This article extra is part of the feature article Build a Great Gig Book in this issue.

What the pros are adding

The experts we talked to all echoed the importance of continuously updating your gig book with chart-topping tunes, songs listeners request, and pieces you want to learn just because you enjoy them.

Elizabeth Steiner is executive director of the Lyra Society and the harpist at the Rittenhouse Hotel in Philadelphia, Pa.

Elizabeth Steiner recently added “Killing Me Softly” and “A Day in the Life of a Fool” by one of her favorite harp arrangers, Paul Baker. She also added ‘Lovesong,’ ‘Million Years Ago,’ and ‘Skyfall’ by Adele from a piano book. I just downloaded ‘Halo’ by Beyonce, ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran, and ‘Redbone’ by Childish Gambino.”

“I’ve recently added ‘How Sweet It Is’ by James Taylor and ‘Unforgettable’ by Nat King Cole—I had this one but didn’t like the arrangement,” says Adrienne Knauer.  “At a bride’s request, I’ve also added ‘Say Hey’ by Michael Franti, ‘With or Without You’ by U2, and ‘Tifa’s Theme’ from Final Fantasy.” Knauer adds that since she started gigging with a singer she keeps a running list of songs to arrange, which currently includes “I Wanna Love Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban, “Your Love” by the Outfield, “Linger” by the Cranberries, “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez, and “Baby I’m Yours” by the Arctic Monkeys.

Mary Keener has been freelancing in Denver, Colo., since moving there in 2006.

The last five tunes Mary Keener has added to her gig book include “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett, “I Do (Cherish You)” by Mark Wills, “Better Together” by Jack Johnson, and  “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges.” A few of the songs that have already been requested for weddings in the coming months are ‘Ho Hey ‘ by The Lumineers, ‘It’s Your Love’ by Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, ‘Karma Police’ by Radiohead, and ‘Dreams’ by The Cranberries,” she says.

Kristen Elizabeth Hoyos freelances in Tampa, Fla.

“I’m continuously updating my gig book and adding songs to my repertoire,” Kristen Elizabeth Hoyos notes. “The most recent songs to be added to the list include ‘You Are the Reason’ by Calum Scott, ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran, ‘Despacito’ by Luis Fonsi, ‘Wild Horses’ by The Rolling Stones, and ‘Lovesong’ by The Cure.”

Harriet Adie is a London-based freelancer and member of the harp quartet 4 Girls 4 Harps.

Harriet Adie says the last five songs she’s added to her gig book are “Titaniun” by David Guetta, “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Ros, Handel’s Coronation Anthem No. 1 “Zadok the Priest,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys,  and “Primavera” by Einaudi.

Monika Vasey Rhodes freelances and teaches in metro Washington, D. C.

“It’s fun to pick out some new-to-me tunes to keep things fresh,” Monika Vasey Rhodes says. “Some recent additions to my gig book include Daniel Burton’s arrangement of Clair de Lune, which fits nicely in the hand and is really easy to read, but still an acceptable version of this Debussy standard for a background music gig. Ekaterina Afanasieva has some really great arrangements, including ‘Endless Love,’ which I downloaded for a recent bridal request. Paul Baker’s arrangement of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ was perfect for a chill lounge event I played a few weeks ago. I have to mention Elzbieta Szmyt’s arrangement of two Chopin waltzes—Grand Valse Brillante op. 34, no. 2, and Valse op. 69, no. 2. They are just gorgeous.”

Erica Messer is based in San Mateo, Calif., and has been freelancing for 20 years

Recently added songs to Erica Messer’s gig book includes “Miss You,” by the Rolling Stones, “Gangsta’s Paradise,” by Coolio, “Little Wing,” by Jimi Hendrix, and “Winter Wonderland” by Felix Bernard.

Gotta have it

Every harpist knows there isn’t just one must-have song, there are a bunch. But when we twisted their arms, our experts weighed in with their one must-have song for every gig book.

Erica Messer: “‘Greensleeves’—It’s the most requested.” Harriet Adie: “Pachelbel’s ‘Canon in D,’ as it has endured the test of time, and many of the pop songs will fall out of vogue sooner or later. Elizabeth Steiner: “Every harpist should have a fun and flashy arrangement of ‘Happy Birthday.’ Since my main gig is for afternoon tea, there are often guests celebrating a birthday. I try to play it every time someone is celebrating, and it always brings a big smile to their face.” Kristen Elizabeth Hoyos: “I think every harpist should have a show-off piece in their collection. A song that you can play very well, is fun to play, and sounds really impressive, regardless of the actual difficulty of the song. A show-off piece must include glissandos because everyone loves glissandos, right?” Adrienne Knauer: “‘Stairway to Heaven’—people are always impressed by it.” Mary Keener: “‘Canon in D’—it wouldn’t make my list of favorites, but it’s impossible to leave it off a list of essentials.” Monika Vasey Rhodes: “‘Stairway to Heaven’—It actually came in handy when I played the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the State Department a few years ago, and Led Zeppelin was being honored that year. Maybe they’re tired of hearing their song covered, but now I have a cool story to tell and a song that always impresses at gigs.”