Summer 1999
Newsletter
Internet edition
©1999 FHF
Summer 1999
Newsletter
Internet edition
©1999 FHF
After nearly 8 months of effort, FHF has finally gained nonprofit status with Federal and State agencies. This means so much to our organization. Particularly to our members who have been paying their membership dues and giving extra donations. Now, all such dues and donations are completely tax deductible. In the case of itemized sales for fund-raising, we must take the total amount of the sale less the actual cost of the item and the difference becomes the deductible donated amount.
As a nonprofit organization, we are allowed to raise funds, have holdings and we are able to apply for aid or grants that have "non-profits status" as a prerequisite to their applicants. We are allowed to create our own grants or scholarship funds to help others , but those grants may only be granted to organizations that are also nonprofit or to persons or events that have met our application criteria and will use the money in-line with the purpose of our organization. We may not sponsor events that are unrelated to our purpose. (For example, to be in the political arena in any way, could jeopardize our nonprofit status.) Our Bylaws have defined our purpose as exclusively charitable and educational focusing on promoting the lever harp and harp music, as well as, fiddle, whistle, guitar, folk dance, etc. and folk historical studies.
We have several levels of membership and donations: Regular Membership $ 7-$9, Cherub Membership $10-$19, Angel Membership $20-$29, Archangel Membership $30-$49, Cosponsorship $ 50-99, Sponsorship Level $100-$499, Benefactor Silver Level $500-$999, and Benefactor Gold $1000-$1499. So one may join FHF for as little as $7.00. They may also choose to give in any of the other categories and increase their tax deductible benefit by what ever increment best suits their personal or business need. At present, there are no benefits set aside for the donor, except the tax deduct-ability of the donation. If large donors were to have benefits attached to their large donation, the actual cost value of the benefits would have to be subtracted out of the donation to calculate the true tax deductible amount of the donation. Giving to give, and choosing your comfort level of giving, is therefore easier in the long run. All money raised by FHF presently goes to general office operating costs, newsletter costs, legal fees, the web site and the annual workshops promotion, publication, artists contracting and location costs.
There is no doubt, after seeing this newsletter and this article, that you will see we are a growing organization with many exciting changes coming from our Board of Directors. I look forward to many more.
Respectfully submitted by
Melody Long Anglin
Florida Harpers and Friends presents its Fourth Annual Workshop January 21, 22, and 23, 2000 in Daytona Beach, Florida at the Quality Inn & Suites. Guest artists are Becky and Ernie Brock, teachers, performers, arrangers and recording artists for lever harp and flute or penny whistle; John Henry Gates, freelance fiddler, teacher, recording artist and television personality, and Jan Jennings, freelance harpist and harper, teacher and recording artist. The workshop will feature group classes, open forums, private lessons, dessert mixer, banquet, brunch, mini-concert and jam sessions.
For more information contact Melody Long Anglin, Workshop Coordinator at 904-767-7862 or Anglinhous@aol.com Also visit the web site of Florida Harpers and Friends at: http://www.Florida.Harper.org
We have decided to compile a music book for FHF. This will give us music we will all have available to learn, very beneficial for our "jam sessions" at our workshops and other gatherings as well as for local circles. The intent is for this to be a Fake Book rather than to worry about arrangements etc. This will also make it easier to adapt to all levels of ability. We do need input from you all as to what songs you would like in it. If it is a commonly known piece, please indicate the preferred key, otherwise we need the lead line music plus words and chord progression if available. They must be public domain only, unless you also send permission (in writing) from the copyright holder. Please include a way of getting in touch with you in case there are questions.
We are excited about this project, but need your help. We do want to make sure your favorite songs are included. Start thinking and begin getting these back to Vicki Mansur as soon as possible. Fax (407) 253-2986; or e-mail vmansur@mindspring.com. There is no limit on submissions, duplicates will only indicate popularity.
by Caren Traynor, Secretary
The Board of FHF began their On-Line Meetings for the very first time in March. How thankful we are that all the members are on the internet! After a scheduled discussion period, a HISTORY MAKING vote was held -- complete with a drum roll! The following motions were passed.
1. A $200 Donation will be given to the Osian Ellis workshop in Daytona Beach.
2. FHF will contract Richard Harrison to prepare the next issue of the web page with a contract to be within the board approved funding. In regards to this, Rick will be paid $30 as webmaster for work done from May 24, 1999 to August 1, 1999. He is also to be reimbursed $24.90 for the setup and 1st year rental fee of the web site.
