April 26, 2009

The American Harp Society, Nashville Chapter, held our spring meeting on Sunday, April 26, 2009 at Eclectic Recording studios.  The event was hosted by AHS Nashville president Phyllis Sparks, and there were 26 attendees for the approximate two hour meeting.  The highlight of the event was guest speaker Chris Bain from C B Artistry, Inc. in Chicago, IL. 

Chris is a renowned independent harp technician, and he spoke on a wide array of topics relating to harp maintenance and care. Chris explained harp regulation - what it involves and how often it should be done – and he provided helpful hints and necessary steps that should be taken to prolong the life of your harp and help you avoid frequent preventable problems.  Chris also spoke of the absolute necessity of keeping your harp in tune; it should be tuned a minimum of 4 to 5 times a week, and for those of you who play every day, it should be tuned every day. It only takes a few minutes, and will both prolong the life of your regulation as well as enhance your performance.

Chris talked about changing strings, how often it is needed, signs to look for, and when it becomes necessary due to tarnishing or excessive body oils.  Tuning at 440, 441 or 442 was covered, along with proper transport position. (To review, never transport disc side or lever side down. Preferable positions for transport are either back side down, or on its side with the discs or levers facing up.)  Chris answered a number of questions from the attendees, and he also recommended Carl Swanson’s book, “A Guide For Harpists.”  Chris said this book is really an excellent reference book for all harpists to have on hand.

If you have any further questions, go to www.harpregulation.com. If you experience any problems you need help with, he can be reached at tech@harpregulation.com.

Highlights of the second hour were performances by several AHS Nashville members and guests. Francis Cobb, a junior at Vanderbilt, was the first to perform, and she presented a piece she has been working on since her junior recital – “Mirage” by Carlo Salzedo.  Up next was Becca Wallen, who performed 2 pieces – “Fantaisie on a Theme of Haydn” by Grandjany and “Whirlwind” by Salzedo.  Other performers were Ariel Moore, who played Andres’ “Sarabande”, Hannah Heinz, who performed Naderman’s “Sonatina #7”, and Mallory Clouse, who played “Barn Dance” by Grandjany.  Our last two performers were Kristin Quint, who played Handel’s “Passacaille”, and Meredith Clouse, who performed “Prelude #1” by Tournier.

In between performances, drawings were held for a variety of AHS Nashville items, and there was also a used music sale.  Members voted on several key issues, including membership dues and scholarships, and upcoming guest speakers were discussed.  After the meeting, the attendees enjoyed a variety of refreshments, and plans were made for the October 2009 meeting.