Bridge of Two Worlds
WHEN: July 18-20, 2008 (Friday-Sunday). Arrival and registration begins at noon on Friday, and the last session ends at 2 pm on Sunday.
WHERE: Magic Hill, Magical Strings’ own beautiful 5-acre home on the Puget Sound, overlooking Colvos Passage. Participants may camp in the pasture near the studio, or make reservations at nearby B&B’s and motels in Olalla, Purdy, Gig Harbor or Port Orchard.
WHO CAN COME? Beginners and experienced alike with a desire to explore a unique and intimate relationship with the Celtic harp and hammered dulcimer. Harps and dulcimers will be available for rent or purchase.
WHO IS TEACHING? Philip and Pam Boulding - performers, teachers, composers, recording artists, and harp makers since 1978. Five assistants will be available for tutoring.
Comments from former Harp Campers:
“I was amazed at the progress made and the distance covered in such a short period of time. Love, enthusiasm, and focus were the secret ingredients…”
“…A magical place. So peaceful and relaxing.”
“Food gets a two thumbs up!!!”
WORKSHOP SUBJECTS:
Beginning Harp - Getting started with basic exercises and a simple Celtic tune.
“Bridge of Two Worlds” – How music becomes a threshold between realms: past/future, life/death, natural world/spiritual world, land/sea… the 17th century Irish harper/composer Turlough O’Carolan played a pivotal role as a bridge between the old and new during a dramatic turning point in Irish history! From there we’ll move on to discuss how music can awaken new capacities in us, and stimulate/rejuvenate our imaginative life.
Ornamentation, Arranging and Composing for the harp - Traditional and innovative techniques for ornamentation, arranging chords, back-up playing, and techniques for improvisation and creating new compositions.
Music for Healing and Transition – Learn more about this rapidly growing field, in which the harp plays a key role. One of our tutors is currently studying with MHTP, and will present an informal discussion to answer questions students might wish to ask.
Wire Strung Harp - Special techniques for playing and damping on this haunting and most ancient form of the Irish harp.
Hammered Dulcimer: basics, dynamics, and beyond - we are pleased to include the hammered dulcimer again, with emphasis on expression, ornamentation, and fluidity.
Ensemble Playing - Integrate the harp and dulcimer for playing in duet and in various combinations with other instruments.
Instrument Maintenance, Building, and Repair - An informal overview presented in the Magical Strings workshop - open to questions.
Harp Circles around the Fire - We will gather each evening in the pasture around the fire to play music, tell stories, and maybe learn some Irish dance steps!
Details:
MAGIC HILL SUMMER HARP CAMP 2008
Dulcimer classes are full - please call 253 857-3716
Fees: $295 camp fee (a $50 deposit will reserve your place, with the balance due by July 1). This covers the entire weekends’ activities and supplies, a music notebook, and includes dinner on Friday, one main meal on Saturday (gourmet vegetarian) and snacks, tea and coffee throughout the weekend. All other meals must be covered independently.
Instrument Rental: $35 for the weekend—can apply toward purchase of all harp and dulcimer models.
Students are welcome to participate in all sessions. The instruction will combine specific pieces with general overviews, in order that each student, regardless of level or ability, may derive something of value from every session. Emphasis is placed on learning by ear, but music notation will be provided. Opportunity for private practice and individual attention will occur throughout the weekend.
Directions to Magic Hill, a list of B&B’s and motels nearby, and a detailed schedule of events will be mailed to all registrants upon receipt of deposit and registration form. We are located 15 minutes from the Southworth ferry dock (via Vashon/Fauntleroy), and 25 minutes from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (via highway 16). There are beautiful sites in our pasture and wooded areas for camping, with nearby access to water. Small cookstoves are allowed. There is also limited parking for camper vehicles. Please call or email to reserve.
Instruments, individually hand-crafted by Magical Strings, are available for rent or purchase. Anyone planning to order one for the camp should contact Philip Boulding as soon as possible. The harps are designed for a full, clear resonance, and are available with either wire (in the tradition of the ancient Irish and Scottish harps) or nylon strings.
Rental harps and dulcimers are available for the weekend of the camp, and the price of these can be applied toward the purchase of a new instrument. The lap harps stand 36” tall, and span a little over 3 octaves. These highly portable and affordable harps have a remarkably good tone for all their simplicity. The Concert Kailey and Oladion harps are floor-standing models at 50” tall with a 5-octave range. These designs from Magical Strings combine elegant simplicity with a full and powerful voice comparable to any concert Celtic harp for an affordable price! Please indicate if you would like to be sent a complete instrument brochure.
Harp Rental: $35 for the weekend-can apply toward
purchase of all harp and dulcimer models.
Students are welcome to participate in all sessions. The
instruction will combine specific pieces with general overviews,
in order that each student, regardless of level or ability,
may derive something of value from every session. Emphasis
is placed on learning by ear, but music notation will be
provided. Opportunity for private practice and individual
attention will occur throughout the weekend.
Directions to Magic Hill, a list of B&B's and
motels nearby, and a detailed schedule of events will be
mailed out to all registrants upon receipt of deposit and
registration form. We are located 15 minutes from the Southworth
ferry dock (via Vashon/Fauntleroy), and 25 minutes from
the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (via highway 16). There are beautiful
sites in our pasture and wooded areas for camping, with
nearby access to water. Small cookstoves are allowed. There
is also limited parking for camper vehicles. Please call
or email to reserve.
List of local accommodations
Phone (253) 857-3716 Fax (253) 857-9161
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