3. Regarding the web page publication: FHF will rent a subdomain from a company that rents out a web space.
4. The Board will appoint someone to investigate scholarship options towards the 2000 FHF workshop.
5. That the committee (voted on and formed in Jan. 99), will research and collect music for the tune book before we proceed with estimation costs.
6. That a quarter page ad for under $40.00 will be written by Marg Chauvin and placed with ISFCH to advertise the 2000 FHF workshop.
Also, included in our discussion this quarter, was a new format for our Newsletter which will include assignments to be written by each Board Member. We would like our members to be able to count on these news sections just like they do their hometown newspaper. Assignments will be turned in to our Editor- Frank Sledge. ALL FHF members are encouraged to send any board member personal updates (successes, marriages, babies, musical or community awards, laughter or inspirational stories, etc.). Festival updates or news to be placed on the calendar, can be sent to Marg Chauvin, and all Circle News should be reported to Vicki Mansur. We encourage all to participate! We hope you will agree that this will help our newsletter be all that it can be !
On our agenda this month are discussions regarding FHF clothing (t-shirts and bags), and the idea of expanding our advertising to other Florida and even possibly National music societies! Be watching for details in our next Newsletter!
by Marg Chauvin
Every Memorial Day Weekend the state celebrates its heritage in White Springs with the Florida Folk Festival. And, each year the presence of the folk harp increases. Harpers and folk harps were visible this year in a harp workshop, a Celtic harp jam, solo harp performances, traditional band performances, storytelling, and the craft sales area. Let me share a few of my experiences
First, the workshop which waltzed easily in time. The panel included Bonnie Whitehurst, John Chambers, Claire Roche, Lisa Lynn, and your reporter, Marg Chauvin. This was an informal hour for the audience to inquire about harps, harp music, and harpers. It is also an opportunity for the panel to "strut their stuff" with each performing tunes and offering insight about the harp. Bonnie, a performer, teacher, composer, and recording artist from the Tampa Bay area helped us reflect upon history with an original song about the Vietnam Memorial Wall. John, a Vietnam Vet, quickly requested a copy before playing his newly composed waltz. John, renowned for his fiddling and harp building, fielded construction and string related questions. Claire, a professional singer/harper Irish snowbird, played troubadour with a traditional Irish vocal. Lisa, California performing/recording professional, inspired us with her composition, Bright Angel. Marg, your author, chaired the panel, directed questions, and played a Scottish Aire. Approximately 50 people attended and many were interested in FHF.
Perhaps the show stopper was the "harp jam" which evolved into an unrehearsed performance. I arrived harp in hand to find Penny, a blue grass hammered dulcimer player, and an audience of 20 that swelled to 80! My first impression "This is not a standard jam! HELP!" The audience was waiting and I was apparently the hostess, so I talked, played tunes, and tried to remain collected. Did the program say "Celtic harp lead and bluegrass dulcimer backup?" After an eternity (maybe 8 minutes), Bonnie arrived with Kathleen, Nashville harper, a harp and a bowed psaltery. Rescue was short lived, the harp needed tuning, and they disappeared. As I started another tune Marty, a fiddler, joined our harp/dulcimer duet. Then, magically, Kathleen and Bonnie reappeared. Finally, the real jam began with two harps, psaltery, dulcimer, fiddle, and an ever-increasing audience. Our band must have been good because for the next two days all any of us heard were compliments. Moral: quality is better than quantity, choose your jam buddies wisely.
What about the remainder of the three days? Bonnie participated in several workshops and solo performances. Claire performed solo and Marg performed with two bands. John displayed and sold harps at his Celestial Winds (harp) booth while Lisa performed in her CD sales booth. And new this year, Terri McConnell told stories using her harp.
Was FHF represented? Yes, members Bonnie, John, Terri, and Marg shared their talents in different areas solo, sales, stories, and bands. I guess you could say both the harp and harper have become a part of our Florida Folk scene.
Cameron Huster attended the Ray Pool FHF workshop. She auditioned and won an appearance in a national radio show for young musicians called "From the Top". This same radio show flew both and her mother (member, Penny Huster) to Boston to record the show that was then aired nationally on stations across the continent. Cameron was selected as a finalist in the Prix Renie and the AHS National Competition, Iintermediate I Division to be held in California. She continues as harpist for Florida Symphony Youth Philharmonic Orchestra and has been selected as a performance participant in the Osian Ellis workshop this August with the Florida International Festival. Cameron studies with Melody Anglin.
