Dear Bay Area Harp Teachers and Harpists,
The Bay Area Chapter of the American Harp Society’s bi-annual student harp competition has been reintroduced under the new name of Yvonne La Mothe Schwager Harp Competition. It will be held on May 26 at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the winners’ recital is scheduled for June 2 at the beautiful Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton, a prestigious new venue with a great stage area. I am writing to you today to let you know how these upcoming events can contribute to all:
- by providing opportunity to young harpists and teachers alike
- enhancing the standing of our beloved instrument in the community, and
- enriching the lives of those who will witness the performances
If you are a teacher, please encourage your students to participate and find a way to work with the repertoire choices given to include as many students as possible. The competition is open to all harpists ages 8 to 23. Ideally, partaking in this opportunity allows them to prepare thoroughly for a special performance, and to set and implement goals that will bring out their very best.
If you are a student in this age range, ask your teacher to help you prepare to participate in our local competition and encourage your parents to bring you even from far away to be a part of this exciting experience. If you are a university student studying outside of the area but still officially in residence at your parents’ home within the Western Region, you are welcome to participate as well.
The BAC board believes that organizing this competition is one of the best ways to contribute to our local harp community with the funds our chapter received from the Schwager Estate. Our goal is to give as many people as possible a boost in the development of their talent and to spread the love of the harp. Ultimately the art of music is equally about listening and being heard. Let’s turn the occasion of the competition into a big harpfest that brings us all together.
For details and to download the application for participation, please visit our website at bacharp.org/competitions. All the selections on the competition list are available at Harps, Etc. and can be purchased in person or ordered online. Video demonstrations and score errata and commentaries can be found here. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at dominiquepiana@comcast.net.
Musically yours,
Dominique Piana
President, BACAHS