News from the American Harp Society, Inc.
February 2016
As many of us eagerly anticipate the early spring predicted by Punxsutawney Phil, the American Harp Society, Inc. is looking even further ahead to summertime excitement at the 42nd AHS National Conference in Atlanta!  Read more in this month's newsletter about how you can participate, on stage, and a special tribute planned.  Learn about the AHS Grants program with a deadline coming soon. The new 2016 Member Directory is in final edits and heading to the printer shortly - watch your mailbox.  And be sure to cast your vote in the AHS Board election before March 15th.
In This Issue
Take your seat on stage at the 2016 National Conference!  
Mark your calendars for an exceptional opportunity for inspiration, creativity, and the celebration of your love of the harp. Begin planning for your participation in the 42nd AHS National Conference (June 30 through July 3) at the Emory Conference Center & Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
While enjoying the gracious southern hospitality and world-class enclaves of Atlanta, you'll find something for everyone at the 2016 National Conference, whether you're new to the harp or a long-time principal harpist in one of the nation's leading symphonies.  You'll find many opportunities to participate actively if you wish or to immerse yourself into some of America's finest harp performances and workshops.

Performance Opportunities for All Ages
An Honors Ensemble is geared toward advanced harpists between the ages of 14 to 22. They will perform works on the opening night concert in collaboration with world-class harpists Bridget Kibbey and Park Stickney, and also soprano Indra Thomas, conducted by Joseph Young, assistant conductor with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  Applications and a recorded audition are due April 15; details are available online.

Even younger harpists from 6-14 years old may participate in the Youth Ensemble and receive daily coaching by renowned instructors, preparing for a finale concert Sunday morning. Participation in the ensemble is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis with a teacher's recommendation in lieu of an audition.  Please apply by April 1. 

Adults, want to sharpen your chops? An Adult Ensemble will be open to everyone eager to perform. The artists will rehearse together Friday and Saturday mornings, then perform in a large Ensemble Concert on Sunday, including the premiere of a work arranged by Lynne Abbey-Lee especially for this group.  What a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with harpists from around the country and to play under the direction of the Assistant Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Justin Bruns. Repertoire, requirements and an application, due March 15, are available online.

Master Classes
For some extraordinary one-on-one coaching, don't miss the opportunity to apply for one of four master classes being offered in Atlanta:
  • Remy van Kesteren, Gold Medalist of the 9th USA International Harp Competition and Deutsche Grammophon recording artist 
     
  • Laura Sherman sharing unique perspectives on the music of J.S. Bach
     
  • Naoko Yoshino, Israel Harp Contest first prize winner and Sony Classics recording artist
     
  • Susann McDonald coaching repertoire from all levels that she has composed, edited, or studied in France with Henriette Reni�
Visit the master class page of the Conference website for details and recorded audition requirements, and apply by April 1st.

Don't Miss This Major Event in the Harp World
A major worldwide transportation hub, Atlanta is a perfect conference location. The Emory Conference Center's beautiful, wooded, campus will provide you an ideal location for the AHS National Conference experience.  Visit www.AHSConference.org and register today, with an "early bird" discount available until April 1st.  Our online registration form is secure, but if you prefer to mail a check, a downloadable paper registration form is also available.  You will also receive a Conference information packet in your mailbox soon.  And start following the hashtag #HarpATL!
DATES TO REMEMBER
Early Registration
Discount Ends
Registration Deadline
Attendee RegistrationApril 1, 2016July 1, 2016
Dormitory ReservationsN/AJune 1, 2016
Adult Ensemble ApplicationsN/AMarch 15, 2016
Youth Ensemble ApplicationsN/AApril 1, 2016
Honors Youth Ensemble ApplicationsN/AApril 15, 2016
Master Class ApplicationsN/AApril 15, 2016
Exhibitor ApplicationsMarch 1, 2016May 1, 2016
Interested in hosting the next Conference?
It's not too soon to be thinking about the 2018 National Conference.  The National Events Group Co-Coordinators are eagerly considering proposals for AHS's next conference.  This can be an exciting and rewarding project to grow and engage your entire Chapter, and a great way to show off your community.   The Conference Handbook, downloadable from www.harpsociety.org's member links, will answer many questions about hosting a Conference.  National AHS staff and committees offer excellent support to the host team, and the Chapter president does not have to serve as Conference Chair. Inquiries and proposals may be directed to Co-Coordinators Lillian Lau and Lucy Scandrett.  Please consider this exciting opportunity for your Chapter!
Susann McDonald:  "One of the Greatest Living Harpists"
Susann McDonald 
While at the Atlanta Conference meet Susann McDonald.   She will be honored on Friday, July 1st, with a series of events.  That morning Linda Rollo will lead several of her most well-known students, including Nancy Allen, Elizabeth Hainen, Jaymee Haefner, Mar�a-Luisa Rayan, Elzbieta Szymt, Ann Yeung, and Naoko Yoshino in a panel discussion of her teaching legacy.  Later in the day participants and observers alike will have the opportunity to sample that legacy first hand during Ms. McDonald's master class.  And the Friday evening concert will be an impressive musical tribute to her, presented by Maria Casale, Elizabeth Hainen, Mar�a-Luisa Rayan, Ann Yeung and Naoko Yoshino.

