Levels

To help you make the best class and workshop choices, we offer a “levels” guideline. Determine which level best describes you, and look for the corresponding level number before each class description.

Level I

You have been playing a very short time, maybe a few months or a year, and are still acclimating to the harp. You hear the music you want to play, but have a hard time reproducing these sounds on the harp. You find maintaining good hand position or getting through a song without stopping many times challenging. You may be new to music entirely and still learning to read notes. You are hoping your weekend at Beginning in the Middle will provide new levels of inspiration and information.

Level II

You have been playing for a year or two and have some lessons under your belt. You understand basic hand position and note reading, but sometimes find it difficult to concentrate on so many things at one time! You have some songs in your repertoire, and aspire to play them more effortlessly and take your playing to a new level. You are shy about playing in front of others, but have thought about giving it a try, perhaps this year at Beginning in the Middle.

Level III

You have been playing for several years or more, and really don’t consider yourself a “beginner,” but the adult-oriented environment of Beginning in the Middle appeals to you. Your hand position and note reading are secure. You play often in church or in similar settings, or are thinking about doing so. You may have attended Beginning in the Middle in previous years, or other harp conferences, and are coming to learn new things, get some expert faculty advice, and challenge yourself.

Harp Required?

A few of the classes, such as the Harp Ensembles, require that you bring a harp with you to class in order to participate. We are sorry that we do not have extra harps or rental harps available to offer you for these classes. There are plenty of classes to choose from for those that cannot bring their own harps.

Morning Workshops

The following intensive morning workshops take place on Friday and Saturday mornings and require advance sign-up. Choose two —one for Friday, and one for Saturday. (The workshops are identical each day, except where noted)

HARP ENSEMBLE A

Instructor: Marissa Knaub

Level: I/II

Harp Required: Yes

This harp ensemble workshop is for harpists at the beginning to intermediate levels of playing, and those with little to no previous ensemble experience. We will cover the basic elements of ensemble playing, such as following a conductor, listening to others, and working together as a group. Those who wish to will have the opportunity to play with the group in an informal concert before our Saturday evening festivities. If you find a part you are learning is too difficult, just do your best to play what you can —remember, it’s an ensemble, and there is safety in numbers. Participants must purchase original copies and learn the following music:

Renaissance Duet Book, by D. Rees-Rohrbacher

#6: “Galliarde d' Angleterre”

#8: “Bransle de Champagne”

#9: “Nancie”

“Amazing Grace,” trad./arr. M.J. D’Arville

“The Harp That Once Through Tara's Hall” and “The Minstrel Boy”

from Thomas Moore Medley, arr. J. Whittman

HARP ENSEMBLE B

Instructor: Kimberly Rowe

Level: II/III

Harp Required: Yes

This ensemble workshop is for harpists at the intermediate to advanced levels of playing (suggested 3 years of training), and those with some previous ensemble experience. We will work together as a group to achieve the best sound possible, follow a conductor, and listen to each other. Those who wish to will have the opportunity to play with the group in an informal concert before our Saturday evening festivities. If you find a part you are learning is too difficult, just do your best to play what you can —remember, it’s an ensemble, and there is safety in numbers. Participants must purchase original copies and learn the following music:

Polka in C, by J. Press

“Evening Prayer” from Hansel & Gretel, by E. Humperdinck/arr. K. Gist

“Amazing Grace,” trad./arr. M.J. D’Arville

“The Harp That Once Through Tara's Hall” and “The Minstrel Boy”

from Thomas Moore Medley, arr. J. Whittman

you’ve got rhythm

Instructor: Frank Voltz

Level: II/III (Friday), I/II (Saturday)

Harp Required: Optional

This hands-on workshop will start with the basic building blocks of rhythm (time signature, notes, beats, etc.) and move into different rhythmic patterns. We’ll learn value of rhythmic patterns in the left hand for playing lead sheets, and once you get the hang of that, we ’ll explore rhythms for other musical traditions. Some will be easy, and some will be challenging. There will be lots of clapping and tapping, and you ’ll be able to immediately translate these rhythmic concepts to the harp, so bring along your instrument if you can. By the end of the class, you will be excited about rhythms —both old and new—and you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to your playing.

off the map: ethno-celtic harp

Instructor: Kim Robertson

Level: I/II (Friday), II/III (Saturday)

