabling them to accompany the voice or play the piece instrumentally. Level: all, Harps optional Sat 9:30

2) Accompanying the voice in a therapeutic manner Using the adage of “less is more”, this workshop will demonstrate the different ways to accompany the voice with the harp in a therapeutic manner. While showing examples of “regular” accompaniment, we will examine the basic elements of music which use their qualities to affect responses. We will uncover subtle nuance in rhythm, melody, and harmony to change the music which in turn makes it relaxing and soothing to the listener. We will learn one piece, while demonstrating and discussing ways to change favorite pieces to music suitable for the sick and dying.. Harps optional. All levels. Fri 1:30

Taize Morning Meditation - Saturday

Martha Gallagher
1. Harp Power - Understanding and Effectively Using Sound Amplification and FX
Whether you’re looking to amplify your acoustic harp or you’ve just bought a brand new acoustic/electric or solid-body electric harp, this workshop is here to help demystify the world of power and sound amplification. Wires, amps, pick-ups, direct boxes, mixers, and FX!! (Move on over, Tim, The Tool Man, Taylor!) We will work through what the basics equipment for sound amplification does and how to choose it, wire it and use it effective, for acoustic, acoustic/electric and electric harps. Instruments are helpful for this workshop, but not essential. Participants will have the opportunity to work with the harps and sound equipment that will be provided for this session. Using an array of harps and sound equipment, the many aspects of sound reinforcement will be covered in a fun and easy to understand manner:
-Learn the basics of the equipment
-what you do need
-what you don’t need
-how to wire it
-how to use it effectively
-how to build on the basics
-the wicked cool world of FX!
LEVEL: All levels
This workshop is geared for players who are novices or not as onfident as they would like to be with the technical aspects of sound amplification. Open to Companions. Fri 1:30

2.An Exciting New World! Exploring and Creating with MIDI Harp
The classic strengths and beauty of the harp meet cutting-edge technology in the MIDI harp. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology is currently being applied to the harp by only a few harpmakers in the world. Think Enya if you want to scratch the surface of the kinds of music and sounds available to the MIDI harp player! This workshop is an introduction to the exciting possibilities of performing, recording and scoring with the MIDI harp. The MIDI harp is played like a harp, but has no sound of its own. It must access a digital sampler (often called a synthesizer) to create and produce its sounds, from harp-like to a full orchestra, from a brass choir to science fiction movie monster soundscapes! A hands-on demonstration will include scoring works using Sibelius software. The workshop will also include hands-on exploration of using sampled sounds in performance and recording. It’s a very creative experience - leave your tech fears behind and come join in the fun! LEVEL: All levelsThis workshop is ideal for any musician who has a creative and inquisitive streak. Digital, technical, geeky knowledge not a requirement; curiosity is! Don’t let tech intimidation stifle your creativity! Instruments are not needed at this workshop. Open to Companions. Sat 9:30

3. I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart! The Joy and Mechanics of Songwriting
This workshop explores the wonderful world of writing your own songs. We will be working primarily with songs, but will include some work on writing instrumental pieces as well. Getting started, finding the right words, structuring the music, and getting the song to a finished form will be covered.
Workshop includes, but is not limited to:
- Song ideas - what are they and how do you find them
- Being creative with your thoughts and words
- The right melody for the right song
- Putting all those ideas together into a coherent song
LEVEL: All levels
This is a great workshop for any musician who wishes to expand into writing their own material. There are some really fun ways to start your creative songwriting juices flowing - no fear, only the fun of discovery and creativity! We’ll also use pieces of finished music and trace backwards its progress from start to finish. If you have snippets of songs that you’d like to share, please bring them, as there will be time to play some and explore the possibilities. Instruments are recommended for this workshop. Open to Companions. Sun 8:30

Robbin Gordon -Cartier
1.Ensemble workshop for beginning players. The Somerset Folk Harp Ensemble will once again perform in a concert at Somerset! This workshop is for the beginning players. Music will be provided ahead of time so that harpers can be prepared when they arrive at this workshop. There will be another practice session joining with the intermediate section, just before the concert. If you want to take this workshop and play in the concert, you must contact Robbin at harpspirits@mac.com to get the music ahead of time. Sat 1:30

2. As the Spirit Leads Explore the sacred world of repertoire with stylistic approaches, arrangements and guidelines. The harp has been used for spiritual endeavors since the beginning of time. The question is: “What fits where?” Learn which denominations use what music and the different ways they are played. Be able to go to from a synagogue to a Pentecostal church with ease and assurance. Part of the “Sacred Music Track” Sat 3:30

