"The Joy of Harps" Program at the Braille Institute in Santa Barbara

January 2006

A unique music program is underway at the Braille Institute, thanks to a dedicated group of harpists who have volunteered to present a special series of free weekly classes called "The Joy of Harps."  The program will give Braille Institute students and visitors a chance to get their hands on a harp and literally feel what it's like to create musical sounds on harp strings. 

Each Wednesday from 11am-noon during the current semester (Jan.-April), a different aspect of harps and harp music from around the world is covered, including jazz, ragtime, Celtic, medieval, and classical.  The music is performed on a variety of harps ranging from small lap harps, mid-size Celtic harps, and large Paraguayan harp to full-size pedal harp (the kind used in orchestras), plus wire-strung and electric harps.   At the end of the semester, students who are interested in playing the harp will be offered the opportunity to have private harp lessons.

The harp has long been associated with blind musicians-in fact, the most famous and beloved composer for harp was Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) of Ireland, who lost his sight from smallpox at the age of 18 and then learned to support himself and his family as an itinerant harpist.  (O'Carolan's music will be the subject of the St. Patrick's Day "Joy of Harps" class to be presented by harpists from the Channel Islands Harp Ensemble.)

The Braille Institute's Santa Barbara Center, located at 2031 De La Vina Street, provides  a variety of free classes, services and resources for blind and visually impaired people of all ages in an environment of hope and encouragement. To learn more about the Braille Institute, visit www.brailleinstitute.org or call (805) 682-6222.

The Joy of Harps classes are being sponsored by the Santa Barbara Chapter of the American Harp Society (AHS), and are open to the public. The AHS was founded in 1962 and has over 3,000 members throughout the US; its website is www.harpsociety.org.
For more information on The Joy of Harps program, please visit www.Joyofharps.com.