Greetings from mid August NH! It is Total Eclipse Day- but only really in Nashville, I guess. I am just returned from yet another fabulous week of Harp at Summerkeys in Lubec, Maine! And WOW! New young teacher from Massachusetts- Haley Hewitt. We knew we would miss Sue Richards, but Haley filled those shoes with ease, and may have left even a bigger footprint- all week we learned all but one tune BY EAR! My "by ear" training really started with Sue, but Haley takes it a step further. She really explains HOW to learn a piece, bit by bit. We did not get any music except one ensemble piece until after our concert on Friday! I cannot tell you how huge that was! And we sounded great!
So, now I am tasked with really solidifying those tunes before I lose them. It was a challenging week, but I think I built up some extra brain connections and ear skills. Also, she is a very contemporary player of traditional tunes, so it was fun to hear new types of accompaniment and harmony. Very cool!
Since I may just be talking to myself here, I won't go much further than this. Hope you are all finding time and space to play those magical instruments of yours. Hoping you have had a chance to learn from someone new, something new. And I hope you are all staying sane in the midst of the horrific situation the world, and our country in particular, are finding lately.....praying daily that peace will be seen as the right path. That Love conquers hate. That music will help the world heal. We are all connected- there is only one race, and it is HUMAN- and Love is always the answer.
I found a great quote awhile ago, and it is hanging on my wall:
"The World doesn't want to be Saved. The World wants to be Loved. That's how you Save it!"
Love and peace. Harp on!! Sharon