3. Gadgets and Gizmos Galore - Have you ever wondered how all of the different tuners, metronomes, mics and speakers really work. Come get hands on instruction and practice on some of the lowest tech to the highest tech equipment available for harpists! Companions Welcome. Fri 3:30 Open to Companions

Corrina Hewat
1) Singing with the harp - Scottish song. Bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Lullabies are one way to tell the tales of the past, present and future, and are usually on a very personal level only, from mother to child. Corrina will take you through some of these beautiful Scottish melodies on the harp. You will find these loving sleep-inducing tales range widely in content; from dandling songs, funny nonsense songs through to stories of love and loss, separation and death with a healthy dose of the supernatural in there too. These Scottish tunes are sometimes straightforward, sometimes unusual, and incredibly fun to arrange, and can be sung or played or both. This is a participatory workshop, taught by ear, although music is available for those who want it. Sat 9:30

2) Learning Traditional Scottish Tunes, by Ear, Part I. Bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Attendees may attend either or both of these workshops. There is new material in each one. Corrina will bring some good Scottish dance tunes to these workshops, including a strathspey, march and reel written in the last two centuries, which will be quick to learn and exciting to arrange. She will incorporate some technical exercises to help you in fingering the tunes, and will suggest her own ideas for arrangement. This is a participatory workshop which will be taught by ear, music will be available at the end. Fri 3:30

3) Learning Traditional-style Scottish Tunes by Ear, Part 2. Bring harps. Intermediate to Advanced Players. Attendees may attend either or both of these workshops. There is new material in each one. Corrina will bring some more unusual, traditional-style tunes to these workshops. As Scotland's musical traditions are constantly evolving, Corrina would like to share some inspiring new tunes written for the harp within the last decade. She will incorporate some technical exercises to help you in fingering the tunes, and will suggest her own ideas for arrangement. This is a participatory workshop which will be taught by ear, music will be available at the end. Sun 8:30

Nancy Hurrell
1. HISTORY OF THE HARP Lecture - Demonstration Nancy will play examples of music from different periods on several reproduction harps. What did your harp's ancestors look like?! Viewing slides (from the MFA Collection) of the earliest depictions of harps, we'll explore the history of our instrument. The talk includes the development of the harp in Ireland and Wales with illustrations of the music, the famous harpers and composers, the music festivals, and the instruments. Open to Companions - Fri 3:30

2. RENAISSANCE DANCE MUSIC FOR HARP
Play two renaissance dances from the 16th c. and also learn the dance steps! Improvise in the renaissance style. We'll discuss where to find early music and how the harp fits into an ensemble. All harps are welcome; bring a music stand for sight reading.Sat 1:30 Open to Companions.

3. ADD VARIETY & SPICE TO YOUR GIG BOOK!
Background music today must have variety and interest for the listener. Selections from classical to popular music, plus Latin and other types, are fun to play on the harp. The workshop explores repertoire sources, survival tips on the job, and technical ideas for harp players to spice up your playing! Using a piano arrangement, we'll make a harp arrangement of a popular song. Sun 8:30

Ensemble Music Reading session, using Nancy’s new book Ring of Harps. Nancy’s arrangements have become standards in many harp circles. Come to the reading session and find out why! Bring your harp and music stand. Fri 11:30

Cynthy Johnson
Morning Meditation: "Finger - Walking the Labyrinth; for joy, inspiration, celebration or meditation.
The Labyrinth is a found in many traditions, for centuries, all over the world. By walking the Labyrinth on the floor, or by walking by tracing its path with your fingers, it becomes a mirror for where you are in your life as it touches your sorrows and your joys. There are no tricks and no dead ends; but a deeply meditative experience. Enjoy a beautiful morning meditation "finger-walking" your own Labyrinth, that will supplied, among gentle flowing fountains and accompanying harp music. Allow this mediative experience to lead you upon your own journey of discovery, inspiration or celebration. After completing the journey, you may want to think back what you wish to "take back" with you to into the world as you begin your day. Friday 8:15 am.

