Harp Column Blogs: Laura Byrne

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in the harp world! Whether you are a Harpist - Mom or a mother of a harpist, I hope you "Take 5" and celebrate your day. However, having only ONE DAY to celebrate motherhood seems outrageously insufficient to me. After all, we feed, clothe, clean, nurture, save the world, and create miracles on a daily basis, and yet we only get one day? I know, I know, nag, nag, nag, yes we are good at that too. How else would we get you to go out and make something of yourself?

I will be working this Mother's Day, but I don't mind as it was my choice. In fact, I am one of those Moms who loves her work AND her children. How lucky I am that my Mom's generation fought so hard for me to have that choice; never mind that I have to work to support my family.
As I look forward to Mother's Day I remember my own mother and all the wonderful women who have supported me in my life. Even though my Mom is no longer living, she still influences me in my decisions
on a daily basis. I am grateful to my women friends who have supported me especially when I gave up my career for several years to raise my children. Although it was hard and exhausting, I would not have traded those years for anything. Now that my kids are older they see me working and are proud of my accomplishments. They have seen me overcome so many obstacles and still succeed in spite of some individuals who would rather I didn't. As a working mother, I have had to fight the back-handed prejudice against women with children who have successful careers. Having recently been accused of being "too blessed", I can only imagine the tortured minds that could rationalize someone else's success in such a distorted view. As one friend recently reminded me, you know you are really succeeding when the "eyes of jealousy" appear out of nowhere. And yet, I don't see myself as successful as so many people I admire. In fact, I see so many amazing people doing fantastic things that I feel like a tortoise in this "race for success". I guess I look at things differently now that I am older and have seen "the good, the bad, and the ugly". The prize is not always "winning" but "giving your personal best" and "how you play the game" that is most important.

As I look around at my working women friends I appreciate the wisdom of their experience and they appreciate mine. I also appreciate the wisdom of my non-working women friends who sacrificed their careers for their children. We know all too well the pain and sacrifice that mingles with the joys of our success and that of our children. But what is success? I know I feel it when I play well, and my students play well. I also know it when my children throw their arms around me and say good job Mom! This is usually followed by what's for dinner and can we make cookies tonight? As I consider the endless grind of the "schedule", the shopping, the dishes, and the laundry, I remind myself how lucky I am. After all,
I get to play the most beautiful instrument in the universe and make gorgeous music too-in fact, I'm half way to heaven already!

Every New Year's Day I review the past year and write out a list of goals that I hope to accomplish in the new year. I divide my goals into categories in my professional and personal life and see where it takes me. As I review the past year I am pleased that I accomplished so many of my goals and adjusted when I got a few surprises.
One of my primary goals in 2007 was to achieve more balance in my life and work "smarter". After battling a serious bout of bronchitis and the flu last Christmas, I decided to make my health a priority. I got serious and joined a health club and really made an effort. I credit diet, yoga, and weight lifting for giving me real physical stamina in my life and work this past year. I did not get seriously sick and was able to sustain a very heavy work schedule all year. I lost weight and felt really great most of the time.
I organized my practice schedule for my major performances for the year and prepared well in advance for performance readiness. I sailed through a lot of the tough repertoire without the usual pre-performance stress. This was a new experience for me and I loved being so prepared . I was able to accept a lot of other work because I already had my big rep "in the hands".
I shared my preparation and performances with my students so they could see that I really do practice what I preach/teach. It was good for them to see their teacher work using the same preparation process for performance.
As a teacher I watched my students push through to new levels of ability. I sent some of my younger students to the Rabun's Gap Harp camp and they caught the "harp fever". They had a blast and made some new friends in the process. They are already practicing in preparation for next summer and are very excited.
As I put 2007 in perspective I am pleased with my accomplishments and counting my blessings. In spite of some bewildering disappointments I find I still have more wins than losses. I made some beautiful chamber music with my faculty colleagues at UNC, performed the Debussy- "Danses Sacree et Profane" at Duke and received lovely reviews. I also performed parts of the Mahler "Resurrection Symphony" in Duke Chapel on Easter Sunday and believe me that was a memory! I had a lot of fun working with some really stellar musicians this year and they reminded me of the importance of joy in performance. This was especially helpful when trapped in "Nutcracker Hell" and trying really hard not to go insane after 14 performances. Years ago I performed 29 "Nuts" in a Ballet run but alas, I was younger then. I am really so impressed with Broadway musicians who play the same show for years and don't fall asleep. ; )
In looking ahead to 2008 I have some new goals in mind. I am continually inspired by so many of my faculty colleagues and old harpist friends who are finding real success in their careers. "Success" has a broad definition in my mind and balance has become the barometer of my contentment. I still have struggles but my kids keep me grounded and remind me of what is most important. I look forward to having more fun with my family and friends and celebrating my teacher's 100th birthday this year!
I hope everyone has a great 2008 and enjoys great health and happiness!
CHEERS!

In case you missed the July/August issue of the harp column, Lisa Wellbaum has retired after 33 years as the Principal Harpist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Lisa graced the stage of Severance Hall and sustained the legacy of excellence established by Alice Chalifoux both in her beautiful performances and her practical advice to generations of harp students. As a Chalifoux student at the Cleveland Institute of Music in the 80's, Lisa Wellbaum was a fantastic role model for all of us and we valued her fine performances as the Principal Harpist with the Cleveland Orchestra. Frequently Lisa sat in on our jury examinations and offered sage advice and humorous anecdotes much to Miss Chalifoux's delight. We all looked forward to her comments and humor. Like Chalifoux, she had a dry wit and only gave compliments when they were truly earned - and so we worked hard to deserve them.

Lisa Wellbaum was not only the Principal Harpist with the Cleveland Orchestra but maintained this successful career while raising two daughters with her husband Steven Geber. Steven had a full time career of his own as the Principal Cellist with the Cleveland Orchestra. The two of them were a shining example of how to have a family and 2 fabulous careers simultaneously. This was no easy feat considering that the Cleveland Orchestra recorded frequently and toured internationally.

For those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing Lisa Wellbaum, we all extend our deep appreciation and thanks for her leadership as a Principal Harpist and her fantastic career. Her level of excellence and integrity has had a profound impact on generations of professional harpists. Those who have had the pleasure of working with her were blessed and lucky-she is a rare combination of confidence and class.

As an orchestral harpist/teacher and mother of 3 children, I look at her now with even more respect and admiration. She still offers support, advice and really great stories. Thank you Lisa Wellbaum for all your beautiful performing, pearls of wisdom, and sage advice. We all wish you a happy retirement even though we know that for you and Steven it is only ACT 2. Bon Voyage!