Harpotunities
I have co-founded Small Harps for Coventry to bring my experience raising funds to the inspirational harp-advocacy of Elizabeth Roy. Its about giving people a chance to play the harp – (and everybody wants to do that!) – and if they want to take it further, setting up the support they'll need.
We are now calling ourselves "Harp-o-tunities" because we've moved beyond Coventry, and the cheesey name will hopefully put off anyone who wants to keep the harp posh.
Currently we run an informal harp drop-in on the second Saturday of each month at the Herbert Art Galery & Museum in Coventry 1.00 to 3.30 in the cafe. Harpers are welcome to drop in, and the public welcome to try out the instrument.
Englishharp.org
A new project to build a repertoire of great Engish tunes that work well on the harp. I've heard people say they'd love to play English music if only there were tunes worth playing . . . so it's time to hand them on a plate.
I expect a mix of sweet and slow tunes that might appeal to the 'celtic mist' school of trad music, and lots of great dance tunes too.
English dances tunes need to be played with lift and energy (and it seems many players who haven't played for dance just don't 'get it'). To be honest, so do Irish and Scottish dance tunes, although I think there is a whole new field of music which has emerged from the dance traditions, but is actually only suited to sessions and concerts.