1. Interested in Becoming a Therapeutic Harpist? Sharing Stories from the Heart through the Harp!
Have you thought about or wanted to know more about becoming a therapeutic harpist? Do you want to know what it is like in the day of the life a of therapeutic harpist? This workshop is for you!!! Cynthy Johnson, Certified Therapeutic Harp Pracitioner will share with you her many joys of being a therapeutic harpist in hospitals, hospices, assisted living facilites, and holistic healing centers from her past 5 years of experience. This is an informal workshop where Cynthy will share some of the stories that have left footprints on her heart. It is an interactive workshop where you can ask questions about therapeutic harp work, jobs, harps, and other information. Bring yourself and bring your significant other; this workshop is informational and informal!Open to Companions Fri 1:30

2. Introduction to Improvising Between the Melodies – for Beginners
This workshop will present simple and inspirational instruction for beginners to start to improvise within simple tunes. It will introduce, through the use of simple, chord triad building blocks, how to bring improvisation into simple melodies in the RH. In addition, beginners will begin to immediately improvise in one Pentatonic Scale and develop their own, unique melodies. Bring your harp, music stand and get ready to be inspired and create! Prerequisites: Basic note reading in the treble clef, basic formation of simple chord triads. Sat 9:30

3. Improvising Between the Melodies – for Intermediate and Advanced
This workshop will offer a variety of techniques for the Intermediate and Advanced players to build improvisation between melodies of known pieces; bring LH patterns into RH melodies, build cadences, color RH melodies, and even change rhythm and timing to form a whole new piece! Bring your harp, music stand and get ready to create and shape shift your music! Prerequisite: A foundational understanding of music theory; Circle of 5ths, Chord Formation, LH Patterning. Sat 1:30

Sharon Knowles

1. Irish Jigs for all. Advanced Beginner, harp required.
Students can expect to do a little music and movement at the beginning of this class! Sharon will teach be ear how to play Irish jigs with the traditional lilt in the music, more commonly known as "nyah"! The class will cover single, double and slip jigs. At least one jig will be taught in full. Written music will be handed out at the beginning of the class for those who find learning by ear a problem.
Sat 1:30
2. The Art of the Strathspey - Advanced, harp required.
This is a powerful tune type unique to Scotland. Sharon will teach by ear an example of one of the strathspeys required for Highland dancing competitions. Additional music may be taught or at least handed out. There will be examples of strathspeys played on other instruments. Written music will be handed out at the beginning of the class for those who find learning by ear a problem . Sat 3:30
3. The Music of the Scottish composer Neil Gow General Interest, harps required.Niel Gow was an eighteenth century fiddle player and he and the members of his family wrote many compositions that still hugely influence the Scottish music scene. His sons  continued this tradition well into the nineteenth century. The class will learn some of his music. He wrote many beautiful airs as well as dance music. Written music will be handed out at the beginning of the class for those who find learning by ear a problem.
- Sat 9:30

Joanna Mell
1. Christmas in July It's not too early to get your Christmas/Hanukah/Winter Celebration material ready!  This workshop will focus on arranging traditional Winter Celebration pieces for lever harp, as well as help the harper come up with new, fresh arrangements of perennial tunes.  We will be going over music of the last six centuries, starting with "Veni, Veni Emmanuel" through all the familiar carols, wassail songs, etc. and ending up in the 21st century with "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and even attempting "SleighRide" (yikes!).  There will also be a few Hanukah melodies thrown in.  So bring your favorite Christmas/Yuletide/Winter tunes and give them a makeover! Fri 3:30
2. Peaceful Heart, Peaceful Pieces - a workshop for all harpers who want to play without anxiety, and bring peace to their own hearts and their playing, either public or private. Geared to both the therapeutic harpist AND the harpist with performance anxiety. Sat 3:30
3. Left-Hand Heaven - a workshop dedicated to enhancing the possibilities of left-hand arranging and accompanying. Starting with single notes and working up to chords and left-hand patterns, we will go from very simple to very complex, discussing exercises and harmony along the way. Lots of hand-outs to take home. Sat 1:30

John Metras
1. Introduction to Cross-strung Harp
This class delves into the fascinating world of the chromatic cross-strung harp. Participants will learn about its history in its various forms and will hear musical examples showing how the instrument can play music of all styles with all the “juicy” chords that are often eliminated in lever harp playing. Participants will have the opportunity in class to try playing melodies, chords and scales on a cross-strung harp. Bring a stand and a cross-strung harp if you have one, but cross-strung harps will be provided if needed. All ability levels welcome. Open to Companions. Sat 9:30

