Browsing: Strange But True Harp Stories
A surprise location yields an unexpected comment.
Going to great lengths to be on time for the gig.
—by Mary Ellen Holmes The call came Tuesday for the Friday gig. “Would you consider playing for our preschool graduation?”…
A couple of years ago, I was hired to perform during a wedding ceremony. It was a stunning venue with…
The snake charmer. — by Rebecca Swett
Two harpists share their worst weather wedding woes
I was playing a wedding gig at a venue in downtown Stillwater, Minn., that was new to me. Upon arrival…
—by Wendy Kerner A few years ago one of my chamber music ensembles: The Glorian Duo with Donna Milanovich, flutist,…
During 30 years of playing the harp professionally, I had (spoiler alert) never missed a gig. From lake effect snowstorms…
About a decade ago, my duo partner and I booked a private house concert with a charming middle-aged couple who…
It was the perfect venue. A beautiful old Pennsylvania stone farmhouse turned bed and breakfast, with a reported million-dollar overhaul.…
You never know who’s listening. I don’t have any doubt that my neighbors can hear me practicing. The space where…
When I began my harp career more than 40 years ago, I didn’t use contracts and did everything by verbal…
A year or so ago, I was called to play for a wedding ceremony. It was to be a small…
—by Calista Anne Koch, Macon, Georgia When I was young, I was still learning how to handle sticky situations when…
A teacher receives a strange phone call. One June evening, my phone rang. My husband answered it. “It’s your student…
Several years ago, I was playing in a lovely chapel for a Christmas wedding. The church windows contained a decorative…
Crash Course —by Chiara Pedrazetti Some time ago I had the chance to attend a harp masterclass in France with…
Up on the Mountain Top —by Mary Ellen Holmes, Fort Collins, Colo. This gig started like any other, with a call from…
In July 2009, I attended my first Celtic harp training workshop, sparking my love affair with playing Celtic music. A…
I am no stranger to outdoor adventures with the harp. I’ve played outdoor weddings at ski resorts, serenaded Appalachian Trail hikers,…
I received a call from the owner of a new spa asking if I could play for its grand opening. The…
Going With the Flow in Brazil I had the pleasure of traveling to Brazil last May with a college choir…
—by Beth Stockdell, Fayetteville, Ark. “Big Ben Roethlisberger, start of his third year.” I’m a football geek and you never know…
Does every harpist dread outdoor wedding season? I live in Kansas, a state whose only claim to fame is tornadoes…
Strange But True Harp Stories Someone was supposed to be there at the loading dock—that’s what the booking agent said.…