Harp Required: Optional

Tired of playing “Danny Boy” and “Greensleeves” on your lever harp? This workshop will take you off the Western cultural map to explore the sounds of more exotic lands. Learn various ethnic modes, harmonies, rhythm, and sound effects that are easy to play but will bring a new dimension to your repertoire. Useful for expanding arrangements, improvising, or even composing, these techniques will inspire creativity and a sense of adventure in your playing, for any skill level. Hands-on/ability to read music not necessary. Recorded samples will be used. You are encouraged to bring your harp, but it is not required.

plays well with others

Instructor: Lynne Aspnes

Level: II/III (Friday), I/II (Saturday)

Harp Required: No

Playing the harp can be a lonely endeavor, so why not find other musicians to play with? If you want to play with others but don't know where to start, this is the class for you! There are two levels of this class depending on your chamber music experience.

Friday’s session is designed for those who have some chamber music experience and are ready to move beyond playing easy transcriptions to exploring chamber music originally written for the harp. This workshop will specifically cover sacred choral and handbell choir repertoire (not including hymns), and will include more advanced instrumental combinations involving the organ, wind, and string instruments. You will come away with a wealth of repertoire ideas to share with a church music director, friends, and collaborating musicians at home. There will be singing required in this class as we read through a variety of choral works using the harp! If you would like to play during the class, come prepared with one of the pieces listed below. Playing in class is not required. Note: the Friday workshop will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, a 10-minute walk from the Hospitality House. Directions will be available at the registration desk.

Fantasia on Greensleeves, R. Vaughan-Williams for harp, strings and flute (string parts performed with organ for this workshop)

Ave Maria for harp and organ, from Vox Coelestis, S. Milligan

Menuet II from Three Minuets for Two Keyboards, by CPE Bach, ed. For harp and organ by Linda and Dale Wood

Impressions on a French Carol, for harp, two handbell choirs or handbell choir and C instrument, arranged by Douglas Wood

Pie Jesu, In Paradisum, and Sanctus from Requiem, G. Faure

O Little Town of Bethlehem, for SATB chorus, harp and oboe, by Stephen Paulus

Christmas Day, G. Holst

Psalm 150, C. Franck

Saturday’s session will be geared towards chamber music novices, and will start with exploring playing without a conductor in harp duos and trios, progressing to easy combinations of chamber music, culminating in reading repertoire to consider in your future as a collaborative musician! If you want to play with others but don ’t know where to start, this is the class for you. If you would like to play during the class, come prepared with one of the pieces listed below. Playing in class is not required.

Songs and Carols for Two, harp duets by J. Wiedensaul

Morning Has Broken, for flute and harp, arr. D. Burton

Processional from Graded Recital Series, Vol. II, S. McDonald/L. Wood arranged for harp and chamber orchestra by Maury Boren

A Christmas Tryptic from Vox Coelestis, S. Milligan

Concerto in D Major, A. Vivaldi, arr. K Bundock Moore

Silent Night for two part chorus and harp, arr. Douglas Wagner

I Saw Three Ships and Ding Dong Merrily on High, arranged for two or three harps by Janet Jackson Whitman

Noel Nouvelet, arranged for two harps by Janet Jackson Whitman

Hallelu, for three part chorus and harp, by Stephen Paulus

Note: Beginning in the Middle attendees who perform on a secondary instrument are encouraged to volunteer to collaborate with harpists in these classes! If you are interested in preparing the instrumental parts for any of the repertoire listed below please contact Alison Reese at areese@harpcolumn.com.

jazzy beginnings

Instructor: Felice Pomeranz

Level: II (Friday), III (Saturday)

Harp Required: Yes

For many harpists jazz is uncharted territory. Expand your musical horizons with this intro to jazz class with Berklee Faculty member Felice Pomerance. This is your chance to try your hand at improvising, learn how to comp, explore some jazz rhythms, and more. This workshop is for jazz newbies, but assumes you are able to get around on the harp.

let’s get it started!

Instructor: Robbin Gordon-Cartlier

Levels: I/II

Harp Required: No

Whether you are just getting started or want a fresh start at the harp, this is a class you don ’t want to miss. Robbin Gordon-Cartier—a BITM faculty favorite—leads this class that will give you all the tools and motivation you need to get going at the harp. The class will cover all the basics: finding the right harp for you, looking for a teacher, developing a practice routine, picking appropriate music, reviewing basic technique, and finding time to play the harp! Rank beginners as well as those who have been playing for a few years are welcome.

