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Harp Fantasia 2022

The Mile High Chapter of the American Harp Society presents

October 8th, 2022
held at the Lakewood Cultural Center
470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226

The Mile High Chapter Board is excited to announce that Harp Fantasia will take place in the Fall of 2022 again. Harp Fantasia is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Colorado harpists and play in an ensemble concert setting. This is a favorite event in the Mile High Chapter as it brings the Colorado harp community together to have fun and experience being in the middle of rich vibrations of over 40 harps!  

Both student and professional harpists look forward to participating in this biennial event!

Fantasia 10 2011.JPG

Ensemble Participation Requirements

Harp Fantasia is open to harpists of all ability levels with the recommendation of their harp teacher. (Students who are age 8 or younger must be chaperoned by a parent for all rehearsals) Also, you need be a member of the Mile High Chapter to participate in the ensembles.  

 

 

Ensemble Groups

Please choose the Ensemble Group that best fits your ability level and harp type. If you have questions about the different groups, please contact the Mile High Chapter Board. Participants choose which parts they would like to play for each song. 

Group A – Lever Harp Only (Beginner/Late Beginner)   Conducted by Alisa DeWitt

Example of music for this group: Ivy Fairy from "Enchanted Melodies" by Kathryn Cater

 

Group B – Lever and Pedal Harp (Intermediate)    Conducted by Alaina Bongers 

Example of music for this group: Lullaby by Cindy Horstman 

 

Group C – Pedal Harp Only (Advanced)    Conducted by Kathryn Harms 

Example of music for this group: Scarborough Fair arr. by Erin Hansen Janke 

 

Large Ensemble – Groups A, B, and C combined      Conducted by Alaina Bongers

(parts chosen by student appropriate to their ability level)

               

Several sectional rehearsals for each group will be scheduled in the weeks leading up to the event and more details regarding the sectional rehearsal dates/times can be found below.  We ask that you attend at least two of the three sectional rehearsals (though attendance at all rehearsals is recommended) and they will be led by the appropriate group conductor. The rehearsals are intended to help you become more confident with the music and be more prepared for the final rehearsal on October 8th, 2022. 

 

Please Note: Once you complete the registration form an email with details on where/how to purchase your music will be sent out promptly.  Participants will choose which part they would like to play for each song. 

Cost and Registration

The early registration fee is $30.00 dollars for Mile High Chapter members and $55.00 for non-members. After August 15th registration will be $35.00 dollars for Mile High Chapter members and $60.00 for non-members. Registration closes on September 16th, 2022, at 11:59 pm. 

Just follow the registration link below to sign up for Harp Fantasia and if you would like to become a Mile High Chapter member click on the blue box below before registering for Fantasia.  Chapter Membership is on a rolling yearly basis. Becoming a chapter member gives you the benefit of being able to participate in other chapter sponsored events and receive ticket discounts throughout the coming year! 

 

Please complete the registration form and submit your registration payment no later than September 16th, as registration will close the beginning of September.  

Spring Student Recital 2024
Spring Student Recital 2024
19 DAYS TO THE EVENT
Share your music and enjoy socializing with your fellow harpists!
Apr 06, 2024, 4:00 PM
Faith Bible Chapel South (Denver),
4250 S Federal Blvd, Sheridan, CO 80110, USA
Regitration

Concert Small Ensemble Groups

We are excited to once again include the addition of small ensemble groups to the fantasia concert program on October 8th.  We are looking to plan a diverse program with many different styles of music and give harpists the opportunity to collaborate with each other and other musicians. 


If you are interested in assembling a small group to perform, please complete the bottom section of the registration form and fill in all information fields.  If you do not fill out the small ensemble performance section on the registration form initially, but then later decide that you and your harp friends would like to perform please send an email to milehighahs@gmail.com with your group leader contact information, song selection, composer, song length, and names/instruments of the other people in your group. The target length for the small group performance is 2-5 minutes. 

 

Your performance request will be reviewed by the Mile High Chapter Board, and you will be notified of the board’s decision. You may be asked to audition (if there are many small group requests) or as the concert date approaches a preliminary performance evaluation may be required.  PLEASE submit all small ensemble performance requests no later than SEPTEMBER 17th, 2022.

If you are unable to play in a Fantasia ensemble group but would still like to have the opportunity to perform in a small group setting for the October concert you may send an email to milehighahs@gmail.com with your request. (Please include group leader contact information, song selection, composer, song length, and names/instruments of the other people in your group) Preference will be given to registered Fantasia participants and a flat performance fee of $20 will be due upon approval of your performance request. Additionally, at least one member of your small group must be a Mile High Chapter member. 

