http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/ Harp Column Blogs OpenACS 5.0 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:34:04 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/rss-support/images/openacs_logo_rss.gif http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/ 126 48 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=9088857 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=9088857 As I welcome the new year 2010, I breathe deeply in gratitude that the roller-coaster ride of 2009 is over. Even though the world was overflowing with optimism in January 2009, shock waves hit the economy as financial institutions crumbled, the stock market hit perilous lows, and businesses collapsed. The 2009 economy dealt a crushing blow to arts organizations and universities as endowments shriveled to a pittance of their former value, and corporate and charitable giving all but disappeared... Fri, 01 Jan 2010 03:34:04 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=6529674 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=6529674 It seems like forever since I’ve posted –I have been out of touch.Now, summer is half over already and most of the weeks have been harp-filled with performances, teaching, rehearsals and recording. While teaching at the Elyrica Harp & Flute Camp in Darien, CT, I’m taking this time away from playing the harp to reflect on the past few months, and look forward.This winter, I took a trip along with harpist Megan Sesma, to Guatemala as part of the Guatemala Harp Project. ... Sun, 26 Jul 2009 16:14:35 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=4139655 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=4139655 On January 9, 2009, I performed at the Inaugural Ball of North Carolina's first woman Governor Bev Perdue. She was sworn into office the next day by Sarah Parker, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of North Carolina. She shared the stage with Senator Kay Hagan, and 5 female members of the Council of State and several other high profile female leaders. This was a big deal in North Carolina, and it was played up in the media to underline the increasing power of women in leadership positions in ... Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:53:01 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=4072642 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=4072642 We’re not even 2 full weeks into January (or we weren't when I wrote this ;) and looking forward makes it feel like the month is almost over! I rang in the New Year at the Harlem studio, Stadium Red, the homebase of the oh-so-talented producer, Omen (Be sure to get his upcoming album, "Be The Judge" and Not because I'm on it ;). What an awesome recording facility—the former studio of jazz pioneer, Ornette Coleman.The weekend started out with a powerful meeting of the minds: fellow har... Thu, 15 Jan 2009 12:23:37 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3900648 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3900648 Normally, I spend New Year's Eve reflecting on the previous year, setting new goals and looking ahead to a bright new year. However, this year has been anything but normal and I find myself affected on many levels as I consider my goals for the new year. As a professional harpist and teacher, I achieved many of my goals for the year, but had to make room for life's interruptions. Like everyone else, I was really affected by the sagging economy and felt the financial sting of the cost of every... Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:49:42 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3257620 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3257620 Thanksgiving is the day we celebrate our religious and political freedom as Americans and remember our many blessings. We celebrate this day with our family and friends with a bountiful feast that lasts all day and celebrate our good fortune. I hope this Thanksgiving you take a moment to thank the people who have been a blessing in your life. I know I am grateful for my family, my dear friends near and far, my colleagues, and my students. I am especially thankful to those who have loved a... Thu, 27 Nov 2008 18:09:59 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3115619 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=3115619 No matter how much research I do beforehand, every now and then, I end up facing a flight of stairs alone. I don't know if all harpists dread stairs, but I do! Many harpists in NYC don't mind, because they have harp movers to move their harp, but what about those jobs you have where you don't have a mover?I approach the top or bottom of a staircase and one of two things happen: An overly anxious man runs and insists on helping me. But it's not really help...they want to do it themselves... Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:19:52 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2841637 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2841637 I just wrote a very long, in depth blog and my computer died :-(  I lost it, but in short--I don't really discuss poIitics, but I can't ignore this.  The polling lines are literally stretching around corners and avenues here in New York and it's not even 7:30am yet.  I awoke at 5:30am to text messages about the long lines.  Definitely a first for me, as I used to go to the polls every election year with my grandmother and never once saw a line!Four years ago, pop stars ... Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:03:32 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2098522 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2098522 Photo links from the Detroit Jazz Festival, 2008Fest Photos--Ben JohnsonFest Photos--Frank Harrell Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:44:50 GMT http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2053534 http://www.harpcolumn.com/blogs/one-entry?entry%5fid=2053534 View a Few Photos HereI'm beginning this blog at the airport in Detroit...it's 4am. I'm tired, but I can't fall asleep sitting here with my purse in my hand.  Yesterday was Ravi Coltrane's musical tribute to Alice Coltrane with Geri Allen, Charlie Haden & Jack Dejohnette along with Ed Feldman on the tamboura and tablas. I'll skip right to show day--We had a brief rehearsal the morning of that started off with---of all things---a drum lesson by Jack Dejohnette!   Before every... Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:51:30 GMT