Our unofficial Chapter Bard, Robert Winokur, was kind enough to write his remembrances of our recent Scrap Bee Tea.  For those who were fortunate enough to be there, it will bring back delightful memories; and for those who weren't, we hope it will inspire you to attend future harp society events....

AMERICAN HARP SOCIETY SCRAP BEE TEA   Sunday, Februray 18, 2007

Harpists and harpers met in an enchanted castle for an old-fashioned
English tea party on the Sunday after Valentine's Day. Pedal harps, folk
harps, and even a wire-strung harp made their appearance as the revelers
took turns playing and entertaining each other while they enjoyed the tasty
assortment of pastries, chocolates, teas, liqueurs, and coffee.

We were among those who attended, all members of Santa Barbara's diverse
community of professional and amateur harp players. The "castle" where we
met, the home of harpist Christine Holvick, features numerous rooms
ingeniously decorated in a variety of architectural styles, its two floors
connected by a spiral staircase in a round tower.

The atmosphere and conversation were warm, friendly and fascinating as we
sat among the antique furniture of the living room. Our hostess Christine
had set out polished brass and silverware and an array of beautiful fine
china cups, each painted with a different floral design. Some were set on
their sides for display, and we each chose a cup that appealed to our
taste. Charming waitresses in white lace aprons and caps helped with the
serving.

On the table in the adjoining dining room was an enormous scrapbook
inherited from the late Mary Jane Barton, who was for many years a member
of the Santa Barbara chapter of the American Harp Society. The scrapbook
contains photos, articles and programs of historical value to the American
harp world, including material related to her most influential teacher,
Carlos Salzedo (1885-1961), perhaps the most influential harpist and harp
teacher of the 20th century. The scrapbook had many items stuffed into it,
and several among us (namely Barbara Hilaire, Shirley Koenig and Marion Smith)
began the work of further organizing the contents. When finished, the scrapbook
will go into the archives of the American Harp Society.

We enjoyed hours of good company, and some of us happy harpers and
harpists had so much fun we found it hard to leave! After we helped put
away some of the furniture and pack up the extra food, our gracious
hostess gave us a tour of her enchanted castle, showing us the varied
rooms and some unusual musical instruments in her collection. Then we said
our good-byes and, with a satisfied feeling, went out into a gentle rain in
the gentle night.

--------------------------------

Robert Winokur is a member of the ISFHC and the American branch of the Historical Harp Society, and likes to party with the Santa Barbara chapter of the AHS. He plays wire-strung harp and enjoys weaving spells with his tales of Gaelic good times.

American Harp Society Santa Barbara Chapter Spring/Summer 2006 Newsletter