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When I first got back into Irish music a few years ago (after a long hiatus into guitars and rock music) I would drive hundreds of miles to check out local “sessiuns”
I was able to by a harp (T-serenade) this spring as a treat for working a little harder in my job than normal.
-I took on an extra class at school, which bumped up the salary a good bit. Most of it went into my retirement, but a little got diverted for “splurges.”
-I got paid to grade nationally standardized “college level” world-history exams for 7 days in June. 500 essays all on the same topic. . . .
-I led a monthly workshop on how to teach AP world history (same as the course I graded exams for) in order to bring other teachers in the district up to speed.
-I got together with some friends from the Irish session scene and formed a band, and the gig money helps defray costs of new muscial toys 🙂
So, no dramatic stories. Not having kids or outstanding debts certainly helps too.
Carl writes: “I’m sure we’ve all heard foreign students refer to the Concerto for Fruit and Harp by Mozart. I need a vacation…”
In England there is a blues band, and all the members are of Japanese ethnicity. So the name of the band is “We Pray The Bruise”
Harps are *really* weird on this issue. . . as far as I know, they are the least obnoxious musical instrument for practicing, bar none. My father, who can;t stand my practicing on the Irish flute has absolutely no problems with the harp. He is one of those extremely sensitive people who finds uncontrolled noise a large distraction. So, at least try it out first.
Also – could you consider the idea of a practice space separate from the home? The place that leaps to mind is your church, but there could be a lot of options.
I will second the recommendation on the Thormahlen Serenade. I took mine to my first lesson (yay!) and my instructor was impressed. Although I’m biased, I actually thought it sounded as good/better than other harps of a similar size. It’s full and mellow sounding, and not as trebly as some folk harps.
The biggest thing about the Serenade is the fairly high string tension, for a nylon harp.
Aside from the range issue, there’s also the issue of modern vs. period technique to consider. Would you and/or your teacher be able to adapt to different string tension and spacing with a replica instrument?
Corrina Hewat – though her work is based on Scottish trad, it’s drenched in jazz and pop (and really interesting too.)
Hung up on the wall of Salzedo-themed restaurants?
Consumed in fiery displays of Nordic Ragnarophilia?
In Irish dance music there’s a good reel call “Dick Gossip’s.” When we play it, I usually introduce it as “Bill Clinton’s.”
Winston-Salem, NC. Despite making a nuisance of myself here for a good while, I just got a harp this past monday, a Thormahlen Serenade.
I also play Irish flute compulsively, both in sessions and for low-level gigs with some friends. I’ve already learned a tremendous deal about the harp from everyone – thanks!
Doesn’t it usually involve a large, bogus money order given to the victim, and then somehow the perp gets a payback out of it?
