—by Mary Ellen Holmes The call came Tuesday for the Friday gig. “Would you consider playing for our preschool graduation?”…
Acouple of years ago, I was hired to perform during a wedding ceremony. It was a stunning venue with elaborate…
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.…
