News from the American Harp Society, Inc.
January 2016
As those of you in the northern climes dig out of the snowstorm and try to stay warm, we thought everyone might like to escape into planning your a summer visit to Atlanta for the American Harp Society, Inc.'s 42nd National Conference.  We have other news to share as well about the 2017 Summer Institute.
Sponsor Welcome  
 
AHS is delighted to welcome returning Platinum Sponsor Anderson Musical Instrument Insurance for the 2016 National Conference. Thank you!

See you in Atlanta! 

In This Issue
AHS National Conference Atlanta 2016:  registration now open!  
Now is the time to make your plans and register for the exciting 2016 AHS National Conference in Atlanta!  The Conference web pages are now online at www.ahsconference.org, and you can easily register there in just a few minutes!  Discounted early bird rates are available until April 1st, so don't delay.

The Atlanta Host Committee has assembled a stellar program of concerts, workshops and master classes with something for everyone, from youth to adult aficionados to the professional and teacher.  Full details are available online, with updates and additions posted there regularly.  Among the highlights are:

Spotlight on Youth
Schwartz Center
06/30/2016 08:00PM
This concert features Bridget Kibbey, Park Stickney and Indra Thomas performing with the Honors Ensemble, conducted by Joseph Young.
Susann McDonald Tribute Concert
Glenn Memorial UMC
07/01/2016 08:00PM
Remy van Kesteren in Recital
Glenn Memorial UMC
07/02/2016 08:00PM
We're pleased to present the 9th USA International Harp Competition Gold Medalist and harp sensation Remy van Kesteren in recital.


Looking for an opportunity to play and learn?  Apply to participate in a master class with one of four special teachers.

Susann McDonald
07/01/2016 02:30PM
 
You won't want to miss this unique opportunity to see and hear the master harp teacher at work--coaching repertoire from all levels that she has composed, edited, or studied in France with Henriette Reni�.
Naoko Yoshino
07/02/2016 10:30AM
Naoko Yoshino, Israel Harp Competition first prize winner and Sony Classics recording artist is a stunning exponent of traditional repertoire as well as champion of new music.
Laura Sherman
07/02/2016 02:30PM
One of America's most vibrant and multi-talented harpists, Laura Sherman presents her Bach Rhythm & Groove Lecture/Master Class that is sure to be a hit.
Remy van Kesteren
07/03/2016 10:15AM
The younger generation is represented by harpist/composer Remy van Kesteren, Gold Medalist of the 9th USA International Harp Competition and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist.

And of course there are dozens more concerts and workshops planned, see all the details "in a nutshell" online!  Watch your mailbox for more information and registration forms.

The Georgia Chapter has worked hard to keep registration rates affordable for everyone:


Before April 1, 2016After April 1, 2016
Adult$235$295
Student$110$140
Non-harpist Family Member$110$140


 




Single day rates (adults $195, students $80) are also available for those who cannot attend the entire Conference.  Our online registration form is secure, but if you prefer to mail a check, a downloadable paper registration form is also available.

Conference Housing

The Emory Conference Center Hotel is the main epicenter of the Conference. Located adjacent to Emory University, the Hotel features beautiful guest rooms and meeting space on a 26-acre nature preserve. The Hotel includes amenities such as free Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and fitness center, two restaurants, in-room dining, in-room refrigerators, and walking trails. Rates are $135/night and should be booked by clicking here. Parking is an additional $5 per night. (Note that parking costs $15 per day for non-guests of the Hotel).


Guests of the Conference may also choose to stay at Raoul Dormitory, located on the campus of Emory University and about a 15-minute walk from the Hotel. The Dormitory features suite-style rooms with a bathroom joining two guest rooms. Linens are included, parking is free, and guests will also have free access to the gym facilities at the Emory Student Activity Center. Additional dorm information is available here.

The room rates are:
Single Occupancy - $45.50 per person, per night
Double Occupancy - $36.50 per person, per night
Please book your dormitory accommodations on the Conference Registration Form.
Minnesota Chapter to Host 2017 Summer Institute
The AHS Board of Directors has gratefully accepted the Minnesota Chapter's invitation to host the 2017 Summer Institute and National Competition at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, just south of Minneapolis/St. Paul along the shores of the Cannon River. Kathy Kienzle and Elinor Niemisto are Co-Chairs with Ann Benjamin as Assistant Chair.