Jan Jennings, freelance harpist and world traveler on the workshop circuit had two gifted students to be selected as finalists in the AHS National Competition, Intermediate I Division. Jan coordinated a workshop in Orlando for the Central Florida Chapter of AHS with Therese Honey, harper and harpist. Miriam Gentle donated the space for the workshop at Central Christian Church where her husband is minister. Miriam continues as the harp therapist for Orlando Regional Medical Center and to perform professionally in the Orlando area.
Victoria Schultz, professional harpist, pianist and vocalist has student successes also with one of her students performing as harpist for the Florida Symphony Youth Symphonic Orchestra. Chris Purdy and Julia Hood teamed up to perform harp duos and to do piano and conducting for Julia's Silver Sands Middle School Choruses. Julia writes, "Chris's piano accompanying expertise has greatly enhanced the students musicianship this year." This spring, Julia hosted a premier recital of the 8th grade piano students and her two choruses received top honors in two Festivals. Both Julia and Chris have successful teaching studios. Chris gives costumed celtic/renaissance appearances and Julia continues in solo and group performances and was also asked to serve as the Chairperson for the Middle School All-County Chorus in Volusia County in the year 2000. With this duo, we see FHF members helping each other with their daily musical lives.
Theresa Coligado-Weber, an active member who has attended nearly all of our annual conventions will move with husband Wolfgang to New York City this Fall. Barbara Mullen writes, "My playing buddy is moving to answer the call of a hospital there. She is a pathologist and is coming out of retirement to accept this position. Terecita Weber and I have gotten together almost every week for an hour or so to play our harps together, and lately she plays the harp while I play my new toy, a psaltery. I will miss her very much, but am so thankful she introduced me to Florida Harpers and Friends." We will miss them too, and hope to still see them at an occasional January FHF Annual Conference. Florida is bound to look better than New York at that time of year!
Connie Rogers, harp student of Bambi Fischer, has been playing prelude music for her church, Central Baptist, for their "Fifth Sunday Sing" services.
Karen Jackson, continues to teach , perform, help host workshops and organize harp ensemble performances in the Tallahassee area. She housed Dominique Piana, concert harpist from California, in her home along with Melody Anglin during the FSU workshop scheduled by Mary Brigid Roman and the Tallahassee AHS Chapter. Karen,s student, and member, has also been selected as a performance participant in the Osian Ellis workshop this August with the Florida International Festival. Workshop coordinator for the Florida International Festival is Melody Anglin our very own workshop person -- FHF members keep reaching out to help their communities.
Ely Melendez, harp student of Bambi Fischer, has been playing harp music for services at her church, Oaks of Righteousness (Iglesia Robles de Justica). She plays in a small instrumental ensemble which includes Ely on harp, a percussionist, a violinist, a keyboard player, and a clarinetist. The clarinetist just happens to be Ely's mom, Marisabel Melendez!
This past March, Miriam Gentile and Caren Traynor were among more than 100 participants at the 1st International Harp Therapy Conference held in Richmond, Virginia. Being an R.N. and loving the harp, I (Caren Traynor) have been very interested in combining these two healing arts to help patients and their families and caregivers. Having so many aspects of music therapy in one place was very exciting! At the conference, several leaders in the harp therapy movement, such as Dr. Ron Price,TinaTourin,Christine Gilliland, and Melinda Gardner gave informative presentations regarding their Harp Therapy Programs. We also heard about "Harps in Hospitals" by Laurie Buchanan, and "Music Therapy in Hospice" byRuthann Ritchie. Other speakers included Sarajane Williams, editor of The Harp Therapy Journal, Lynnelle Ediger-Kordzaia, director of the Richmond Public School Harp Ensemble, and Don Estes, a neuroscientist who has lectured worldwide on vibrational medicine. Medical Doctors and harpist with disabilities shared their expericnes and music with us. There was even a report on how music affected animals! Also very inspiring, were performances by Gail Barber, The Richmond Public School Harp Ensemble (25 harps on stage), Ron and Carol Price and friends - "Just Folks", Michelle Sell, and Tina Tourin. And of course, we all had fun browsing and buying from more than 10 exhibitors that lined the hallways at the Grace Baptist Church where the conference was held.For me, meeting new friends from around the country with similar interest was so rewarding and made for a most memorable weekend. We look forward to next year's conference planned for March 10 - 12, 2000, to be held again in Richmond and to sharing our harp music in healing settings!
