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 MIDWESTERN REGION NEWSLETTER |
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National News
42nd National Conference in Atlanta  The Georgia Chapter is proud to host the 42nd National Conference in Atlanta, next June 30 - July 3, 2016 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel. The AHS National Conference is dedicated to bringing world class presenters and performers to Atlanta to captivate the next generation of harpists and to develop the talents and careers of our current members. Please join us for dynamic concerts and workshops, and to enjoy true southern hospitality with friends old and new. Please check www.harpsociety.org/ConferenceInstitute/2016Conference
often for updates on the program, schedule, housing and registration.
AHS Concert Artist
Congratulations to the 2015-2017 AHS Concert Artist, Katherine Siochi! Local chapters have a wonderful opportunity to invite Katherine to give a recital and masterclass in their region. Consider a chapter event that would support this talented harpist and enrich your local community! For more information about the program and Katherine please visit: www.harpsociety.org/About/Programs/ConcertArtist.
Membership
Have you renewed your membership for 2016-2017? The new membership year began September 1st. Don't miss the wonderful upcoming winter issue of The American Harp Journal, or miss out on grant opportunities, insurance discounts, national e-newsletters and much more by letting your membership lapse. It's easy to renew online today at www.harpsociety.org/Membership/JoinRenew.
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American Harp Society, Inc. National Board Opportunities
From Barbara Lepke-Sims
During the 42nd AHS National Conference in Atlanta, my term will be complete as Midwestern Regional Director. I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the AHS in this capacity not only in this current term from June 2011 through June 2016, but also in a previous term as Mid-western RD from 1993-1998, when I also served as Chairman of the Board.
The American Harp Society, Inc. is always looking for dedicated volunteers to serve at the national level. If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate someone who would be interested in serving, please go to the online nominations form and submit your/their name, contact information and why you think you/they would bring value to the AHS on a national level. Board members are required to attend the annual Conference/Summer Institute, attend phone conference calls and volunteer to work on various committees. Since serving on and off the AHS Board in various capacities for 30 years, I think one of the most rewarding benefits to serving is meeting new people and making many "harp friends" from around the nation and world. It is also gratifying to further the goals of the AHS Society and help preserve the history of the harp, contribute to the current influence of the harp and help plan the growth of the harp for the future. All of this then positively impacts the potential opportunities for all harpists.
May you all have a blessed holiday season . Thank you again for allowing me to serve as Midwestern Region Director.
Best wishes,
Barb
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Mile High Chapter
Denver, CO
The Mile High Chapter has had a very active year with active members.
The Chapter hosted Agn�s Cl�ment in concert with a successful master class in January 2016. Agnes was very inspiring to all who heard her. The Chapter also hosted the AHS Student Evaluations in the spring with Janet Harriman. All students who participated benefited from the experience. Every other year the Chapter presents, "Harp Fantasia" where approximately 40-50 harpists perform together. It is such a wonderful event for all who participate! This year we tried a new venue with much success!
Courtney Hershey Bress, our Principal harpist, performed the Debussy Danses and Ravel's Introduction and Allegro with the Colorado Symphony on October 16 & 17! What a great success! Courtney also performs with Kathleen Bride, in duo recital, at various venues, including Eastman School of Music. The 11th AHS Summer Institute was held this past June 21-24, 2015. Many people from Colorado attended this Institute, since it is an easy drive to Utah from Colorado. Courtney Hershey Bress held a wonderful Master Class. Our Colorado "working harpists" perform frequently in all types of venues and concerts. Our students are always encouraged to participate in their various school or orchestra concerts. Congratulations to Emily Levin, Colorado native, for winning the Santa Fe Opera position and the Dallas Symphony Principal Harp position! In addition, Barb Lepke-Sims is the Colorado Area Coordinator for the Music For Healing and Transition Program. Therapeutic Music is a meaningful and growing field where harpists are hired to play for patients in hospitals. For more information please go to www.mhtp.org. |
Great Plains Chapter
Nebraska
Omaha Harpists Present Fall Concert - Harpening 2015
Twenty-three members of the Great Plains Chapter of the American Harp Society, Inc. entertained a nearly-full house at the harp community's biannual concert, Harpening. The concert was October 10 in Omaha.