AFTERNOON and Sunday morning CLASSES

secrets of simplicity

Instructor: Kim Robertson

Level: all

Harp Required: yes

The phrase “less is more” was coined by jazz musicians but is an equally apt mantra for harpists. In this workshop, discover how playing fewer notes can actually produce more sound and richer arrangements. Learn exercises for tone and phasing, stabilizing rhythm, and leaving space between the notes. Ability to read music is not necessary.

juggling act

Instructor: Robbin Gordon-Cartier

Level: all

Harp Required: No

Sometimes the demands of life can leave you so busy that your harp sits in a corner gathering dust. Find out how to fit the harp into your busy schedule, learn strategies to make the most of your precious practice time, and find out how to persevere through those inevitable musical ruts we all find ourselves in from time to time.

from hymnal to harp

Instructor: Frank Voltz

Level: all

Harp Required: Yes

Hymns aren’t just for singing anymore! In this workshop, Frank Voltz will show you how fun and easy it is to arrange your favorite hymns for the harp. You will learn how to put a fresh and exciting face on some timeless classics that will have the congregation standing on the pews to get a better view of you!

an exercise a day keeps the teacher away

Instructor: Lynne Aspnes

Level: All Levels

Harp Required: No

Do cross-unders have you crossed up? Are harmonics houndings you? Does your third finger buzz more than a bee? Whatever your stumbling block, technique guru Lynne Aspnes can prescribe an exercise to cure it. She will be able to show you a specific technical exericise designed to iron out a specific technical issue. The doctor will see you now!

ergonomics open house

Instructor: Marissa Knaub

Level: All

Harp Required: No

It takes more than two hands to play the harp—it takes your whole body. In this workshop, you will learn how to get your body to work in harmony with your harp. From bench height to posture, you ’ll find out how to make playing ergonomically-friendly from head to toe.

PLay that tune

Instructor: Felice Pomeranz

Level: All

Harp Required: Optional

Is there a tune you’ve always wanted to play on the harp, but haven’t because you can’t find an arrangement of it? Well, now you can make your own! You will learn easy and fun ways to create original arrangements using basic harp skills and knowledge of chords.

Harp maintenance

Instructor: Ivan Gardner

Level: All Levels

Harp Required: No

Sought-after harp technician Ivan Gardner will show you how to take care of your harp and make it sound the best it can and last as long as it can. This workshop will run twice on Sunday morning, focusing on different aspects of pedal and lever harp. Registered companions who are interested in learning about the inner workings of the harp will enjoy this class.

meet the author

Instructor: Roslyn Rensch

Level: All Levels

Harp Required: No

Roslyn Rensch, author of the wildly popular book, Harps and Harpists, will be on hand to talk about the latest revised edition of her book. Considered the authoritative history of the instrument, Harps and Harpists chronicles the harp from its origins in ancient civilizations to modern day. Rensch will also be signing copies of her book which will be on sale at seminar.

advanced yoga

Instructor: Marissa Knaub

Level: All

Harp Required: No

Take a relaxing break from the harp in this class designed by a harpist for harpists with yoga experience! Marissa will lead you through a series of poses that target the mental and physical muscles we use at the harp. You ’ll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and eager to tackle any challenge on the harp! Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one.

Morning Stretch

Instructor: TBD

Level: All

Harp Required: No

A morning wake-up call designed to get your body stretched at ready for the day ahead. Wear comfortable clothing.

String Changing Seminar

Instructor: TBD

Levels: All Levels

Harp Required: No

This class is for anyone who gets a knot in their stomach just thinking about what would happen if a string broke and you had to change it in a hurry. We will show you how to tie a basic knot and how to secure a string to the tuning pin. If time permits, we ’ll also talk about changing wire strings. (This is a repeat of last year’s class.)

Hear It, Like It, Buy It!*

Instructor: TBD

Level: varies, see schedule

Harp Required: No

This popular BITM class gives you a chance to hear harp music played by a professional harpist so that you can decide if it ’s something you might want to add to your own library. We’ll come armed with lots of favorites we think you’d like to hear, but you can also bring things you’d like our harpist to play.

i hear a harp...or two

Instructor: TBD

Level: all

Harp Required: No

Are you overwhelmed by choices when you walk onto the floor of a harp showroom? Do you wonder about the differences in sound between each make and model? In this class, which takes place in the exhibit room (only open to class members at this time), a professional harpist will play and describe different instruments so you can make a side-by-side comparison of each one ’s sound. Virginia Harp Center offers the largest selection of harpmakers in the country, so take advantage of this opportunity to hear them all!



