Harp

Suzuki Harp students and teachers will gather at the Conference for a weekend of learning, sharing and inspiration. Harp sessions include Master classes and a harp session by Angela Willis; Supplemental Materials for Suzuki Harp Students, Books 1-5+ by Elinor Niemisto; “Five Different Animals”—Aria in a Classic Style by Grandjany, presented by Shru De Li Ownby; reading sessions by Mary Kay Waddington and Phala Tracy; 20 great teaching ideas by Mary Kay Waddington and a session by Delaine Fedson.

–Janell Lemire, Harp Coordinator

For lots of great information about Suzuki Harp, see the new Suzuki Harp Info website created by Mary Kay Waddington and the Suzuki Harp Committee.

The 14th biennial SAA Conference will “feature our own” distinguished SAA members, friends, and former Suzuki students who are now young artist-teacher professionals as our special clinicians for the instrument master classes. True to the theme of the Conference, the format of these master classes will include both team teaching and solo instruction. The young artist clinicians will also be involved in side-by-side chamber music coachings and perform a selection on the Young Artist Recital. Read further about the impressive list being showcased for 2010!

Bass: Paul Sharpe, Nicole Castleberry
Cello: Gilda Barston, Amy Barston
Flute: Bart Feller, Sara Traficante
Guitar: William Kossler, Adam Kossler
Harp: Elinor Niemisto, Angela Dastrup Willis
Piano: Doris Koppelman, Hikari Nakamura
Recorder: Patrick O’Malley
Viola: William Preucil Sr., Matthew Dane
Violin: Thomas Wermuth, Allegra Wermuth, Scott Conklin

SYOA Conductors: Marilyn Kesler, Winifred Crock
Special Guests: Bad Boyz of Bass Quartet

See Clinician bios >>

We are thrilled to announce that María Luisa Rayan-Forero will be our guest clinician! The masterclasses will be a great opportunity for advanced students to work with a world renowned instructor. Ms. Rayan-Forero is also planning to teach a workshop on Latin Rhythms for teachers of all instruments. What a fantastic way to “Expand the Vision” in rhythm! Our Suzuki clinician will be Jill Whitman from
Washington State, an extremely experienced and inspiring teacher. Students of all ages and abilities will benefit from these masterclasses and we teachers will benefit from observing them!

We are also planning an extraordinary flute and harp collaboration. There will be a Flute and Harp Performance Ensemble that will rehearse to perform on a special concert, as well as a Flute and Harp Choir that will rehearse varied levels of repertoire to perform in a more casual setting. What a perfect chance to experience a perfect combination of instruments!

Come one, come all! Bring your students! Do you have a session you would like to propose? An idea you would like to contribute? Contact the harp coordinators: Phala Tracy, [javascript protected email address] and Kathy Kienzle, [javascript protected email address]

Read more of Harp at Suzuki Conference 2008 »

One of the benefits of being a teacher of young children is having a good reason to indulge in a weakness for attractive children’s books. The waiting students need books to look at and/or read, right? Of course being a Suzuki teacher means that children’s books dealing with music are particularly attractive. The Adventures of a Harp Mouse by Diane E. Dunn certainly falls into this category. The book came to the Suzuki Association’s attention by a chance internet exchange. This is particularly appropriate because harp mouse’s life is full of chance meetings.

You may not have realized that, just as there are field mice, church mice and barn mice, there is at least one harp mouse in the world! This delightful book tells you of her adventures. Neither you nor the harp mouse know where you will arrive … a concert hall, a school stage with an orchestra, or a wedding reception. Through the appealing character of the harp mouse, this story illuminates the inner workings of the harp and celebrates its beautiful music. Just as charming as the story is the artwork of this full color, 8″x10″, hard cover book.

As a harpist, the author Diane E. Dunn knows the instrument well. As a retired teacher she understands children. Both of these qualities are evident in the book. Diane continues to perform background music for special occasions and travels to schools giving multimedia presentations that educate children about the harp and how it makes its music. The illustrator, Linda Carollo Endres, currently concentrates on illustration, teaching, and showing her art.

To find out more about Diane Dunn, and The Adventures of a Harp Mouse, visit her online at www.heartandharp.net