Any active Chapter of the American Harp Society may apply for the Chapter of the Year award. The winning chapter will be determined by a majority vote of the Executive Committee after they have had an opportunity to evaluate the materials. The announcement will be made at the annual event of the American Harp Society, preferably at the General Membership meeting.  A $300 award will be given to the chapter selected as Chapter of the Year, to use for their programs.

The application should list activities including completed and projected projects from the previous annual meeting to the upcoming annual meeting (July through June). Activities must be documented in detail with accompanying programs, clippings and photographs. All materials must be placed in a binder and submitted to the President of the AHS by May 15.

Criteria for selection of the Chapter of the Year:

1. The Chapter must be in good standing and in compliance with AHS policies. (i.e. by-laws on file, annual reports submitted to the Executive Secretary.)

2. The activities of the Chapter will be evaluated in terms of fulfillment of the Mission Statement of the American Harp Society, Inc.:

The general aims and purposes of the Society shall be to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop among its members and the general public the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument; to develop and further the quality of the instrument itself and of its related components; to encourage the composition of music for the harp; and to improve the quality of performance by harpists.

A. "cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop among its members and the general public the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument"

  • An effective chapter newsletter
  • Public recitals and workshops
  • Sponsorship of the AHS Concert Artists
  • Media coverage of harp events in the community
  • Establish close working relationships with local music schools and faculties

B. "develop and further the quality of the instrument itself and of its related components"

  • Harp repair clinics etc.

C. "encourage the composition of music for the harp"

  • Offer assistance to composers and arrangers in understanding and effectively writing for the harp.
  • Commission harp compositions and offer competitions and prizes for musical works featuring the harp.
  • Program recent works for harp written by local composers.

D. "improve the quality of performance by harpists"

  • Establish and promote competitions among harpists.
    Award grants and scholarships to contest winners and other worthy applicants.
  • Support student harpists by conducting Music Education Auditions and master classes or workshops with outstanding harpists.

For further information contact the President of the AHS.

Download the Chapter of the Year Form (PDF) here.