			April 3–6, 2008 Williamsburg, Virginia Sponsored by Harp Column magazine and Virginia Harp Center




	home details f.a.q. classes schedule faculty cost register contact

	classes

	Levels To help you make the best class and workshop choices, we offer a “levels” guideline. Determine which level best describes you, and look for the corresponding level number before each class description. Level I You have been playing a very short time, maybe a few months or a year, and are still acclimating to the harp. You hear the music you want to play, but have a hard time reproducing these sounds on the harp. You find maintaining good hand position or getting through a song without stopping many times challenging. You may be new to music entirely and still learning to read notes. You are hoping your weekend at Beginning in the Middle will provide new levels of inspiration and information. Level II You have been playing for a year or two and have some lessons under your belt. You understand basic hand position and note reading, but sometimes find it difficult to concentrate on so many things at one time! You have some songs in your repertoire, and aspire to play them more effortlessly and take your playing to a new level. You are shy about playing in front of others, but have thought about giving it a try, perhaps this year at Beginning in the Middle. Level III You have been playing for several years or more, and really don’t consider yourself a “beginner,” but the adult-oriented environment of Beginning in the Middle appeals to you. Your hand position and note reading are secure. You play often in church or in similar settings, or are thinking about doing so. You may have attended Beginning in the Middle in previous years, or other harp conferences, and are coming to learn new things, get some expert faculty advice, and challenge yourself. Harp Required? A few of the classes, such as the Harp Ensembles, require that you bring a harp with you to class in order to participate. We are sorry that we do not have extra harps or rental harps available to offer you for these classes. There are plenty of classes to choose from for those that cannot bring their own harps. Morning Workshops The following intensive morning workshops take place on Friday and Saturday mornings and require advance sign-up. Choose two —one for Friday, and one for Saturday. (The workshops are identical each day, except where noted) HARP ENSEMBLE A Instructor: Marissa Knaub Level: I/II Harp Required: Yes This harp ensemble workshop is for harpists at the beginning to intermediate levels of playing, and those with little to no previous ensemble experience. We will cover the basic elements of ensemble playing, such as following a conductor, listening to others, and working together as a group. Those who wish to will have the opportunity to play with the group in an informal concert before our Saturday evening festivities. If you find a part you are learning is too difficult, just do your best to play what you can —remember, it’s an ensemble, and there is safety in numbers. Participants must purchase original copies and learn the following music: Renaissance Duet Book, by D. Rees-Rohrbacher #6: “Galliarde d' Angleterre” #8: “Bransle de Champagne” #9: “Nancie” “Amazing Grace,” trad./arr. M.J. D’Arville “The Harp That Once Through Tara's Hall” and “The Minstrel Boy” from Thomas Moore Medley, arr. J. Whittman (Remember, the ensemble class is for putting the arrangements together as a group; please purchase and learn your music before the start of the seminar.) HARP ENSEMBLE B Instructor: Kimberly Rowe Level: II/III Harp Required: Yes This ensemble workshop is for harpists at the intermediate to advanced levels of playing (suggested 3 years of training), and those with some previous ensemble experience. We will work together as a group to achieve the best sound possible, follow a conductor, and listen to each other. Those who wish to will have the opportunity to play with the group in an informal concert before our Saturday evening festivities. If you find a part you are learning is too difficult, just do your best to play what you can —remember, it’s an ensemble, and there is safety in numbers. Participants must purchase original copies and learn the following music: Polka in C, by J. Press “Evening Prayer” from Hansel & Gretel, by E. Humperdinck/arr. K. Gist “Amazing Grace,” trad./arr. M.J. D’Arville “The Harp That Once Through Tara's Hall” and “The Minstrel Boy” from Thomas Moore Medley, arr. J. Whittman (Remember, the ensemble class is for putting the arrangements together as a group; please purchase and learn your music before the start of the seminar.) you’ve got rhythm Instructor: Frank Voltz Level: II/III (Friday), I/II (Saturday) Harp Required: Optional This hands-on workshop will start with the basic building blocks of rhythm (time signature, notes, beats, etc.) and move into different rhythmic patterns. We’ll learn value of rhythmic patterns in the left hand for playing lead sheets, and once you get the hang of that, we ’ll explore rhythms for other musical traditions. Some will be easy, and some will be challenging. There will be lots of clapping and tapping, and you ’ll be able to immediately translate these rhythmic concepts to the harp, so bring along your instrument if