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Here is what previous Harp Festival (Tulsa Harp Camp) participants had to say:
“It was fun to be with other harpists and to meet another male harpist (Jim Pinkerton).” Jesse Motto – age 13
“This was a really exciting camp. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it an 11.” Alexis Graham-Stephenson – age 12
“It was a very good experience! It forced me to work on areas of my playing that I’d ignored. It also broadened the world of music for me. I became more impassioned with the harp as a result of the camp!” Marybeth Dunbar – age 19
“An exciting week meeting, practicing, and performing with other harpists.” Charlotte Greg – Adult
“Harp Camp gave me the opportunity to play my harp with a group of harpists, some at a similar level and others with more experience. The blend made for an interesting and informative week, which I really enjoyed.” Linda Ashton – Adult
“The quest artists were great!” Jennifer Barretto – age 17
“Harp Camp was a lot of fun and I learned a lot at the same time.” Megan Decker – age 18
It’s not to late to signup. For a registration packet, call Lorelei Barton at: 918-832-0934.
I agree with the other comments that you should learn both, however I prefer the Debussy. I have a harder time performing Baroque music, so I like the flexibility the more Romantic Debussy allows me. It’s also a little shorter and the movements flow together, so its not as daunting as playing all 3 movements of the Handel.
Still, these are both the biggest standards of the harp repertoire, frequently required for auditions, so eventually you will need to learn both!
KIM
I agree that this work sounds great with a string quintet or piano as mentioned in the previous response. I’ve also found that it works well with organ if you happen to have an organ and organist available…
Good luck! Randall Pratt
Did you ever get a response? I am also looking for a Harp teacher – I just moved here – however I am a beginner to beginner/intermediate.
Hillary,
I have a GREAT recording of the Debussy Danses. The CD is called “Souvenir” and it’s Marcel Grandjany playing with the Budapest String Quartet. I think I got mine from Lyon and Healy, but you could order it online from http://www.amazon.com or http://www.bn.com. Hope this helps!I’ve played it with piano, and it’s fine. Recently some other students I know did it with string quintets (standard quartet + bass) and it was beautiful. I think the colors and atmosphere of the smaller string ensemble are more intimate than orchestra… if you can find players and arrange rehearsal time, this would be a lovely option. If not, the piano part is relatively simple, and also works well. good luck!
Nadia
Hi Kat!
The most important reason why you should have a harp in an orchestra is that it makes the music complete! It’s a part of the bigger whole and therefore it has to be on stage with the orchestra!
The other very improtant thing to realize is already pointed out by Paul: it’s quite an efford to take your harp with you every time you have to go to a rehearsal! It’s not only a risk for your harp but also for the person who has to carry it around! If I played with only one orchestra (I just play gigs at the moment, so me and my dad have to carry my harp around all the time, not a very pleasant occupation) I would ask them too to at least rent a harp!Best wishes from the Netherlands!
Elise, who has still ‘pain’ in her back from dragging her lovely instrument around
Hello!
I have recently started learning the harp and bought a Camac lever harp Korrigan model. It has 38 strings (gut), concert spaced and tension. It sounds amazing and looks wonderful too. It’s very reasonably priced. The levers are easy to use and its not too heavy either if you have to move it about. It looks like a large Clarsach.
Im in the UK but i understand Camac have representative in lots of places around the world. Good luck in your search, Im sure you’ll have lots of fun trying out different harps.
I haven’t yet had a chance to learn Debussy’s Danses, but from what I hear, it is the more difficult piece.
When I wanted to purchase a pedal harp, my teacher suggested a trip to Chicago in order to check out the places where L& H and Venus are actually built.
I was impressed by both companies.
Try Ms. Ann Huang, harpann@hotmail.com, Tel: 852-9454-337
Why don’t you contact the Hong Kong Philharmonic and ask for the harpist’s name and number? I’m sure there is a harpist in the orchestra and she might be able to teach you.
Tomoko Sato
I played outdoors with an orchestra and several harp ensembles, so it is possible! As long as the wheather stays sunny and dry you will enjoy it very much! I should avoid very extreme temperatures (you’d better stay out of the sun and wind). I’d love to play outdoors too, but I live on the 3rd floor of a student house. Quite a pity!
Best wishes from the Netherlands,
Elise
