Summer is lazy days in the hammock, vacations at the beach, and ice cream cones to beat the heat. For harpists it’s also outdoor weddings, summer harp camp, and lots of broken strings. We asked harpists around the world to show us their summer by sharing their photos on social media using the hashtag #practicalharpist. As we say goodbye to sandals and break out the sweaters, here are a few of our favorite summer shots to remind us of those long summer days. Check out the rest of the amazing entries by searching #practicalharpist on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

Winner

Beth Wesche of the indie-folk duo March to May: @marchtomay

Home: Seattle, Wash.

Caption: Yes, I am sitting on my harp case (with the baby harp)

Age: 25

What pays the bills? Harpist in the Seattle-based indie-folk group March to May

What’s your hidden talent? Transforming from a relatively shy person into a total ham onstage.

What is your favorite piece to play on the harp? At this point, I mainly play my own compositions as part of my band. That said, I adore Satie’s Gymnopedie No. 1—it’s so beautiful and relaxing. I play it when I need grounding.

What do you do to avoid practicing? I usually can’t! Our performance and recording schedule tends to be pretty full, so I’m often under the wire in terms of practicing. If that wasn’t the case, maybe I’d schedule rehearsals in places with lots of stairs? Or forget my tuner? So many options.

What’s your favorite smartphone app? Instagram!

What did you want to be when you were a kid? An astrophysicist or a novelist. I have fulfilled neither of those dreams, but I’m pretty happy with where I’ve ended up.

Runners Up

Up Next

Up Next Join in our next photo challenge! Where do you read Harp Column? Share your photos of how you enjoy your issue of the magazine on social media by Oct. 1 with the hashtag #practicalharpist. Our favorite Harp Column sighting will win a one-year subscription to the magazine and be featured in the November/December 2015 issue.