2. Approaches to Better Sight-Reading on the Harp
This class provides techniques for improving one’s ability to sight-read new music. Musical examples will be provided with the opportunity to practice these techniques during the class. Ability to read simple music is required and bringing a harp and music stand is recommended. Level: Adv. Beginner – Intermediate. Fri 9:30

3. Arranging For Ensembles
Would you like to make a cool arrangement for your harp circle? Perhaps you want to incorporate some other instruments. This class will discuss various ways of arranging ensemble pieces and troubleshooting the parts before they’re handed out to the group. Harps or other instruments are welcome but not required for the class. Level: Intermediate. Open to Companions. Sat 3:30

Jo Morrison and Wayne Morrison as Port Righ
1. Overview of the Celtic harp: An introductory overview of the history, folklore, and music of the Celtic harp. Lecture with harp music – designed as an introduction, not for those that already know lots about the harp. Beginners, companions, and those simply curious. No harp required. Jo Morrison, instructor. Open to Companions. Sun 8:30

2. Celtic tunes for all occasions -- A discussion of Celtic tunes that work well for weddings, funerals, parties, and other events, including a number of less-common choices, as well as the “standards.” What makes a tune inappropriate for a wedding will also be discussed, with examples. This will be further explored by discussing when to ignore the inappropriateness of the tune. If time allows, additional tips and advice for dealing with these types of gigs will be discussed. All levels. No harp required. Port Righ instructors. Fri 9:30

3. Oral Scottish Music for beginners - The instructor will teach one or two simple but beautiful Scottish tunes orally, with music handed out at the end of the class. Jo Morrison, instructor. Fri 1:30

Slow Celtic Session for Beginners - Although open to anyone, this session will be designed to be easily accessible for those who are not used to playing in sessions. Although we will certainly do a fair number of slow tunes, "slow" here does not mean the session is limited to slow tunes, but rather that we will provide assistance with playing along in a session by either using music/lead sheets or by giving information about the key and chords in the tune. Dance
tunes and upbeat tunes are welcome! We will begin with some "with music" session playing, using the Beginning Harper's Tunebook. (If you have a copy, please bring it along. There will be some copies available to borrow for the duration of the session.) We will also open the floor to those attending to share a tune they think might be a good session tune. Come ready to play a tune through for us once, and have people join in after. Try to know what key and chords you use on the tune ahead of time so we can discuss this before we begin. Open to players of any instrument. Port Righ, leaders. Friday evening after the concert.

Ray Pool
1)Help! I’m supposed to play harp in church this Sunday. Review the various performance skills that will enhance your service playing.  Simple-to-complex improvisation patterns, performance from a "fakebook" of liturgical melodies, accompaniment patterns for solo voice, handbells or congregational singing and even modulation patterns will be the foundation of this class.  It's a "musical toolbox" for all situations that works particularly well in church. Bring Harps and music stands. Fri 9:30
2) How to play Harp Along with Organ There are many useful arrangements for harp and organ.  We'll name a few. But there are MORE pieces that have never been prepared for your personal benefit.  Learn how to do some instant arranging.  You don't have to do everything all the time.  In fact, quite often, the less you do -- the better it will sound.  We'll talk about textures, voicings and tonal combinations to benefit your performance. Straight forward service music will take on new colors with some predictable arranging patterns. Bring Harps and music stands - Sat 1:30
3) How to accompany the Taize refrains using the harp Meditative singing is becoming a very effective part of prayer services.  A simple eight measure melody that is repeated again and again creates an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation.  Learn a dozen patterns that facilitate this style of accompaniment. Bring Harps and music stands - Sun 8:30

Sue Richards - all on Friday
1. How to play Celtic Tunes faster Fri 9:30 - 11:00 Are you one of those bemused by the speeed with which Celtic music is played? Come and let an expert help you with exercises and techniques to play faster.

2. Celtic Ensemble for Music Readers Fri 1:30 - 3:00 Bring harps and music stands

3.Celtic Ensemble for Music Readers- Fri 3:30 - 5:00 A chance for more advanced Celtic players to get together with Sue before she leaves for Alaska. Bring Harps and music stands. Observers and companions welcome.

