Strange But True Harp Stories
To Be Early is to Be On Time
Going to great lengths to be on time for the gig.
Browsing: Strange But True Harp Stories
Strange But True Harp Stories
Pomp and Circumstance
—by Mary Ellen Holmes The call came Tuesday for the Friday gig. “Would you consider playing for our preschool graduation?”…
Strange But True Harp Stories
The Flames of Love Burn Brightly
Acouple of years ago, I was hired to perform during a wedding ceremony. It was a stunning venue with elaborate…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Charming More Than Wedding Guests
The snake charmer. — by Rebecca Swett
Strange But True Harp Stories
Wedding Weather Woes
Two harpists share their worst weather wedding woes
Strange But True Harp Stories
A Load-in Dilemma
I was playing a wedding gig at a venue in downtown Stillwater, Minn., that was new to me. Upon arrival…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Mystery Musician
—by Wendy Kerner A few years ago one of my chamber music ensembles: The Glorian Duo with Donna Milanovich, flutist,…
January-February 2017
Abandonment Issues
During 30 years of playing the harp professionally, I had (spoiler alert) never missed a gig. From lake effect snowstorms…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Surprise Party
About a decade ago, my duo partner and I booked a private house concert with a charming middle-aged couple who…
Strange But True Harp Stories
The Cat’s Meow
It was the perfect venue. A beautiful old Pennsylvania stone farmhouse turned bed and breakfast, with a reported million-dollar overhaul.…
Strange But True Harp Stories
I Can Hear You
You never know who’s listening. I don’t have any doubt that my neighbors can hear me practicing. The space where…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Better to be safe than sorry
When I began my harp career more than 40 years ago, I didn’t use contracts and did everything by verbal…
Strange But True Harp Stories
More Than Just the Music
A year or so ago, I was called to play for a wedding ceremony. It was to be a small…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Write the Fine Print
—by Calista Anne Koch, Macon, Georgia When I was young, I was still learning how to handle sticky situations when…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Mistaken Identity
A teacher receives a strange phone call. One June evening, my phone rang. My husband answered it. “It’s your student…
Strange But True Harp Stories
A Fiery Wedding Story
Several years ago, I was playing in a lovely chapel for a Christmas wedding. The church windows contained a decorative…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Strange But True Harp Stories
Crash Course —by Chiara Pedrazetti Some time ago I had the chance to attend a harp masterclass in France with…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Strange But True Harp Stories
Up on the Mountain Top —by Mary Ellen Holmes, Fort Collins, Colo. This gig started like any other, with a call from…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Divine Intervention
In July 2009, I attended my first Celtic harp training workshop, sparking my love affair with playing Celtic music. A…
Strange But True Harp Stories
The Great Outdoors
I am no stranger to outdoor adventures with the harp. I’ve played outdoor weddings at ski resorts, serenaded Appalachian Trail hikers,…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Strange But True Harp Stories—Spa Day
I received a call from the owner of a new spa asking if I could play for its grand opening. The…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Lost in Translation
Going With the Flow in Brazil I had the pleasure of traveling to Brazil last May with a college choir…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Strange But True Harp Stories
—by Beth Stockdell, Fayetteville, Ark. “Big Ben Roethlisberger, start of his third year.” I’m a football geek and you never know…
Strange But True Harp Stories
Quick Hands Save the Day
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
Party Crasher
Strange But True Harp Stories Someone was supposed to be there at the loading dock—that’s what the booking agent said.…