About Us
Founded in 1974, the Charlotte Chapter of the American Harp Society (AHS) is a non-profit organization made up of professional and semi-professional harpists, harp instructors, students of all ages, and lovers of the harp. All are welcome to join! Please visit our Membership page for application information.
The general aims and purposes of the Charlotte Chapter are to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop among its members and the general public the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument. We seek to educate and inspire our members through masterclasses, guest artist recitals, annual events, and harp ensemble performances.
The general aims and purposes of the Charlotte Chapter are to cultivate, promote, foster, sponsor and develop among its members and the general public the appreciation of the harp as a musical instrument. We seek to educate and inspire our members through masterclasses, guest artist recitals, annual events, and harp ensemble performances.
Story of a Summer Harp Adventure
By Ella Joy Higham
Chapter student member, Ella Joy Higham, during her harp summer camp recital
In the summer of 2020, I was not able to attend Suzuki String Camp in Virginia because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Normally, I would travel to camp with my family, so instead this year I attended summer Zoom harp master class with Ms. Phala Tracy. It was so enjoyable! I learned more about using gestures to help me become a more polished harpist. It was very challenging, but, as I practiced more, I got better. Thanks to my marvelous master teacher!
At lunch time, I participated in Zoom social gatherings. I developed friendships with kids in my own cohort from all over the country, in states like Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and Washington. The other harpists made me laugh, and I looked forward to spending time with them every day. I know I have made lifetime friends.
The final recital was amazing! I got to play with harpists on many different levels. I'm grateful my parents signed me up for harp master class. It wasn't like harp camp in Virginia with Ms. Delaine Leonard, but I still had a great experience in my virtual harp master class. I highly recommend any opportunity to take a summer class.
By Ella Joy Higham
Chapter student member, Ella Joy Higham, during her harp summer camp recital
In the summer of 2020, I was not able to attend Suzuki String Camp in Virginia because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Normally, I would travel to camp with my family, so instead this year I attended summer Zoom harp master class with Ms. Phala Tracy. It was so enjoyable! I learned more about using gestures to help me become a more polished harpist. It was very challenging, but, as I practiced more, I got better. Thanks to my marvelous master teacher!
At lunch time, I participated in Zoom social gatherings. I developed friendships with kids in my own cohort from all over the country, in states like Texas, Minnesota, Illinois, and Washington. The other harpists made me laugh, and I looked forward to spending time with them every day. I know I have made lifetime friends.
The final recital was amazing! I got to play with harpists on many different levels. I'm grateful my parents signed me up for harp master class. It wasn't like harp camp in Virginia with Ms. Delaine Leonard, but I still had a great experience in my virtual harp master class. I highly recommend any opportunity to take a summer class.
Ella Joy and her mom, Terri, work on arm position during a remote coaching session