Barbara Seidman
Incorporating Alexander Technique into Harp Playing. Alexander Technique, named for its founder F. M. Alexander is performance ease through dynamic body adjustment. Barbara Seidman, a harpist in the Washington DC area, studied it in order to improve her own playing, and had that study transform her teaching as well. This workshop will demonstrate its influence on harp technique. Fri 3:30

Sunita Staneslow
1. Jewish Music—for weddings and synagogue services. How to sound more ‘Jewish'.  What to play? What not to play? And when? Ideas for playing for ecumenical services in churches (healing, Lent, Holocaust Remembrance Day, etc.) Basically give people ideas and confidence when asked to play Jewish music. Can also be helpful to add to repertoire for therapeutic harpers who may have Jewish patients. Sat 1:30

2. The Art of Simplicity in Playing Church Services for Beginners. Sunita will use hymns and psalms as examples. How to simplify from a piano part or hymnal and make a beautiful introduction or interlude so it doesn't sound dumbed down. This workshop is for harpists who are just beginning to play for their own churches Fri 1:30

3. The Art of Simplicity in Playing church services for Intermediate Harpers This workshop is for people who are more seasoned professionals but would like some ideas on breaking away from the notes or written arrangements so that they can follow the flow of the service and feel like it is less work---be in the moment---this is the power and joy of simplicity. Sunita's focus  is on the music and the skills needed to play liturgical music without losing the purpose of being part of something sacred. Fri 3:30

Harper Tasche
1. A trip around Scandinavia with the harp. Bring harps! Something different for your gig book. Fri 1:30

2. Making the Most of your small harp For lovers and players of the small harp - bring yours to the workshop. This is Harper’s Signature Class. He makes it clear that the small harp is a serious musical instrument - not just training wheels for a bigger harp! Any level. If you play the small harp and have not yet attended this workshop you should plan to do so in 2008. Sat 3:30

3. Music Theory and Modes with a look at Eb Tuning covers about a year of music school theory in 90 minutes -- rudiments of music (pitch, rhythm, harmony, texture), notation systems and how they got that way, intervals, scales, keys and key signatures, circle of fifths, triads of all kinds, altered chords, common chord progressions, and the seven common Western modes (identifying theoretical characteristics of each, where each is usually found, typical chord progression in each, and a tune fragment to help remember how each mode sounds). Again, harps not needed. Great for beginners or players who are weak in theory, or for those who want a good refresher.Sat 9:30

Bob Tedrow
Introduction to the Concertina A Hands-on Class. Learn how to play this popular solo instrument that is often used with harp! am. Companions Welcome. Fri 9:30

Louise Trotter
1) Playing harp music from a piano score. What to play and what to leave out. Using “Easy Piano” books. Fri 9:30

2) Stage Presence and Overcoming Stage Fright. Creating your own “stage persona.” and being comfortable with it! Fri 3:30

3) Beginning Composing - Use Melody, harmony, rhythm, and form to create simple pieces Sat 1:30

Frank Voltz
1. Geography of the Harp- DON'T LET THE TITLE FOOL YOU! 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. Good for all levels but especially recommended for Beginners. Sat 3:30

2. Finding Leverland - Everything you always wanted to know about levers but were afraid to ask. Recommended for Beginners and anyone who wants to use the full capability of the lever harp. Fri 9:30

3. I Got Rhythm! This hands-on workshop will start with the basic building blocks of rhythm (time signature, notes, beats, etc.) and move into different rhythmic patterns. We’ll learn value of rhythmic patterns in the left hand for playing lead sheets, and once you get the hang of that, we ’ll explore rhythms for other musical traditions. Some will be easy, and some will be challenging. There will be lots of clapping and tapping, and you ’ll be able to immediately translate these rhythmic concepts to the harp, so bring along your instrument if you can. By the end of the class, you will be excited about rhythms —both old and new—and you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to your playing. Sat 9:30

WHAT IS A TRACK?

A track is a series of workshops designed to meet a specific need or to address a topic. For most tracks, there is one workshop in each period that fits into the track. The tracks are listed for convenience in your planning. Attendees are welcome to “jump the track” and take the workshops that suit them best! In any track or no track at all.

Somerset on the Potomac has four “tracks” this year, as well as loads of other workshops.