 

Pictures from Previous Fantasia Years

Sectional Rehearsal Schedule 2022

We ask that you attend at least two of the three sectional rehearsals scheduled. However, you are welcome and encouraged to attend all three rehearsal times if your schedule will allow. Please bring to each rehearsal: Your Harp, Music, Pencil & Highlighter, Music Stand, Harp Bench, Tuner & Tuning Key, and Extra Strings if you have them. (Please label everything you bring with your name)

 

Set up for each rehearsal will begin half an hour prior to the start times listed below. Please take advantage of this extra set up time, so that we can begin each rehearsal promptly.  During each sectional rehearsal we will work on the individual group songs, as well as the combined ensemble songs.

 

Group A - Lever Harp Only (Beginner/Late Beginner) conductor Alisa DeWitt 

Sectional Dates:

September 16th (Friday): 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Center for Music and Arts (7530 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) 

September 24th (Saturday): 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80301)

October 2nd (Sunday): 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church of Denver (3690 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver)

Group B - Lever and Pedal Harp (Intermediate) conductor Alaina Bongers

Sectional Dates: 

September 16th (Friday): 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Center for Music and Arts (7530 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) 

September 24th (Saturday): 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80301)

October 2nd (Sunday): 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church of Denver (3690 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver)

Group C Pedal Harp Only (Advanced) conductor Kathryn Harms 

Sectional Dates: 

September 16th (Friday): 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Center for Music and Arts (7530 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033) 

September 24th (Saturday): 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80301)

October 2nd (Sunday): 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church of Denver (3690 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver)

If you have any general questions, please send an email to milehighahs@gmail.com and questions pertaining to your music may be directed to your group’s conductor.  Conductor email addresses can be found on our website in the conductor bio section at the bottom of this page.

Schedule for October 8th, 2022 - Concert Day

10:15 am – 11:00 am      Check in/Load-in

All Harps Must be tuned by the start of the Group Rehearsals and please eat lunch either before rehearsal or be sure to bring plenty of snacks/sack lunch to eat during the breaks. (The breaks will not be long enough to leave for lunch, so please plan accordingly) 

11:00 am – 2:00 pm        Groups rehearse in their separate areas of the LCC (with breaks)

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm          Ensemble Groups move to Main Theater Space

2:30 pm – 4:30 pm          Dress Rehearsal and rehearse large ensemble pieces together

4:30 pm – 4:50 pm          Annual Fall Meeting

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm          Dinner Break

All participants excused for dinner break except for the Small Ensemble Groups* & Harp Tuning of All Harps on Stage by Official Harp Tuners. There are many area restaurants to choose from. Take some time to relax and recharge before the concert.

*4:55 pm - 5:30 pm         Small Ensemble Sound Check (Small Group Participants Only)

6:30 pm                            Call (Please be on time, in your concert dress, and meet backstage)

7:00 pm – 9:00 p.m.        Concert

Reminders...

Things to remember to Bring and Label Everything! (Including cases and harp carts)

Ensemble Music, tuner, tuning key, bench, extra stings, sack lunch, snacks, covered water bottles (clear liquids only)

 

Frequently Asked Questions...

How do I register?

Complete Online Registration by clicking the link above and if you would like to become a chapter member click on the blue box above before registering. 

Where/How do I purchase the Music?

Once you register you will receive an email with links and information on how to purchase your music. Some music can be purchased through Kolacny Music and some music can be purchased through Harp Column Music. 

What is the Concert Attire?

Black Pants (No legging please) or LONG black skirt, black shirt or blouse (no exposed spaghetti straps), and black shoes.

 

We will be adding an accent color to the black for each group. Group A: Blue, Group B: Purple, Group C: Red. Here are some suggestions for an accent accessory: hat, scarf, tie, belt, necklace or earrings, hair piece or headband or solid color shirt with black jacket over the top. 

 

Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or strong-scented hairspray. 

If I can't attend 2 of the 3 of the sectional rehearsals, can I still participate?

Yes, as long as you are prepared to rehearse on October 8th, can attend at least one of the sectional rehearsals, and have worked on the music with the guidance of your teacher, then we welcome you to still register and participate. 

Where do I purchase Concert Tickets?

