Harp Fantasia 2026
The Mile High Chapter of the American Harp Society presents
October 10th, 2026
held at the Lakewood Cultural Center
470 S Allison Pkwy, Lakewood, CO 80226
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 the rich vibrations of a plethora of harps!
Both student and professional harpists look forward to participating in this biennial event, and there is opportunity for every level of harpist to perform! Harp Fantasia is also a fundraising event, allowing us to continue to host guest harpists and organize other events for the community. Come support the Mile High Chapter and the local Colorado harp community!
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.)
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. **NOTE: some parts may be assigned in Group C.**
Group A – Lever Harp Only (Beginner/Late Beginner) Conducted by Rebecca Moritzky
Example of music for this group: Fairy Lullaby from "Three Folksong Duets" by Mary Muckle
Group B – Lever and Pedal Harp (Intermediate) Conducted by Alaina Bongers
Example of music for this group: Carousel of Dreams by Lauren Scott
Group C – Pedal Harp Only (Advanced) Conducted by Kathryn Harms
Example of music for this group: Clair de Lune arr. by Harriet Adie
Large Ensemble – Groups A, B, and C combined Conducted by Alaina Bongers, Kathryn Harms, and Rebecca Moritzky
(parts chosen by student appropriate to their ability level)
Three 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/dress rehearsal on October 10th, 2026.
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.
*Note for Group C: some parts may be assigned, so contact Kathryn Harms before purchasing music!*
Cost and Registration
The early registration fee is $45.00 dollars for Mile High Chapter members and $70.00 for non-members. After August 15th, registration will be $50.00 dollars for Mile High Chapter members and $75.00 for non-members. In addition to registration, participants should plan an additional $30.00-$40.00 for music purchase. Registration closes on September 19, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Follow the registration link below to sign up for Harp Fantasia. If you would like to become a Mile High Chapter member, click on the blue box below before registering for Fantasia. Chapter Membership is renewed 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 19th.
Concert Small Ensemble Groups
We are excited to once again include the addition of small ensemble groups to the Fantasia concert program on October 10th. 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 26th, 2026.
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 2026
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 Rebecca Moritzky
Sectional Dates:
Sunday, September 20th: 5:30 - 7:30pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
Saturday, September 26th: 12:30 - 2:30pm at Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St., Boulder, CO)
Saturday, October 3rd: 10:00am - 12:00pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
Group B - Lever and Pedal Harp (Intermediate) conductor Alaina Bongers
Sectional Dates:
Sunday, September 20th: 3:00 - 5:00pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
Saturday, September 26th: 10:00am - 12:00pm at Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St., Boulder, CO)
Saturday, October 3rd: 3:00 - 5:00pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
Group C - Pedal Harp Only (Advanced) conductor Kathryn Harms
Sectional Dates:
Sunday, September 20th: 12:30 - 2:30pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
Saturday, September 26th: 3:00 - 5:00pm at Boulder Piano Gallery (3111 Walnut St., Boulder, CO)
Saturday, October 3rd: 12:30 - 2:30pm at Neighborhood Music (2501 Dallas St #130, Aurora, CO)
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 in the conductor bio section at the bottom of this page.
Schedule for October 10th, 2026 - Concert Day
SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE!!
10:00 am – 10:40 am Check in/Load-in/Tuning
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)
10:40 am – 10:59 am Group Intro and Meet-and-Greet
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: PLEASE Label Everything! (Including cases and harp carts)
Ensemble Music, tuner, tuning key, bench, extra strings, 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. Most of the music can be purchased through Harp Column Music or other harp music websites.
What is the Concert Attire?
Black Pants (No leggings 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 10th, 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. Click here to purchase your tickets!
2026 Fantasia Ensemble Conductors
Rebecca Moritzky has played the harp for 25 years. She performs regularly across the Denver Metro area and beyond. She obtained her Harp Performance degree from the Lamont School of Music, University of Denver, and a second degree in Worship Arts from Colorado Christian University. Rebecca is the principal harpist for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and John Prine at Red Rocks Amphitheater. She plays with the worship team at Faith Bible Chapel South. Rebecca has played for over 500 weddings, teas, luncheons, churches, receptions, and other events through her Heart Strings Harps business: www.heartstringsharps.com
As a member of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, she toured in 2011 and 2014 to Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the Czech Republic. In 2011, Rebecca performed at the World Harp Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia. She won the Lakewood, Colorado-Chester, England Sister City Concerto Competitions in 2013 and in 2015. Both times, she performed a concerto with the Lakewood Symphony Orchestra and traveled to Chester, England to perform in four different venues as a People to People Ambassador. Her 2015 concerto piece was recorded for Colorado Public Radio and is still played on the radio from time to time. In 2016, she performed as part of Josh Groban’s orchestra in Denver. With the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, Rebecca toured and performed in 14 cities through China playing harp and percussion in 2016. She performed and lectured at the Harp in Worship conferences in California, Colorado, and Texas.
Rebecca teaches harp to students of all ages and conducted the beginner’s group for the 2019 Harp Fantasia. Recently, she became a returning musical guest/character on the YouTube show Tell Ya Later, created by voice acting legends Katie Leigh and Will Ryan.
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 treasurer 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:
Kathryn Harms is a sought-after pedagogue, orchestral harpist, chamber musician, and community leader based in Boulder, Colorado. She is the harp faculty member at Colorado State University and maintains a thriving private teaching studio. Kathryn is the current President of the Mile High Chapter of the American Harp Society (AHS). She is also a Director-at-Large of the AHS and Co-Chair of the AHS Chapter Ambassador Committee, helping expand opportunities, increase access, and foster connections for youth harpists across North America.
Kathryn performs regularly as second harpist and substitute principal harpist with the Colorado Symphony, notably joining the orchestra's landmark New York City tour as second harpist for their Carnegie Hall performance in winter 2026. Known for her versatility and enthusiasm for innovative programming, she enjoys collaborating with musicians across a wide range of genres. She has appeared on stage with artists including Ben Folds, the Indigo Girls, and Bernadette Peters and regularly performs at iconic Colorado venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre. She has previously held an acting principal harp position with the New Mexico Philharmonic, performed with Central City Opera as principal harpist for their 2024 season, and is the current principal harpist of the Colorado MahlerFest Orchestra.
Driven by a commitment to whole-person education, Kathryn founded the Colorado Harp Seminar, a weeklong immersive summer program for pedal harpists that emphasizes musician wellness. As director, she designs workshops to support, inspire, and nurture both excellent musicianship and personal growth. Passionate about musicians' movement and kinesthetic awareness, she is currently studying to become a licensed body mapping educator.
Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Kathryn was introduced to the harp through a rare public-school program led by Cynthia Campbell. That program has since evolved into the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society. Inspired by her experiences growing up in a vibrant and supportive harp community, Kathryn is dedicated to organizing opportunities such as Harp Fantasia for the wonderful Colorado harp community.
For more information about Kathryn Harms, visit www.KathrynHarms.com