Bambi Fischer
Newsletter Editor
fischarper@yahoo.co
by Christoph Pampuch (translated by Jutta Ruppert)
More than twenty years ago we were six harpers who met with Ridiger Oppermann
to find our way to the Celtic harp. From this time on we run a yearly meeting
in the middle of Germany called the Mosenberger Harfentreffer. Concerts, workshops
and classes - even American harpists like Park Stickney, Margot Krimmel, Ann
Heyman, Kim Robertson and Diana Stork have been our guests.
Breman, situated on the north coast is the focus of historical harps. Andrew
Lawrence-King is a worldwide known teacher for diatonic and chromatic harps.
In southern Germany we find the traditional Tyrolienne harp, a pedal harp with
single action mechanism. The harp there still is part of family life, and in
the music schools you find many children playing the Landler and Polkas on harps
that look like small concert harps.
Even older is the Bohemian harp which has been played in the 17th and 18th century.
The Klangwerkstatt runs workshops, where a Bohemian harp can be built within
a weekend, and once nearly forgotten, it has become very popular again. It has
a light and clear sound and open to all styles of music.
There are many German harpists of every level and those who graduate from music
conservatories. When there is an opening for an orchestral harpist there are
usually about 200 applicants for the job!
Comments by Marg Chauvin
Yeah, what’s that? Other than a mouthful of words…
A treasure trove for musicians and music lovers, whether you are “experienced”,
“just learning”, or a valued appreciator
I’ve known about SSAMC for 15 years but didn’t attend until three
years ago. This was MY loss. In the early years I was too busy playing weddings
in St. Augustine and St. Pete was such a long drive. Sure the camp has great
musicians who teach a wide range of instruments but no harpers…
Then three years ago, after moving to Palm Beach County, I said, “It is
time. I’ll take the harp and banjo and see what happens.” After
all, PBC is so much closer than St. Augustine (maybe an 30 minutes).
“What happened?” you ask…(great audience)
“A wonderful experience”.
I sat in one banjo class and took the harp to the rest: singing, song writing,
harmony, blues dobro, backup guitar, jam sessions. That year, I introduced three
people the basics of harping, loaning them my harp. Joined in jam sessions and
taught the jam group a few new Irish tunes. I learned swing, gospel, Irish,
and old-time tunes.
Most important – I made new friends, caught up will old buddies, grew
musically, and had fun.
What makes the camp so special? No one is a master, we are all learning. Every
instructor will sit with you and make you feel YOU are the master and you have
something to offer them. Everyone is an equal, everyone learns, everyone is
thankful you are there. We are one big music family.
Do you need to play? As Charley Groth, camp director says” we are inclusive
rather than exclusive. Everyone is welcome to come, take classes, and participate
in all the activities. This is a beautiful site, plenty of camping and RV space,
plenty of space for kids to play, motels nearby” To which I add…hugs,
hiking areas, smiles, concerts, oak trees, beautiful scenery, great music, and
just plain fun.
Who instructs? To list a few…Mindy Simmons, Liz Pennock & Dr. Blues,
Art Crummer, Dennis Devine, Ernie Williams, James Hawkins, Bill Hansen, Carl
Wade, Elan Chalford, Katie Bailey, Gail Keel. Also, this year there will be
a harp class taught by “yours truly”.
Don't miss it!! The Fifteenth annual Sunshine State Acoustic Music Camp, St.
Petersburg, FL, October 11-12-13 2002. Web site at http://ssamc.cjb.net. Over
100 class sessions in a wide range of acoustic instruments, singing, songwriting,
performance, promotion, more. Inquiries to rainbowpr@juno.com
Linda A. Fiore and I were more than just good friends - as she
always said, we were “sisters of the heart.” Along with my husband
Morris and Linda’s husband Michael we all became a very special team.
Upon meeting Linda for the first time 20 years ago at a gathering of harpists
at Arabella Sparnon’s Bay Village apartment (it had to be a blessed day),
we started to talk and from that point we were on our way to being the closest
of friends. Our backgrounds were similar; we both had excellent training. However,
for many years both of us did very little harp playing. But at that point things
started to change. With the help of Morris and the bank we were able to purchase
new harps for ourselves - what a thrill!!! Then we really put our heads together
. . . practicing, learning music, getting a repertoire together - which became
our ‘work horses.’ We were progressing as a harp duo working regular
jobs, taking care of husbands and families and of course, practicing. We had
the support from our husbands and gifted harpist, Arabella Sparnon. Arabella
was not only our dear friend but she was our mentor as well. Eventually all
of the harpists in the area became our extended family. Arabella was always
happy to give us music she arranged, lessons, encouragement and dinner!
Our first job was a fashion show at the Players Theater in Sarasota. We were
so excited and everything went as planned. It was like a dream come true. During
our entire relationship we played duo harps from events at the beach to the
malls to house parties to business openings. You name it. We played it! What
fun we had. When the Musical Academy asked us to teach a harp introduction program
for young children, we seized the opportunity because we felt that it would
be invaluable. Linda and Michael set out to build small lap harps.
Linda became President of our local Harp Society and Principal Harpist of the
Venice Symphony until her passing in August 2002. Linda taught harp, was a home
school teacher, a nurse, an administrator, a wife, a mom, a grandmother, a dear
friend and a free lance harpist. She composed many of her own arrangements for
lever and pedal harp and she loved to read books about everything. We celebrated
life cycle events and took vacations together. Linda was remarkable. She had
a wonderful temperament. Linda was always concerned about everyone’s well
being and she was very nurturing. She could get along with everyone - always
ready to listen, able to give workable advise and she was always able to put
into words what I couldn’t. She had wisdom and kindness, she was caring,
considerate, loving and an inspiration - looking only on the positive side of
life. She had a happy laugh and a pretty smile, a picture perfect harp technique
and beautiful long fingers. She would always ask me, “How are things on
your side of the road?”
“Well Linda, all I can say is that we miss you very much.”
Lovingly Submitted by: Paecia Weinstein (Pacy)
Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Harp Society
Be certain to join us January 9-12, 2003 at
the Workshop in Daytona Beach Shores