you can. By the end of the class, you will be excited about rhythms —both old and new—and you’ll be able to apply what you’ve learned to your playing. off the map: ethno-celtic harp Instructor: Kim Robertson Level: I/II (Friday), II/III (Saturday) Harp Required: Optional Tired of playing “Danny Boy” and “Greensleeves” on your lever harp? This workshop will take you off the Western cultural map to explore the sounds of more exotic lands. Learn various ethnic modes, harmonies, rhythm, and sound effects that are easy to play but will bring a new dimension to your repertoire. Useful for expanding arrangements, improvising, or even composing, these techniques will inspire creativity and a sense of adventure in your playing, for any skill level. Hands-on/ability to read music not necessary. Recorded samples will be used. You are encouraged to bring your harp, but it is not required. plays well with others Instructor: Lynne Aspnes Level: II/III (Friday), I/II (Saturday) Harp Required: No Playing the harp can be a lonely endeavor, so why not find other musicians to play with? If you want to play with others but don't know where to start, this is the class for you! There are two levels of this class depending on your chamber music experience. Friday’s session is designed for those who have some chamber music experience and are ready to move beyond playing easy transcriptions to exploring chamber music originally written for the harp. This workshop will specifically cover sacred choral and handbell choir repertoire (not including hymns), and will include more advanced instrumental combinations involving the organ, wind, and string instruments. You will come away with a wealth of repertoire ideas to share with a church music director, friends, and collaborating musicians at home. There will be singing required in this class as we read through a variety of choral works using the harp! If you would like to play during the class, come prepared with one of the pieces listed below. Playing in class is not required. Note: the Friday workshop will be held at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church, a 10-minute walk from the Hospitality House. Directions will be available at the registration desk. Fantasia on Greensleeves, R. Vaughan-Williams for harp, strings and flute (string parts performed with organ for this workshop) Ave Maria for harp and organ, from Vox Coelestis, S. Milligan Menuet II from Three Minuets for Two Keyboards, by CPE Bach, ed. For harp and organ by Linda and Dale Wood Impressions on a French Carol, for harp, two handbell choirs or handbell choir and C instrument, arranged by Douglas Wood Pie Jesu, In Paradisum, and Sanctus from Requiem, G. Faure O Little Town of Bethlehem, for SATB chorus, harp and oboe, by Stephen Paulus Christmas Day, G. Holst Psalm 150, C. Franck Saturday’s session will be geared towards chamber music novices, and will start with exploring playing without a conductor in harp duos and trios, progressing to easy combinations of chamber music, culminating in reading repertoire to consider in your future as a collaborative musician! If you want to play with others but don ’t know where to start, this is the class for you. If you would like to play during the class, come prepared with one of the pieces listed below. Playing in class is not required. Songs and Carols for Two, harp duets by J. Wiedensaul Morning Has Broken, for flute and harp, arr. D. Burton Processional from Graded Recital Series, Vol. II, S. McDonald/L. Wood arranged for harp and chamber orchestra by Maury Boren A Christmas Tryptic from Vox Coelestis, S. Milligan Concerto in D Major, A. Vivaldi, arr. K Bundock Moore Silent Night for two part chorus and harp, arr. Douglas Wagner I Saw Three Ships and Ding Dong Merrily on High, arranged for two or three harps by Janet Jackson Whitman Noel Nouvelet, arranged for two harps by Janet Jackson Whitman Hallelu, for three part chorus and harp, by Stephen Paulus Note: Beginning in the Middle attendees who perform on a secondary instrument are encouraged to volunteer to collaborate with harpists in these classes! If you are interested in preparing the instrumental parts for any of the repertoire listed below please contact Alison Reese at areese@harpcolumn.com. jazzy beginnings Instructor: Felice Pomeranz Level: II (Friday), III (Saturday) Harp Required: Yes For many harpists jazz is uncharted territory. Expand your musical horizons with this intro to jazz class with Berklee Faculty member Felice Pomerance. This is your chance to try your hand at improvising, learn how to comp, explore some jazz rhythms, and more. This workshop is for jazz newbies, but assumes you are able to get around on the harp. let’s get it started! Instructor: Robbin Gordon-Cartlier Levels: I/II Harp Required: No Whether you are just getting started or want a fresh start at the harp, this is a class you don ’t want to miss. Robbin Gordon-Cartier—a BITM faculty favorite—leads this class that will give you all the tools and motivation you need to get going at the harp. The class will cover all the basics: finding the right harp for you, looking for a teacher, developing a practice routine, picking appropriate music, reviewing basic technique, and finding time to play the harp! Rank beginners as well as those who have been playing