Workshops
CELTIC HARP WORKSHOP and ALL HARPS GET-TOGETHER
10 – 4, Sunday May 27, 2012
10:00 – 10:30 Park, unload harps, set-up, and tune
10:30 -12:00 Simpler material taught at a gentle pace, for harp players with less experience
12:00 – 12:30 potluck set up, opportunity for more players to arrive
12:30 – 1:30 Music and Munchies: while we eat, people can choose to play ensemble pieces together, or share solos (in a background-style, informal environment)
1:30 – 2:00 Pack up, and say goodbye to those not staying for the
afternoon session
2:00 – 4:00 More challenging material taught at a faster pace, for harp players with more experience
Morning session $15
Afternoon session $20
Both sessions $35 (option to audit either class)
Please email Cheryl Reid O’Hagan at sunnyday@ns.sympatico if you are attending, or phone 902-832-9014 with questions.
More details available at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nova-Scotia-Harp-Ring
LISTENING MATERIALS FOR WORKSHOP:
Twice a year fiddler (Barra MacNeils)
August 14 – 18, 2012: IMA International School of Celtic Harp
Alys returns to Wells, BC to teach the Intermediate Class. To learn more or to register, visit http://www.imarts.com/artschool/130/harp
INTERMEDIATE HARP course description: Building on the fundamentals of melody and rhythm, the Intermediate class will learn tunes mainly from the Scottish and Irish traditions (along with some treasures from Cape Breton!) In our repertoire, we will touch on stylistic interpretation, variation, ornamentation, and musical forms in a variety of keys, modes and rhythms. We will increase our multi-tasking abilities at the harp: counting, fingering, brackets and placing – with phrasing and musicality of course!
While creating arrangements for our tunes, we will explore chord inversions and substitutions, choosing the “right” chords and enjoying the “wrong” ones, reinforcing accompaniment patterns and left hand skills, composing interesting bass lines, using syncopation, damping and muffling to augment rhythm and drive in dance tunes.
The Intermediate Class will explore the rationale behind some key technical exercises, increasing fluidity and relaxation, finger independence, speed and agility, volume and tone.
We will also continue building ensemble skills to play collaboratively with others (accompanying singers, or other instruments), covering useful practice habits, performance preparation and comfort. Alys will close the week with an “audio tour”, introducing some of the many and varied worlds of the harp today. Where will you take the harp from here? Find your own stylistic goals and vision!
It is suggested that the Intermediate level course is right for students familiar with the following: tuning their own harp; crossing over/under; placing in advance; and playing RH tunes with simple LH accompaniment. Some knowledge of keys, chords, and time signatures is recommended (concepts of music literacy may be reviewed, as appropriate to the group). All materials will be taught by rote, however the ability to read both bass and treble clef, and willingness to learn by ear is an asset. Learners will be provided with written materials to aid memory. Where possible, there will be less- and more- challenging options. Bring your harp, sense of humour, love of music – and leave with a treasure trove of new repertoire and ideas!
WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS
“Intermediate harp workshop” Naramta BC, 2011:
This has been a wonderful musical experience Alys – we were so lucky to have this time with you – utterly inspiring and SO much fun. – Pam
Really enjoyed your thorough and compassionate approach, encompassing all learning styles. Thank you so much. – Michelle
You are a marvelous teacher and amazing musician. Thank you 
– Kate
Thoroughly enjoyed your method of teaching and ideas for us to learn. – Donna
Thank you SO much for the amazing workshop! You’ve inspired me! I hope to see you again soon. Thanks again! – Siobhan
A very inspiring weekend! Thank you so much for all the great ideas and the chance to hear such beautiful music! - Brenda
You “ornamented” our harp weekend and inspired us all. Thanks so much. - Jane
You are inspiring Alys, and a great instructor. Thanks so much. - Mary Ann
Thanks Alys! Enjoyed the weekend and learned a lot. You’re amazing! – Sharon
Love the way you teach. Thanks! – Tina
You have given us all a new lease on our Celtic music. Thanks for everything! – Caroline
Thanks for an enthusiastic presentation of new ways to harp. - Colleen
You are a musical inspiration. My muse. – Susan
Thank you! I so enjoyed listening to you and learning from you. You’ve given me new inspiration. – Debbie
You’re the BEST! – Jane M
What a wonderful workshop. Thanks so much. – Allanah
“Beginner harp workshop”, Wells BC, 2010:
Thank you so much for your patience, warmth, encouragement and of course…your wonderful talents. It is an honour to have had you as my teacher. Please come back again. – Sue
What a pleasure to be in your class, you are also an amazing performer. - Lynne
Through your kindness, your patience, and your talent, you have truly inspired me. Thank you for sharing your blessings with us. – Leah Kabotoff
Please come again! Thank you, thank you. – Shirley
What a joy to be able to play with you! I will always remember your positive ways! Thanks so much. - Libby
What a trip! You were wonderful for us all. Thanks. - Cathy
Thank you Alys for teaching us with such patience! I love your encouragement! - Sascha
PREVIOUS WORKSHOPS WITH ALYS HOWE
March 30 – April 1, 2012: High Spirits Music (Naramata, B.C.)
Under the blossoms of the Okanagan orchards, Alys returned to instruct the 12th Annual Harp Retreat & Workshop in Naramata, BC. This workshop was taught at the level of intermediate harp students. There was Scottish, Irish, and Cape Breton repertoire, with information about ornamentation, variation, arranging, and some technical work to build speed and skill. For more information about High Spirits Music or Caroline Mackay, contact: theharplady@shaw.ca, phone: (250) 768-0930, or www.highspiritsmusic.com
May 7, 2011: Kiwanis Festival in Langley, BC
Alys adjudicated the harp and guitar categories. For more information, visit http://www.kfv.ca/
April 1 – 3, 2011: High Spirits Music (Naramata, B.C.)
Under the blossoms of the Okanagan orchards, Alys instructed the 11th Annual Harp Retreat & Workshop in Naramata, BC. This workshop was taught at the level of intermediate harp students. It was so much fun, we’re doing it again in 2012! For more information or to register, please contact Caroline Mackay: theharplady@shaw.ca, phone: (250) 768-0930, or www.highspiritsmusic.com
August 15 – 19, 2010: IMA International School of Celtic Harp
Beginner Harp – This supportive and inspiring class is for those with limited or no prior experience on the harp. The primary goals for the week are to learn a lot about the harp, and have fun!
Feis Shiatail (Slighe nan Gaidheal), Fort Worden USA (June 2009)
Intermediate harp workshop. Technical exercises to build comfort with strathspey rhythms, a Scottish jig, and exercises to develop 2:3 rhythms for a fun variation in the jig!
Edmonton Kiwanis Festival (2009)
Adjudication and intermediate – advanced harp workshop. This workshop was a mini-sampler of some of the greatest “harp goodies” Alys has gathered while exploring three strands of Celtic musical tradition: we learned an Irish jig and reel, a strathspey from Cape Breton, and a Scottish air. We discussed stylistic idioms, ornamentation, variation, and context. We developed awareness of the traditions in which the music was created, while remaining open to its living state - and where we can take it from here!
Gaelic College of Celtic Arts (harp), Cape Breton (2003; 2004; 2005)
Beginner harp, intermediate harp, advanced harp workshops. Technical exercises to build skill and speed, and repertoire from Scotland, Ireland, and Cape Breton.