The concert featured a variety of harps, both lever and pedal, and the harpists played a variety pieces-from pop to classic. Chapter spokesperson Rod Colvin said, "It's unusual to see so many harpists performing at one time. Usually, a harpist plays alone, so this concert was both a visual and audio delight. We had excellent feedback from those in attendance.
The harpists on stage included a variety of age groups-from elementary school-age students to adult students and professional harpists. Those performing harpists also included a father and son duo-Lou Hurst and his teenaged-son Zach, of Lincoln. Another harpist, Anita Jaynes, a professional harpist and arranger, played, despite having a broken leg-the result of a recent fall.
Rod Colvin, Secretary, Great Plains Chapter
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KC Lyra Chapter
Missouri
 Fall Meeting
September Teacher Meeting
On Sunday, September 20th, the chapter's first teacher meeting of the year took place. It was attended by teachers to create a better sense of community and understanding among each other. It was hosted by Kara Gibson and the topic of the meeting was "What's your favorite method book?"
KC Harp Weekend 2015
Held on Friday and Saturday, October 9th and 10th, the KC Lyra Chapter featured harpist Erin Wood as their guest harpist for the weekend. The first evening concert featured local high school students and professionals including, Manij�h Ren� Pickard, Roseanne Gortenburg, Kara Gibson, and Tabitha Reist-Steiner. Workshops about Harp Maintenance, Shopping for a Harp, The Irish Harp, and Harp Etiquette were presented by Dr. Deborah Clark and Dr. Phil Clark of the KC Symphony, Kara Gibson, Celia Albon, and Phaedra Moll. Local students participated in a masterclass given by featured harpist Erin Wood. David Woodworth of Starlight Harps shared his harps with everyone at the event. The KC Harp Weekend closed with a solo recital by Erin Wood. The event was chaired by both Manij�h Ren� Pickard (President) and Elizabeth Valle (Treasurer).
Local News in Kansas City
The KC Lyra Chapter has an exciting new website! Check it out at www.kclyrachapter.com and learn more about our members and events. This year the KC Lyra Chapter also created a Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kcharpchapter. Kara Gibson manages both the website and the Facebook Page for the KC Lyra Chapter.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE KC LYRA CHAPTER:
KC Lyra Chapter Winter Recital: Sunday, December 6th, 2015
Lyra Winter Performance for Annual Candlelight Vintage Home Tour at the Carroll Mason Museum with Leavenworth County Historical Society: Sunday, December 13th, 2015
January Teacher Meeting: Sunday, January 10th, 2016
Auditions & Evaluations-Session I: Saturday, January 23rd, 2016
Auditions & Evaluations-Sessions II: Saturday, February 6th, 2016
February Teacher Meeting: Sunday, February 7th, 2016
March Teacher Meeting: Sunday, March 6th, 2016
KC Lyra Chapter Competition: Saturday, April 9th, 2016
Lyra Student Spring Recital followed by Spring Chapter Meeting: Sunday, April 10th, 2016
May Teacher Luncheon: Friday, May 13th, 2016
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Wichita Chapter
KansasThe Wichita Chapter held their fall meeting in October. Members brought some of their favorite Christmas pieces, so the other members could get some ideas for different holiday music to play. RoJean Loucks, Suzanne Shields, and members of the Prairie Winds Harp Ensemble and the Wichita Harp Ensemble performed at the Scottish Festival in McPherson, KS in September. Both RoJean and Suzanne also performed solo sets at the Festival. Faith O'Neal has started a student harp group at Brooks Middle School in Wichita. Jane Hyde and Gretchen Jones are performing with the Wichita Symphony this year. Jane has also performed with the Salina Symphony and the Delano Chamber Orchestra. Suzanne Shields is performing for the Coutts Museum Brown Bag Holiday Concert in December in ElDorado. The Wichita Harp Ensemble is performing Christmas music for the Botanica Illuminations fundraiser.
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