At age 15, Susann McDonald entered the Conservatoire de Paris, where she studied with Henriette Reni� and Lily Laskine , and was the first American to win the Premier Prix de Harpe.  In addition to an extensive performing and recording career, Ms. McDonald has built one of the largest harp programs in the world at Indiana University, where she joined the faculty in 1981.  She is a former faculty member and chair of the harp departments at the Juilliard School, the University of Southern California, the University of Arizona, and California State University at Los Angeles. Her recordings and publications include much of today's major harp literature. Ms. McDonald teaches frequent master classes in leading conservatories throughout the world, including Paris, Verona, Granada, Copenhagen, Rotterdam, China, Brazil, and Villars, Switzerland. She serves as adjudicator of international harp competitions, and is founder of the USA International Harp Competition.  One of her proudest accomplishments is her service as artistic director of the World Harp Congress from its inception in 1981 until 2011.

Ms. McDonald's mastery of her craft has earned her accolades, including being recognized as "one of the greatest living harpists" by the Swiss publication, Harpa.  Read more about Ms. McDonald in a recent Bloomington Magazine story on select IU music faculty.  We look forward to celebrating her many contributions to the harp community in Atlanta. 
An AHS Grant May Help Bring Your Inspiration
to Life 
Did you know that the American Harp Society, Inc. has funded commissions, youth scholarships, community harp promotions and other innovative projects for over five years?  The AHS Grants program has invested nearly $120,000 to date in advancing its mission through the creative efforts of many members and chapters. 

If you have a project in mind that dovetails with AHS's mission to "celebrate our legacy, inspire excellence, and empower the next generation of harpists", don't delay!  Visit harpsociety.org/About/Programs/GrantsProgram to review the requirements and submit your application by March 15th for consideration in the spring grants round.  Your application might also benefit from a review of past successfully funded grants.  Good luck!
AHS Board Election Open through March 15th  
The polls are open to collect your vote for the 2016-2017 Board of Directors.  Members should have already received an email about our easy new online voting option.  Just  click on "VOTE NOW" below.  Log in with your last name and your member number (help is available there to retrieve it) to vote. The election will close at 11:59 pm on March 15, 2016.  Your vote is secure and secret. 
 
You will also receive a traditional paper ballot by mail in the next few days.  Please only vote once by the method of your choice; duplicate ballots will not be counted. But either way, do vote!  
For Chapter Leaders . . .   
Chapter of the Year Nominations
Has your Chapter had an outstanding or unusually interesting year?  Wouldn't it be exciting to be recognized for all those accomplishments at the Annual Membership Meeting in Atlanta as the "AHS Chapter of the Year"?

A nomination form and detailed information about supporting documents required are available on the AHS website.  A complete PDF file is to be submitted to the Executive Director by May 1st.  The submissions are then reviewed by the Executive Committee and the selection made by majority vote.  The winning Chapter will exemplify fulfillment of the AHS mission and receive a $300 award.  Start gathering your documentation now and let us hear from you by May 1st.  It is always inspiring learning about our dynamic chapters.

IRS Form 990-N
The Internal Revenue Service requires AHS and all of its chapters to file a Form 990 or Form 990-N each year in order to maintain our 501(c)(3) status.  In the past each chapter was asked to file its own report and send a copy to AHS, which was often a challenge as new officers were elected and records had to be passed along. 

In order to streamline this important task, and unburden changing chapter leaders, this responsibility has been shifted to the office of the Executive Director of AHS.  If you have already filed your Form 990-N for last year, thank you!  If not, go ahead and cross it off the to do list!  We're happy to provide this service to our chapters.
42nd National Conference Sponsors  
 
Thank you to our National Conference sponsors!

PRESENTING SPONSOR 
PLATINUM SPONSOR

PROUDLY HOSTED BY THE
GEORGIA CHAPTER
OF THE
AMERICAN HARP SOCIETY, INC.
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.

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.
Thank you for your membership in the American Harp Society, Inc.  

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American Harp Society, Inc. | 805-410-4277
execdirector@harpsociety.org | www.harpsociety.org
624 Crystal Ave
Findlay, OH 45840
The mission of the American Harp Society, Inc., is to celebrate our legacy,
inspire excellence, and empower the next generation of harpists.

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