News from the American Harp Society, Inc.
March 2015
Welcome to the American Harp Society, Inc.'s March e-Newsletter.  This month's feature story is an interview with AHS Concert Artist Alexandra Katelyn Mullins.  Read on for details and deadlines for the upcoming Summer Institute and National Competition, and an invitation to the 2016 National Conference in Atlanta.
Meet Alexandra Mullins

By Carolyn Lund

Second Vice-President

Co-Chair, 2016 National Conference

 

Alexandra Mullins' term as the AHS Concert Artist will be coming to a close this summer in Logan, Utah. The 20-year-old has had a busy two years performing in cities including Salt Lake City, Cincinnati, Phoenix, San Antonio, Atlanta, and San Jose to name a few. In addition to performing, she has been studying with Susann McDonald at Indiana University and is planning to graduate in December.

 

AHS: You have been the AHS Concert Artist for almost two years. What have some of the highlights been?
 
I've played over 15 concerts and given master classes. Everyone has been really appreciative. In Utah they have a really big harp chapter, and I got to be a judge for their harp festival. It was really fun to see how many people were there and really excited about harp.

 

AHS: Has it been difficult to balance school and playing so many concerts?

 

It's been an interesting learning experience for me. Time-wise it hasn't been too bad. Most of the concerts have been on the weekend, so I don't miss school. I've tried to do music that I'm comfortable with. Every semester I'll have a set program and then I'll change the concert each semester. This experience has helped me figure out what it would be like to actually have a performing career. It's been challenging but good.

 

AHS: How long have you been involved in AHS Competitions?

 

I started doing AHS competitions when I was 11 years old. I entered the Junior category in Los Angeles. And then my last one, the Young Professional competition, was in LA. I think I did the competition every year it came except for one year. The first two competitions I did, the repertoire was a little above where I was at the time. Every time I competed, it was really pushing me to learn new repertoire. It's been nice to have something to work for.

 

AHS: What advice do you have for younger harpists?

 

A lot of people are like, "I don't think I could ever do the competition because the repertoire is too hard." I think that no matter what the outcome is, there is nothing negative to doing it. It's really great to push yourself. I think it's good character-wise. It's good to lose. I've lost a lot of things too. You should keep trying and eventually you'll get there.

Will we see you in Logan?
In This Issue
Listen Now
Alexandra performs  Reni�'s Danse des lutins here on YouTube. Hear this work live in the AHS Competition Advanced Division finals in Logan! Alexandra will also be sharing her insights with students in an Open Coaching Session during the Summer Institute.
Carolyn Lund and Alexandra Mullins in New Orleans, 2014
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Please contact

Barbara Sooklal

Interim Executive Secretary

[email protected] 

 

805-410-4277 (HARP)
Now is the time to finalize your plans to attend the 2015 Summer Institute and 21st AHS National Competition at the Utah State University. The Host Committee has put together a terrific event, including diverse concerts, engaging workshops, and opportunities to participate such as in the National Competition, open coaching sessions and the new Orchestra Project. Find all the details online at www.ahssummerinstitute.org.  But don't wait too long . . . there are several deadlines right around the corner:

    April 1st   - Early registration discount ends   
    April 15th - AHS National Competition application deadline   
    April 15th - Lyon & Healy Awards (held in Logan) application deadline
    April 25th -  Digital video applications due for the Orchestra Project
Make Atlanta Your Conference
The AHS Board and the Atlanta Host Committee for the 2016 National Conference are welcoming proposals from distinguished presenters for workshops, performances, and scholarly lectures during the conference at Emory University. In order to allow for proper planning, please respond to the Call for Proposals by April 1st. Think about how you can contribute to your craft, help develop the talents and careers of members, and engage the next generations for the future.  Let us hear from you!

And it's not too early to make your plans to attend, June 30-July 3, 2016, and experience true southern hospitality, Atlanta style!
AHS Online Event Calendar
Don't wait for Logan to hear some great performances - check out our online calendar on the home page of www.harpsociety.org for concerts, workshops and chapter activites.  And be sure to tell the world here about your next exciting performance or upcoming event!
American Harp Society, Inc. | 805-410-4277805-410-4277 | [email protected] | www.harpsociety.org
624 Crystal Ave
Findlay, OH 45840