Jan Jennings attended the Board and Executive Committee meetings of the American Harp Society at the Summer Institute held in Los Angeles June 21-25. Two of her students, Lillian Langford and Emily Toelcke, were accepted into the Intermediate I division of the AHS national competition.
Caren Traynor has been performing harp in her local area for 2 years now. She highlights her summer with a very special performance for her parents 50th Wedding Anniversary party where she will play a newly commissioned harp and flute piece "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" arranged especially for her by FHF's Melody Anglin. Caren hopes to have a second performance of the same, for her church.
Recently, our own Marg Chauvin, performer, teacher, folk dancer, took "Harper of the Day" at this years Jax Scottish Games where she has been Co-Chairperson for the Jacksonville Scottish Highland Games since 1996. Marg was a performer and workshop presenter this year at the recent prestigious Florida Folk Festival in which she has been an active part since 1990. Marg, is a vital force behind the improvements of FHF and, if you don,t already know it, Marg was the founder of our Florida Harpers and Friends! Needless to say, we are thankful for her connections into the folk world.
For Sale or RentFolk Harp for Rent - Contact: Bambi Fischer at fischarper@aol.com or phone (941)939-7044.
I have a beautifully carved Pakistani harp I would like to sell. It has full levers and 29 strings (four full octaves). It also has a carryingcase. My price is $300 for quick sale. Contact: Barbara F. Mullen, e-mail address is harplover@juno.com |
By Melody Anglin and Chris Purdy
One of FHF's newest members has never played or made a harp, although since he does play keyboard, he could be considered a "Friend." Herb Young, with wife and partner Robin Young, owns "Play It Again Sam," a music store in Ormond Beach that started life as a Kawai piano dealership and recently began carrying Dusty Strings harps.
"I know nothing about harps," he said, "but my wife and I saw them at various trade shows and thought it'd be neat to have some in our store."It took several months before the first one, a 26-string Allegro, arrived. The second is also an Allegro, and he plans to eventually carry the entire Dusty Strings line. Financing is available.
For the inaugural display of the store's first harps, Herb contacted Celtic/Renaissance harper Therese Honey, who was doing a concert in Orlando on June 1st and agreed to play a mini-concert at the store the next night.With little time for advance publicity, Young used an FHF membership list and began calling. Honey and her husband, flutist/whistler Larry Mallette, played to a nearly full house. Many had never heard a harp "up close," and they were enthralled.FHF members Rosabel Schott Anderson, Melody Anglin, Marg Chauvin, and Chris Purdy attended the wonderfully musical and informative concert.
Therese used the two brand new harps -- one of which came that day and had been tuned just twice -- and was impressed with how well they stayed in tune. (One was a bit sharp, but the strings stayed in tune with each other quite well.)
Young has joined Florida Harpers and Friends at the co-sponsor level and wants to make this location a hub for harper needs; perhaps even host harp circles. He also plans to stock a limited number of books, strings and recordings.
MHTP, Music for Healing & Transition Program, is offering their complete set of classes in the Tampa area in 2000. The classes are all weekend classes costing $30-$150 per class - with the average weekend cost being $225 for classes. There are five weekends starting Feb. 26, 2000 and ending through Oct 8, 2000. The classes are informative and you will learn. Injury Prevention is offered Feb. 27, 2000 for $60.
You may obtain more information and a class list from Virginia Falk, 4714 N. Habana Avenue #1802, Tampa, FL 33614
Information on the MHTP program is available through The Music for Healing and Transition Program, Inc 22 West End Road, Hillsdale, NY 12529 · phone 518-325-5546 · e-mail harp@taconic.net · web page www.mhtp.org
A note from Bambi
After many, many on-line discussions, motions and voting the FHF has reached a new monumental step for the chapter. We have had this historic session over the ‘net’. It was wonderful to work with the people on the board and work through this new experience. This will enable us to ‘meet’ every month and keep abreast of situations the chapter is confronted with as well as discuss new ideas on a more current basis. My personal thanks to all involved on-line, their patience, diligence and concern to make a great organization even better.
Sincerely,
Bambi Fischer,
acting president.
return to: Newsletter Page or FHF Home Page