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.
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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
(L-R from back row) Lynette Johnson, Christina Cotruvo, Laurie Rasmussen, Suzy Rowe, Leah Young, Anna Campbell, Patricia Rushton, Marion Smith, Jocelyn Rainey-Reif, Harriet Marx, Jeanne Martin
Our work at the Braille Institute culminated in an afternoon workshop in which Christina Cotruvo taught participants how to teach harp to the visually impaired. We experienced the challenge of tuning harps while blind-folded and learned Christina’s method for teaching melody and accompaniment to students with diminished or no vision. Christina gave us insight and inspiration, as well as practical techniques for our continuing Joy of Harps classes in September. The program will be offered on Wednesdays from 11-12 at the Braille Institute, and will use hands-on techniques from Christina’s workshop. Harriet Marx will continue to head up the program, and Meg, Anna, Leah, Jeanne, Suzie and Patricia have all expressed an interest in participating. If you would like to be involved, please contact Harriet via email . Several harps have been donated for use in the Braille program or other charitable purposes. The Channel Islands Harp Ensemble, led by Suzy Rowe, donated a beautiful Triplett harp and Folk Mote Music donated a lap harp to our Braille program. A Troubadour harp from Mary Jane Barton’s estate has been donated to the Chapter as well. A special thank you to everyone who helped in these acquisitions.
We met on June 4th to discuss the upcoming year’s activities. We would like to share responsibilities so that we can distribute the work load. Harriet will continue to head the Joy of Harps program, as well as write publicity and help on a committee to plan a fund raiser. Patricia Rushton will coordinate the Harp Circle. Marion Smith will telephone members and send thank you notes. Meg Hontos will write a grant proposal to the Arts Commission and send out email and snail mail. The suggested slate of officers for next year are Christine Holvick and Marion Smith co-presidents, Leah Young Secretary, Sang Nevins Treasurer, and Shirley Koenig and Jocelyn Rainey-Reif Hospitality. We are hoping to encourage attendance at meetings by publishing meeting dates early so everyone can get them on their calendars. The proposed meeting dates and times for the coming year will be: Sunday, Oct. 1 at 2pm at Jocelyn’s home on the Mesa; Monday, Jan. 8, lunch at noon, location TBA; Sunday, March 4 at 2, location TBA; Monday, May 7 at noon, location TBA. Pamela Harris has graciously offered her beautiful home in Santa Ynez for a potluck dinner and suggested a date of Saturday, September 9. We will send out invitations as plans are finalized.
--Meg Hontos