Getting the right pitch is easier on the clarsach than, say, the violin. This is one of the reasons I took it up 18 months ago. But pitching things right when teaching a mixed group of harpists? Now that takes real skill.
In two half-day workshops Steph West www.stephwest.co.uk drew out the talents of the rattle-bag of players who made their way to Wing. In the morning the intermediate players learnt how to move on from ‘noodling about’ on the harp. Understanding some of the building blocks of tunes – the modes, the bars, the repeating patterns – gave us tools to take home and tinker with.
The afternoon was an experience of playing concert-style. This is something a few of us struggle with, but we were getting there. As reward for our efforts Steph went to put the kettle on. To her amazement, she was serenaded on her return with a passable rendition of the famous waltz from Swan Lake.
Thanks again to Sue and Linda for organising another superb workshop.
Terri Eynon (Convenor)
UP AND COMING EVENTS
For information about regular events and sessions in the East Midlands please look at Harping in the East Midlands
