The American Harp Academy (AHA) was held June 23-29, 2024, at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA) in Winston-Salem, NC. The AHA believes in nurturing the artist within the harpist and is a 1-week summer program led by Jacquelyn Bartlett, UNCSA Artist Faculty and Artistic Director of the North Carolina Harp Ensemble. Harpists of all skill levels, ages 12 to adult are welcome to participate in this intensive week of study every summer. This year, we were thrilled to share our passion for harp and music education with Star Connor of WXII 12 News! Enjoy her news feature below!
News Feature by Star Connor, Weekend Morning Anchor/Reporter at WXII 12 News
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. —
Inspiring musicians and helping them achieve artistic excellence.
That’s what this week is all about for a group of students participating in the American Harp Academy in Winston-Salem at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.
The American Harp Academy includes lessons from instructors from around the world.
One student who traveled from Charlotte said she hoped to learn more from this week-long program.
Tessa Jackson said she's been playing the harp since she was 3 years old.
"I love the sound. When you play this instrument, you can do so many different things with it. I love how it brings other people joy when I play it," Jackson said.
The 17-year-old is participating in the American Harp Academy for the first time.
"I learned a lot about technique. I knew it was important just didn't realize how important it was to at certain cords, it was a lot easier to play," she said. "I also learned the importance of being able to listen. Because on ensembles, you have to be able to listen to other players."
Harp professor and academy director Jacquelyn Bartlett said the weeklong program offers intensive study, as well as preparation for upcoming competitions, auditions, and performances.
"Harpists seem to be a little bit more isolated with their instrument. There aren't as many harpists around," Bartlett said. "So, this really gives them opportunities for harpists to gather together."
Bartlett said the harp can produce a wide range of sounds, from delicate notes to powerful chords.
"It's a beautiful instrument. You sit and play it. Your arms are wrapped around it. The instrument vibrates, so your body feels that and to me, it has the most glorious sound and abilities of any other instrument," Bartlett said.
"I feel like the harp, or just music in general, just brings joy and a certain peace. It definitely brings beauty, and more beauty to the world," Jackson said.
Full article here.