for a few years are welcome. AFTERNOON and Sunday morning CLASSES secrets of simplicity Instructor: Kim Robertson Level: all Harp Required: yes The phrase “less is more” was coined by jazz musicians but is an equally apt mantra for harpists. In this workshop, discover how playing fewer notes can actually produce more sound and richer arrangements. Learn exercises for tone and phasing, stabilizing rhythm, and leaving space between the notes. Ability to read music is not necessary. juggling act Instructor: Robbin Gordon-Cartier Level: all Harp Required: No Sometimes the demands of life can leave you so busy that your harp sits in a corner gathering dust. Find out how to fit the harp into your busy schedule, learn strategies to make the most of your precious practice time, and find out how to persevere through those inevitable musical ruts we all find ourselves in from time to time. from hymnal to harp Instructor: Frank Voltz Level: all Harp Required: Yes Hymns aren’t just for singing anymore! In this workshop, Frank Voltz will show you how fun and easy it is to arrange your favorite hymns for the harp. You will learn how to put a fresh and exciting face on some timeless classics that will have the congregation standing on the pews to get a better view of you! an exercise a day keeps the teacher away Instructor: Lynne Aspnes Level: All Levels Harp Required: No Do cross-unders have you crossed up? Are harmonics houndings you? Does your third finger buzz more than a bee? Whatever your stumbling block, technique guru Lynne Aspnes can prescribe an exercise to cure it. She will be able to show you a specific technical exericise designed to iron out a specific technical issue. The doctor will see you now! ergonomics open house Instructor: Marissa Knaub Level: All Harp Required: No It takes more than two hands to play the harp—it takes your whole body. In this workshop, you will learn how to get your body to work in harmony with your harp. From bench height to posture, you ’ll find out how to make playing ergonomically-friendly from head to toe. PLay that tune Instructor: Felice Pomeranz Level: All Harp Required: Optional Is there a tune you’ve always wanted to play on the harp, but haven’t because you can’t find an arrangement of it? Well, now you can make your own! You will learn easy and fun ways to create original arrangements using basic harp skills and knowledge of chords. Harp maintenance Instructor: Ivan Gardner Level: All Levels Harp Required: No Sought-after harp technician Ivan Gardner will show you how to take care of your harp and make it sound the best it can and last as long as it can. This workshop will run twice on Sunday morning, focusing on different aspects of pedal and lever harp. Registered companions who are interested in learning about the inner workings of the harp will enjoy this class. meet the author Instructor: Roslyn Rensch Level: All Levels Harp Required: No Roslyn Rensch, author of the wildly popular book, Harps and Harpists, will be on hand to talk about the latest revised edition of her book. Considered the authoritative history of the instrument, Harps and Harpists chronicles the harp from its origins in ancient civilizations to modern day. Rensch will also be signing copies of her book which will be on sale at seminar. advanced yoga Instructor: Marissa Knaub Level: All Harp Required: No Take a relaxing break from the harp in this class designed by a harpist for harpists with yoga experience! Marissa will lead you through a series of poses that target the mental and physical muscles we use at the harp. You ’ll leave feeling refreshed, relaxed and eager to tackle any challenge on the harp! Wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat if you have one. Morning Stretch Instructor: TBD Level: All Harp Required: No A morning wake-up call designed to get your body stretched at ready for the day ahead. Wear comfortable clothing. String Changing Seminar Instructor: TBD Levels: All Levels Harp Required: No This class is for anyone who gets a knot in their stomach just thinking about what would happen if a string broke and you had to change it in a hurry. We will show you how to tie a basic knot and how to secure a string to the tuning pin. If time permits, we ’ll also talk about changing wire strings. (This is a repeat of last year’s class.) Hear It, Like It, Buy It!* Instructor: TBD Level: varies, see schedule Harp Required: No This popular BITM class gives you a chance to hear harp music played by a professional harpist so that you can decide if it ’s something you might want to add to your own library. We’ll come armed with lots of favorites we think you’d like to hear, but you can also bring things you’d like our harpist to play. i hear a harp...or two Instructor: TBD Level: all Harp Required: No Are you overwhelmed by choices when you walk onto the floor of a harp showroom? Do you wonder about the differences in sound between each make and model? In this class, which takes place in the exhibit room (only open to class members at this time), a professional harpist will play and describe different instruments so you can make a side-by-side comparison of each one ’s sound. Virginia Harp Center offers the largest selection of harpmakers in the country, so take advantage of this opportunity to hear them all!