Harp Column Blogs: Laura ByrneArchive

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 and supported me over the years. It was so wonderful to see many of these friends this past year, as we celebrated the life of Alice Chalifoux in her outstanding Tribute Concert at the AHS conference, and in her magnificent Memorial Service in Cleveland Ohio. She gave us so many blessings with her teaching, her humor, and her belief in us and our individual talents.

I am especially thankful for my wonderful students who have been performing so beautifully as they strive to develop their talents. As their teacher, it is gratifying to sit in the audience and listen to them as they "nail their parts" with the confidence that only comes from hard work and faith in themselves. I am impressed with their dedication and determination to overcome difficulties (in spite of double joints and collapsing thumbs)! They are truly seeing the fruit of their labors. It is wonderful to watch them build the foundation of their technique and continue to advance to new levels of ability!
It is also rewarding to watch them graduate and receive scholarships to continue to advance in their harp studies!

As a performer, I am thankful for the many opportunities I am offered to play beautiful music. I enjoy the many excellent musicians and colleagues with whom I collaborate. I love making music with them and appreciate their talent and friendship. I also appreciate those who continue to inspire me in my life.

In a war-torn world, full of violence, suffering, poverty, greed, and avarice, it is easy to forget our blessings. It is hard to have faith and persevere in the chaos of terrorism, natural disasters, financial ruin, and the personal losses that touch our lives every day.
And yet, as a nation and individually, we still move forward in faith, counting our blessings, and hopefully creating new ones for the future. As you gather with friends and family and remember those you love, it is my Thanksgiving wish to you that you celebrate your many blessings.
As harpists, we have the unique joy of holding great beauty in our fingertips.
Every time we touch our harp strings and play well, we give the gift of music to ourselves and to others.
I hope you celebrate your gift today and remember those who blessed you with their gifts, their time, and their inspiration.

Happy Thanksgiving!