Winter Harp Workshop - Sunday 27th July, 2008 by Noni Dickson

This year’s winter harp workshop run by Cliona Molins was an even greater success than last year’s. It focused on the Irish harp. It was great to meet twelve other harpists over afternoon tea and also have the opportunity to play different harps.  A few other people interested in playing the harp just came to watch and listen. It was amazing just how well we seemed to get on considering the age differences and backgrounds. Cliona began with some history of the Irish harp and music and then we launched into learning a few pieces, firstly trying to learn them by ear and then a bit later the ‘obsessive music readers’ breathed a sigh of relief when they were given the music to read. Recordings were made so that we could go home and practice what we had learned. After a break we discussed and experimented with different accompaniments for singing with the harp and ornamentation in Irish music. We finished the afternoon with a few volunteers performing an item of their own choice. The two younger harpists excelled themselves. Playing the harp in a group is so much more fun than playing on your own. As we had a few people interested in playing in an ensemble we will explore that possiblity in the  near future. Once again, an inspiring and worthwhile day. We are looking forward to another one next year and perhaps some new people to join us. Thank you Cliona.