All registered harpists are welcome to join the 2024 AHS National Conference Ensemble, Sunshine Harps. Learn about about the schedule, performance, coaches, and repertoire here. If you did not already sign up when registering for the Conference (which is required to participate), please complete this quick form to join.
This is a unique opportunity for harp quartet arrangements or compositions to be workshopped by preeminent harp ensemble arranger, Willi Maerz. Working with a select few arrangements and a quartet of professional harpists, Mr. Maerz will offer his perspective on options that highlight the distinctive characteristics of the harp quartet. To have your arrangement considered for use in the class, please complete this form and upload PDF's of your individual parts and score.
A fun first look at jazz improvisation on the harp with Ben Creighton Griffiths covering a variety of styles - bring your harp, no previous experience required!
If you are preparing for an orchestral job audition, this mock audition session is for you! Apply to play five minutes of your excerpts for an esteemed panel of orchestral harpists and hear their helpful feedback.
Alix Raspé Gray is an award-winning harpist, music educator and a 500-hr Yoga-Alliance certified yoga instructor. She will be leading free yoga classes (bring your mat!) three mornings of the Conference, and presenting a workshop about tools and performance benefits of yoga for harpists of all levels, focusing on mindful movement and pedagogical tools for musicians. Alix is available for private yoga and mindfulness sessions during the Conference; make arrangements with her directly at alixraspe@me.com.
National Conference shirts are available now in multiple colors, styles, and sizes, from zip-up hoodies and sweatshirts to tank tops! Kids sizes too! Order yours today!
On Saturday, June 15th, the Central Florida Chapter of the American Harp Society is graciously hosting a free public “Harp Discovery Day” for the greater Orlando community. We are particularly grateful to the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation of Winter Park, Florida, who provided funding for the event as well as complimentary tickets to the Sunday evening concert for local jazz students.
In the morning, a panel including Stella Sung, Dan Crozier, Alex Burtzos, and Jan Jennings will explore the “Mysteries of Writing and Arranging for Harp”. Invitees include members of the Central Composers Forum, the Young Composer’s Challenge, and composition students from the University of Central Florida, Rollins College, and local high schools. Of course anyone is welcome
The afternoon offers the public a chance to hear and learn about the harp – it’s history, how it works, and a performance by the Chapter ensemble. It will wrap up with a delightful “Harp Petting Zoo” to offer hands-on opportunities to potential future harpists, on pedal and lever harps of all sizes.
Location: Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1655 Peel Avenue, Orlando FL 32806, from 10 am to 3 pm.
