The members of the Harmony of Harps invite you to join us for our monthly Harp Circle! 
Historically, the harp has been a symbol of relief and comfort.
In ancient times, music and medicine were used together for healing.
Music played on the harp has unique healing properties.
It reduces anxiety and can speed the recovery process to restore health.
Today, Harp Therapy Practitioners are bringing music and healing together once again.
THE GAELIC HARPIn the 1500 and 1600's the harp and its tradition were quelled by Queen Elizabeth, Cromwell and by the beginning of the feudal system in Scotland. Most of the unwritten tunes and songs were lost.
Since the 1970's, the Celtic or Folk harp has once again become a popular instrument. Today modern day harpers are assisting to recover the lost tradition of harp playing.
The Harmony of Harps ensemble was founded in 1996 by about a dozen harp players in the Oneida, NY area as a result of an informal harp workshop. They formed the first chapter in New York State of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen, Inc. The group, which currently consists of over 20 harp players in the upstate New York area around Syracuse, is dedicated to spreading the music and joy of the harp to the local community. They include members who play harps that range from lap harps to pedal harps and who encompass a variety of music including Celtic, jazz and classical.
The members of the Harmony of Harps invite you to join us for our monthly Harp Circle!
We meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month at the First English Lutheran Church, 501 James St. in downtown Syracuse. There is lots of parking and easy access from the highways, and of course no stairs. We arrive and set up from 1:30-2:00 and play from 2:00 until about 4:00. We start with a harp circle, going around the group with people playing a piece they may be working on, or a song they wish to share, (not a requirement, but we would love to hear you!)
We then generally practice several pieces the group is working on. We use the "Finale" book plus several others and some lead sheets etc. We usually have extra copies of music on hand for new folks. Suggestions for music are always welcome.
After we play we have a short meeting about the group and harp happenings around the area. We usually have informational sheets to pass out, (harp care, practice tips, performance tips etc.).
We finish up with some social time and refreshments.
Harmony of Harps was started in 1996 and we are still going strong as an active and diverse group. Some members are very much beginners, with a brand new harp and no musical experience while others have been playing for years, even performing professionally at weddings etc. Most of us fall somewhere in between. Some of our members enjoy playing out as an ensemble. Anyone is welcome at these events.
Harmony of Harps usually plays at the Central New York Scottish Games and Celtic Festival in Liverpool the second weekend in August. We will be performing at the Fayetteville Library in November. We are also talking about playing in area nursing homes and shopping malls this summer. Several of our group played with Gail Lyons in Syracuse at the cathedral before the St. Patrick's Day parade.
Also this year:
Roxanne Zigler, from Rochester, gave a technique improvement class during our March meeting; Paul Knoke, also from Rochester, presented a class on harp maintenance in April. Sue Richards, from Washington D.C. is giving workshops and a concert October 28-30.
Contacts: For more information about A Harmony of Harps, contact on of the people listed below.
Jennifer Byrne or Jane Jung.
Please come and join us in celebrating the music of the harp!
OrganizationsScottish Harp Society of America
Comunn na Clarsaich (The Clarsach Society)
History
Gaelic Harps & Harpers in Ireland & Scotland
Vendors
Melody's Traditional Music and Harp Shoppe