Children seem mesmerized by harp music. Whether it’s the middleschooler trying to stay nonchalant, the six-year-old ring bearer peaking from behind the pillow or a toddler wide-eyed over her father’s shoulder, they always seem to stare at me when I am playing harp. They love the sound, the shape and learning how the instrument works. If their hands are clean, I’ll even let them touch the harp. A few years ago a class of third graders gathered around me at a performance. When I explained that the harp strings were made of sheep’s gut. all the girls said, “Eww!” and all the boys said, “Cool!”
And I understand. I was that child who came up after an orchestra concert half hiding behind my father but wanting to be closer to the harp. Now I’ve been playing harp for twelve years.
This Sunday, I’m playing with the Maple City Chamber Orchestra in their children’s concert, a free performance for the whole family. Kids in the audience will hear such exciting classics as the William Tell Overture and Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite and enjoy the narrated story of Tuby the Tuba.
I’m excited for this concert, and not just because it can teach kids about classical music. It will also teach me, remind me of that wonder children find in everything, because, as a much wiser teacher said, let the little children come for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
Come enjoy this concert on Sunday October 18th at 3PM in Sauder Hall at the Goshen College music center and bring any children you know!
Also look at my CDs of Christmas carols and hymns for solo harp. I have it on good authority that they make excellent lullabies for kids of all ages!