Harp Blog

Harp Education

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 22:51:54 -0700

Clark Elementary School

Valley Christian Open House

Summer Wedding Class Preparation

ASTA CAP

SJAM NEW Building

January and February News 2

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 19:20:51 -0800

Angelic Harp is pleased to present community out reach recitals!

This gives young students the opportunity to learn the joys of sharing their music.

1. April 9th Saratoga Community Retirement Home:
14500 Fruitvale Ave Saratoga CA
“Odd Fellow Fellowship Hall”

2:00-3:00-pm
$10 charge to cover costs

2. April 30th Valley Christian’s Ladies Tea
VC Highschool
12:30-2:30
- VC elementary and junior high ensembles requested

3. May 7th Santana Row Stage (whether permitting)

4:30-7:30p, (concert is 5:30-6:30pm)

- This event will be more involved so please ask how you can volunteered to help make this a smooth concert

- $10 donation to cover costs as well as please sing up to help.

4. May 14 Valley Christian Festival of Arts
All day – performance times TBA

VC Harp Ensemble requested to perform

Star Students of Jan + Feb
Remember to update your practice log once a week to track your progress.
Goal: practice minimum 5 days a week for an entire month!
Average time for those who enjoy harp for "fun"
- Level F, 15+ mins a day
- Level 1, 30+ mins a day
- Level 2, 45 + mins a day
- Level 3-5, 60 + mins a day
- Level 5-7 90 + mins a day
Level 7-10 2+ hours a day.
If any one is more serious, in competitions, or wants to make this into a career then practice twice a day.

CONGRATULATIONS TO !!!
Hannah Ewell – 840+
Rachel Risk – 670+
*those of you who didn’t log won’t be counted

Student Achievements

Coagulations to the following students who participated in the the first of two “Harp Education” evens, February 19th 2011
- Matthew Dworkin
- Hannah Ewell
- Hannah Lak
- Genevieve Nguyen
- Therese Nguyen
Congratulations to the following students who will be competing in the FIRST YVONNE LaMOTHE SCHWAGER Competition May 29th 2011
- Katie Black
- Hannah Ewell

Congratulations to Marian Tsang who is being a teacher’s assistant to the SJAM harp program

Certificate Program – American Strings Teachers

All of us like to know what level we are at and have goals to achieve our best!
Stay tune for info on participating in the Certificate Program that includes memorizing 2 or more pieces, learning scales, ear training, theory and more.

Angelic Harp is pleased to announce the first ever Harp ASTA Certificate Assessment Program. This will be a yearly event.
Save the date for August 19th 5:30-8:30.
Each student will have a 15-20 min slot to play their pieces for an evaluator.
Pieces must be memorized.
Mandatory for all students
More Information

(http://www.astaweb.com/Content/NavigationMenu/MemberResources/ASTACAP/default.htm)

Summer - Focus on the Harp
Summer is the best time to be fully dedicated to the harp. Please plan on taking weekly lesson if not bi-weekly lesson. Seek to pass two harp levels, learn theory, and perform. Train like there is no tomorrow and that your harp careered depends on it.

Summer Opportunities:
1. Plan on attending a summer music camp – see blog for locations
2. Plan on taking some “intensive lessons” twice a week or longer lessons
3. Join Angelic Harp Ensemble to work on playing in a group setting
4. Sign up for summer Angelic Harp classes
5. Dedicated to practice twice a day

Summer Harp Class - Crash Course in Wedding Preparedness
Now that you have learned to play the harp are you ready to add the special touch of harp music to someone’s special event? Are you ready to make a bride’s dream come true or a St. Patrick’s Day party comes to life? Transitioning your harp playing from a hobby into a paid profession can be tricky with the high expectations of an excited bride or detailed-focused hostess. Are you ready to become a special event’s performer?

This Harp Workshop Includes Lessons On:
Professional Skills Equipment
Style and Glamour Performance Practice and Gig
The Secret of Sight Reading Performance Survival Skills
Music, Music, Music Trip to Harp Etc. (TBA)
How to be Successful on the Job Master Class (TBA)
And more….

Where:
Saratoga Studio
17791 McKinnon Dr. Saratoga CA 95070
Who:
Anyone who would like to become a special events performer with at least one full year of training. There are a limited number of harps available, so harpist must be willing to bring their harps.
When:
Wednesdays Evenings 5:30-7:00pm
June: 22nd, 29th July: 6th 13th 20th 27th August: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, & Harp Party

Tuition:
Ten-Week Workshop: $330

Per-Class Charge: $40
Due to summer vacations students can sign up per-class
Circle the dates of attendance and write in the total on the registration form.

*Tuition does not include master class, music, or possible recital fees.

January and February News

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 15:40:57 -0800

Greg Buchanan Event!

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:26:19 -0800

Greg Buchanan Concert Review

It is always a delight to see harpist with their family and friends, brimming over with excitement after an inspirational day and concert with Harpist Greg Buchanan.
January 15th began with a workshop where Greg Buchanan shared his wisdom on playing and performing.
"Music is a gift of love, so love people each and every time you play. Always be looking for people you can love thorough music and seek to bring them musical hug and smile. Done well, anything you play, even simple beginning music can show love.... if you ever struggle with stage fright, nerves, or fear then let go of judgmental thoughts and fear of other's opinions and just seek to love them!"
The 7:00 harp concert opened with the Valley Christian Harp Ensemble first performing Chariots of Fire in honor of Greg, leading in to Mr. Buchanan's first piece, "Silent Night" accompanied by the Valley Christian Harp Ensemble and elementary student. "One of the best parts of the evening was the opportunity to play with Mr. Buchanan", said one student. Another stated, "I really enjoyed when all the harps, especially the young students, came on stage".

When asked what the favorite part of the concert was the students shared:
*" My favorite part was when he played Stairway to Heaven."
*"It was a really cool concert! I love how he made his performance personal and demonstrated his faith. The variety of music genres made it interesting as well."
* "I loved how the Jazz Ensemble played Rockin’ in Rhythm. I have never seen such as great high-school band".

Over all, Greg's performance brought the gift of inspiration and love for music, harp and others which he left with all those who were blessed to attend this concert.

More Pictures: http://douglasschwartz.zenfolio.com/gregbuchanan
Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/kschwartz15?feature=mhum