Christmas is always a super busy time for harpists! This year pupils played at Dunseverick Primary School’s annual carol service at Ballintoy Parish Church. A group of 5 harpists played a selection of pieces as guests arrived and also did a special group performance of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and ‘Carol of the Bells’. We had lots of fun practising for this together during school time!
We also had the privilege and pleasure of playing as guests arrived at Causeway Coast Vineyard’s annual Christmas Eve Carol Service. This was very exciting as it is a huge event. The girls did an excellent job. Such experiences are wonderful for the development of young musicians. Performing can be so nerve-wracking! Performing as part of a group can help as we can help one another along and keep it going, regardless of mistakes. This is a really important aspect of performance: if you make a mistake, just carry on as if it never happened and continue to give it your best!
We are very much looking forward to plenty more harping in 2020. We have a busy schedule of classes for both children and adults this term. I’m very much looking forward to it! This year our classes are supporting help refugees who are doing amazing work supporting people caught up in the conflicts in the Middle East and those feeling devastation and terror. I love sharing joy and beauty through harp and I love that so many women are taking time out for themselves and getting together to learn something new. I love that we get to experience the fun of playing traditional music together. I love that the children I teach love their harps, love practising and are achieving so much! I’m so proud of them!
Wishing you peace and joy in 2020, Katy xxx
Causeway Harp School 