Church Music Track
Fri 9:30 Ray Pool - Help! I’m supposed to Play in Church this Sunday
Fri 1:30 Sunita -The Art of Simplicity in Playing Church Services for Beginners
Fri 3:30 Sunita - The Art of Simplicity in Playing Church Services, Intermediate Level
Sat 9:30 Sunita - Jewish Music
Sat 1:30 Ray Pool - How to play harp with Organ
Sat 3:30 Robbin Gordon-Cartier - As the Spirit Leads
Sun 9:30 Ray Pool - How to accompany the Taize refrains using the harp

Celtic Music Track I
Fri 9:30 Jo Morrison - Celtic tunes for all occasions
Fri 1:30 Jo Morrison - Oral Scottish Music for beginners
Fri 3:30 Corinna Hewat - Learning Traditional Scottish Tunes, by Ear, Part I
Sat 9:30 Sharon Knowles - The Music of the Scottish composer Neil Gow
Sat 1:30 Sharon Knowles - Irish Jigs for All
Sat 3:30 Sharon Knowles - The Art of the Strathspey
Sun 8:30 Jo Morrison -Overview of the Celtic harp

Celtic Music Track II
Fri 9:30 Sue Richards - How to play Celtic Tunes faster
Fri 1:30 Sue Richards - Celtic Ensemble for Music Readers
Fri 3:30 Sue Richards - Celtic Jam for advanced players
Sat 9:30 Corinna Hewat - Singing with the harp - Scottish song
Sat 1:30 Kathy De Angelo - How to Play in an Irish Session - Part I
Sat 3 :30 Kathy De Angelo - How to Play in an Irish Session - Part II
Sun 8:30 Corinna Hewat - Learning Traditional Scottish Tunes, by Ear, Part II

Beginners - suitable for all levels, but especially for beginners
A beginner may take ANY workshop, but these are particularly recommended.
Fri 9:30 Jo Morrison - Celtic tunes for all occasions
Fri 9:30 Angi Bemiss - KISS Weddings
Fri 1:30 Jo Morrison - Oral Scottish Music for beginners
Fri 1:30 Sunita -The Art of Simplicity in Playing Church Services for Beginners
Fri 1:30 Barbra Bailey Bradley - No-Stress Ensemble for Beginners
Fri 3:30 Cynthia Cathcart - Goal Setting at the Harp
Sat 9:30 Cynthy Johnson - Introduction to Improvising Between the Melodies – for Beginners
Sat 1:30 Sharon Knowles - Irish Jigs for All
Sat 1:30 Louise Trotter - Beginning to Compose
Sat 3:30 Frank Voltz - The Geography of the Harp
Sun 8:30 Jo Morrison -Overview of the Celtic harp
Sun 8:30 Angi Bemiss - Reading from a Lead Sheet

Companions

Companions Welcome - There are quite a few workshops that apply to musicians in general - some of them encourage the companion to bring an instrument. Some are of general interest and we think will be interesting to harp companions.

Fri 9:30 Jerry Brown Designing and Building Harps
Fri 9:30 Bob Tedrow - Introduction to the Concertina
Fri 1:30 Cynthia Cathcart - Intro to Wire Strung Harp
Fri 1:30 Melissa Collins - Harping Without Harming - (yourself)
Fri 1:30 Martha Gallagher - Harp Power - Understanding and Effectively Using Sound Amplification and FX
Fri 1:30 Cynthy Johnson - Interested in Becoming a Therapeutic Harpist? Sharing Stories from the Heart through the Harp!
Fri 3:30 Sue Richards - Celtic Jam for advanced players
Fri 3:30 Cynthia Cathcart - Goal Setting at the Harp
Fri 3:30 - Gloria Galante - Egyptian Music
Fri 3:30 Robbin Gordon -Cartier - Gadgets and Gizmos Galore
Fri 3:30 Nancy Hurrell - History of the Harp Lecture - Demonstration
Sat 9:30 Martha Gallagher - An Exciting New World! Exploring and Creating with MIDI Harp
Sat 9:30 John Metras - Introduction to Cross-strung Harp
Sat 1:30 Kathy De Angelo - How to Play in an Irish Session - Part I
Sat 1:30 Angi Bemiss - Copy Rights, not Wrongs - Recording, Publishing, Copyrights and Royalties
Sat 1:30 Edie Elkan - the Bedside Harp Report
Sat 1:30 Nancy Hurrell - Renaissance Dance Music for Harp
Sat 3 :30 Kathy De Angelo - How to Play in an Irish Session - Part II
Sat 3:30 Melissa Collins-Your very first Harp Workshop
Sat 3:30 John Metras - Arranging For Ensembles
Sun 8:30 Jo Morrison -Overview of the Celtic harp
Sun 8:30 Martha Gallagher- I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart! The Joy and Mechanics of Songwriting