We are thrilled to have such a vibrant chapter and experienced team planning the next AHS Institute event.  Ann was the 1998 National Conference Chair, Elinor has been deeply involved with organizing Suzuki harp events, and Kathy is currently the World Harp Congress Chair.

St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN 
Northfield is a historic river town of 20,000 in the southeast part of Minnesota, just 30 miles from the Twin Cities and Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) international airport. Downtown Northfield, within walking distance of campus, has been restored to recall the 19th century and features coffeehouses, sandwich shops, restaurants, gift stores, and local art galleries.  

In addition to a retreat-like setting, St. Olaf offers outstanding music facilities for the Summer Institute.  The dormitory for the Summer Institute is just steps away.  We look forward to planning an inspiring and rewarding Summer Institute in Minnesota for 2017.  Many thanks to the Minnesota Chapter for the invitation!  
Recital Opportunity with the Winners Outreach Program of AHS 
AHS Chapters are encouraged to take advantage of the wonderful opportunity afforded by AHS's Winners Outreach Program to support our rising artists and to provide a quality program for our members.  Through this program chapters may present in recital AHS National Competition prize winners (other than the Concert Artist) from their region. The AHS will reimburse up to $300 in expenses as available funding permits.  Complete program information is available online at harpsociety.org/About/Programs/WinnersOutreach.asp  You may also contact Winners Outreach Program Chairman  Elizabeth Blakeslee with any questions or to plan an appearance.

There are winners in all twelve of AHS's regions - find yours and invite one to perform for your chapter and community.

NORTHWESTERN
Emma DeMille (Junior, 1st and Kathy Bundock Moore prize)
Monet Wilson (Intermediate I, 1st place)
Sarah Close (Intermediate II, 2nd place-tie)
Caroline Richards (Intermediate II, 2nd place-tie)
Hannah Cope (Advanced, 1st place)
Margaret Davis (Advanced, 4th place)
Michel Tess (Advanced, 6th place)
 
MIDATLANTIC
Jadelyn Ding (Junior, 5th place)
Jessica Ding (Intermediate II, 4th place and Catherine Gotthoffer Prize)
Sophia Lee (Intermediate II, 6th place-tie)
Helen Gerhold (Young Professional, 3rd place-tie)
Ruriko Terada (Young Professional, 3rd place-tie)
 
SOUTHWESTERN
Johanna Hein (Intermediate I, 2nd place)
Claire Thai (Intermediate I, 4th place)
Adam Phan (Intermediate II, 6th place-tie)
 
SOUTHERN
Clara Warford (Intermediate II, 5th place)

NEW YORK
Lauren Schrempp (Intermediate I, 5th place)
Elizabeth Yeoh-Wang (Intermediate II, 1st place)
 
PACIFIC
Claire Elais (Junior, 5th place)
Isabella McCormick (Junior 3rd place-tie)
Audrey Zhang (Junior 2nd place)
 
MIDWESTERN
Lily Primus (Junior, 4th place)
Lucy Sotak (Intermediate I, 3rd place)
Abigail Enssle (Advanced, 5th place)
 
NORTH CENTRAL
Heather Cornelius (Advanced, 3rd place)

SOUTHEASTERN 
Abigail Kent (Young Professional, 5th place)
 
NEW ENGLAND
Alethea Grant (Advanced, 2nd place)

MIDCENTRAL
Natalie Hoffmann (Young Professional, 6th place)
 
WESTERN
No�l Wan (Young Professional, 2nd place)

Just some of the 2015 National Competition winners 
From the web . . .  
Spring is a busy time for professional concerts, student recitals, chapter activities, and festival events.  Be sure to share what's going on in your area with the wider harp community on AHS's website Upcoming Events Calendar



It only takes a click and a couple of minutes to enter your information, and we will help you tell the world what great things you're doing right on the home page of www.harpsociety.org!
  
Online Membership Database
Access the AHS Online Membership Directory any time, anywhere in the world. Find old friends and make new ones!  And please help us stay in touch by updating your member record when something changes.

We will be producing the printed 2016 AHS Membership Directory very soon, so please check your record BY FEBRUARY 1st to be sure everything is correct.

Membership Questions?
 
Please contact Barbara Sooklal
Membership Secretary 
805-410-4277 (HARP)

For your security, please do not email credit card numbers.
Membership forms may be sent by secure fax to (508) 803-8383.

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American Harp Society, Inc. | 805-410-4277
execdirector@harpsociety.org | www.harpsociety.org
624 Crystal Ave
Findlay, OH 45840