Concert Tickets are available for purchase through the Lakewood Cultural Arts Center box office and on their website. Follow this link to purchase your concert tickets today! https://lakewood.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=732

Fantasia 12 2011.JPG
Rehearsal Schedules

2022 Fantasia Ensemble Conductors

music-theory-hickox.jpg

Alisa DeWitt

Ensemble A Conductor 

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Alaina Bongers 

Ensemble B Conductor

Full Ensemble Conductor 

Kathryn Harms

Kathryn Harms

Ensemble C Conductor 

Alisa DeWitt holds master's degrees in harp music theory from Michigan State University and has previously taught at the University of Northern Colorado and Laramie Community College.  Alisa has had the privilege of being on the Mile High Board as secretary for the past three years. She is currently an active harp teacher, performer, and member of the harp community in northern Colorado. She continues to pursue her interest in harp music from the early 19th century and hopes to own an early double-action pedal harp someday.

 

Alaina Bongers is a native of Colorado and can be found most weekends driving up and down the Front Range to performances and harp functions.  Her love for music began at an early age.  She studied piano for several years before switching to the harp. Alaina received both her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Harp Performance from Colorado State University under Rachel Starr Ellins.  She also holds a certificate in Liturgical Studies which she earned studying with Dr. Joel Bacon, organ professor at Colorado State University. 

Alaina is the harpist for the Fort Collins Wind Symphony and has played with many other ensembles including Longmont Symphony, Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, Boulder Symphony, Arapahoe Philharmonic, Ladaumus Chorale, Loveland Chorale, Larimer Chorale, and Alpine Chorale. In addition to ensemble work, Alaina has a passion for musical theater and has worked on productions with the Fort Collins Children’s Theater, Up in Lights, Midtown Arts Center, Tabor Opera House, and Opera Steamboat.

In the summer of 2011, Alaina established the Magnolia Music Studio Harp Camp for children.  Since the inaugural year with only two young harpists, the camp has steadily grown into the formation of the Northern Colorado Summer Harp Festival.  The festival now consists of three different levels of harp ensembles with up to twenty harpists participating.  Alaina is the artistic director, and she enjoys creating special harp ensemble arrangements for the festival.  

When not performing, Alaina serves as president on the board of Mile High Chapter of the American Harp Society.  Alaina currently teaches aspiring harpists of all ages at her studio in Loveland.  Additionally, she collaborates with local middle and high school music directors by adapting or creating parts for the student harpists to be included in their orchestras.

For more information about Alaina Bongers, please visit:

music-revelations.com 

 

Kathryn Harms is a versatile performer and innovative teacher based in Boulder, CO. In demand as an orchestral harpist, chamber musician, and soloist, she performs throughout the western region of the US in addition to maintaining a thriving private harp studio. In Spring 2022, she joined the music faculty at Colorado State University.


For the 2018/2019 season, she was acting principal harpist with the New Mexico Philharmonic, and she also performs as substitute principal harpist with various ensembles including the Colorado
Symphony, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Opera Southwest. She has appeared on stage with
artists including Ben Folds, the Indigo Girls, and Jónsi & Alex. She is principal harpist of the Colorado Mahlerfest Orchestra and a frequent guest artist with ensembles such as the Ars Nova Singers. During the summers, she is on faculty at the Rocky Mountain Springs Harp Program in Steamboat Springs, CO.


An avid promoter of new music, Kathryn regularly collaborates with composers to encourage quality
and inventive composition for the harp. In 2019, she was selected to perform at the American Harp
Society National Institute in Winston-Salem, NC, in a new music concert titled, “Collaboration, The Heart of Innovation.” She was also an invited soloist at the Society of Composers, Inc. 2018 National Convention in Tacoma, WA. She has also received an American Harp Society grant to
commission a chamber piece for harp and string quartet that integrates the harpist as a true chamber musician: I ran out of black paint and sunshine by Kurt M. Mehlenbacher. This piece premiered as the finale of the 2015 2016 CU Pendulum New Music Concert Series.


Kathryn received her Master of Music degree from the University of Colorado Boulder as a student of Janet Harriman and her Bachelor of Music degree from Ball State University as a student of
Elizabeth Richter. Originally from Williamsburg, VA, she was first given the opportunity to learn how to play the harp through a rare public school program led by Cynthia Campbell. This program has since evolved and become the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society. Inspired by her experiences as a young harpist in a school harp program with group classes and harp ensemble, Kathryn is passionate about organizing impactful educational opportunities and events for young harpists.

 

For more information about Kathryn Harms, visit www.KathrynHarms.com.

 

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