“Music in Nature”
WHEN: July 30-August 1 (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.
WORKSHOP SUBJECTS:
Beginning Harp - Getting started with basic exercises and a simple Celtic tune.
“Music in Nature” – We’ll discuss how sounds and experiences in nature can inspire musical expression through the harp and dulcimer. A starting point will be Philip’s new piece, “The Fairy Wind” written during the Boulding’s recent journey to Ireland, when the wind blew through the harp strings creating the most ethereal music which inspired this composition!
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.
Historical and Wire Strung Harps - The 17th century Irish harper/composer Turlough O’Carolan not only played a wire-strung harp, he also played a pivotal role bridging the old and the current musical styles of his time during a dramatic turning point in Irish history. We’ll cover techniques for playing and damping on wire strings, and delve into an exploration of the Three Moods of Music from ancient Ireland.
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!
Comments from previous 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!!!”
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
Fees: $295 camp fee. A $50 deposit (non-refundable after July 1) will reserve your place, with the balance due by July 15. 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.
Register by mail Register/Pay in Full online
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.
Phone (253) 857-3716 Fax (253) 857-9161
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