Harpist in Mattoon ~ Christmas Eve Service Harp Music

On Christmas Eve, I was invited to play for the service at the First Christian Church in Mattoon, Illinois.  Once again, it was a clear and (relatively) pleasant evening.  We managed to make it through an entire Christmas season without having to shovel the harp out of the house!

Although the prelude wasn't scheduled to begin until 6:30 pm, the sanctuary was already filling up shortly after 6:00, so I started a little earlier.  As people arrived, they were greeted with the sound of the harp playing some traditional Christmas carols, along with a few classical works associated with the holiday and a few less familiar Christmas pieces from France, England, and Austria.

The service of lessons and carols alternated between scripture, congregational singing, and special musical selections.  The other musicians included a handbell choir, pianist, organist, and several vocal solos and duets.  For the harp solo, I played "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming."  It might not make the top of most people's favorites list, but it has always been one of mine!  During communion, I played the Appalachian carol "I Wonder as I Wander."

As candles were lit at the conclusion of the service, everyone joined in singing "Silent Night," followed by "Joy to the World."  After the service, we loaded up and were off to South Dakota to visit our family.  Since it was too cold to leave the harp in the car, we had to take it into our hotel room when we stopped for the night in Columbia, Missouri.  We always get some strange looks in the lobby!

I'm putting up my Christmas music for this year, but it's never too early to book for your parties and church services for 2012!  Visit my website ~ Christmas Harp Music ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578 for information on having a harpist for your holiday event.


From both of us, happy holidays and a blessed new year!


Devon and Jeff Haupt, harpists

Terre Haute Harpist ~ Christmas Music at Riley Bible Church

The joy of Christmas always calls for special music ~ and having a harpist for a Sunday morning church service is always memorable and enjoyed by everyone!  The Sunday before Christmas, I was invited to provide the music for Riley Bible Church near Terre Haute, Indiana.

I began with a 15 minute prelude of traditional Christmas carols as everyone arrived.  During the service, I played "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" for the offertory and "O Holy Night" for an instrumental interlude.  The words of both pieces were printed in the bulletin so people could follow along and know the meaning of the less-familiar carol.  "Angels We Have Heard on High" was the perfect way to close the service!

If you are planning a wedding, party, or church service in the Terre Haute area, please contact me about playing harp music for the event!  You can find more information on my site ~ Terre Haute Harpist ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578.

Granger Harpist ~ Christmas Harp Music at Harris Library

I've really been making the rounds performing at libraries this holiday season!  My last concert of 2011 was at the Harris Branch of the Mishawaka Public Library in Granger, Indiana.  Set up in front of the fireplace, it was a beautiful setting - with just a touch of snow outside to remind us that it's actually winter!

Along with the Christmas favorites I played to begin the program, I again took requests from the audience.  This time, they included "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "O Holy Night."

Live harp music can enhance any gathering!  With holiday music ranging from traditional to contemporary; Christmas carols to Hanukkah songs, having a harpist play for your guests, customers, or family is the perfect way to celebrate.  Give me a call at 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ Granger Harpist ~ for details!

South Bend Harpist ~ Christmas Music at German Township Library

After I played for an event last April at the main branch of the St. Joseph County library, the director of the German Township branch booked me for a holiday concert for her patrons.  It was a lovely Thursday evening to play for the people browsing the books and relaxing listening to harp music.

I played a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs, and took a few requests from the audience that gathered (including "Pretty Paper" by Willie Nelson!).

Throughout South Bend and Northern Indiana, I am available as a harpist for holiday events, parties, and concerts.  For more information, call 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ South Bend Harpist.  Happy holidays!
 

Elkhart Harpist ~ Open House at the Midwest Museum of American Art

I've had the pleasure of playing for this holiday open house every year since 2006!  This year will always be memorable for the lack of snow.  We had rain, but the turnout was wonderful and the guests enjoyed the unusually mild December weather.

Hosted by the Elkhart branch of a law office, they invite their clients to celebrate the holidays at the Midwest Museum of American Art in Elkhart, Indiana.  The event offers hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, desserts, a coffee bar, and harp music! 

This art gallery is a hidden gem in a former bank building.  They are able to host private events, so you should consider it for your next gathering!  Having harp music completes the upscale ambiance.  You can contact me at 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website ~ Elkhart Harpist ~ for details.  Happy holidays!

Harp Player in Columbia City ~ Concert at the Peabody Library

This year marked the second Christmas concert I've given at the Peabody Library in Columbia City.  Last year, the show went on, even through a blizzard.  This time, we were blessed with a beautiful day and much better attendance.  Throughout the holiday season, the library brings in several different performers to give free concerts, so be sure to check them out! 

I began with a set of old English Christmas carols, including "Holly and the Ivy" and "The Cherry Tree Carol."  Although they might not be the most familiar songs of the season, they are beautiful!  After that, I proceeded to a wide variety of traditional carols.  Some favorites requested by the audience were "O Holy Night" and "Away in a Manger."  I also included some uptempo popular songs ~ "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells."

Planning a holiday party or gathering?  Entertain your guests with harp music!  If you visit my website ~ Northern Indiana Harpist ~ you'll find more information about the various types of music I perform and hiring me for your event.

South Bend Harp Player ~ Open House Music

When you want to create an elegant atmosphere, the harp is the perfect choice to provide the background music for your event!  A law firm was holding a holiday open house for its clients, and hired me to be their harpist for the evening.

The event was held on the top floor of the Key Bank building in downtown South Bend.  The views over the city and Notre Dame campus were beautiful, and it was even better to watch the sun setting!  As the guests gathered and enjoyed cocktails and an hors d'oeuvre buffet, I played a variety of seasonal favorites.  With the harp, it's easy to go from "Silent Night" to "Silver Bells."

A holiday gathering is never complete without hearing everyone's favorite Christmas pieces.  I am available for holiday events and weddings anywhere in the Midwest, and would love to work with you and make yours one to remember!  Visit my website, The Classic Harpist, for information on including harp music in your plans.  Happy Holidays!

Kalamazoo Harpist ~ Christmas Music at the Comstock Library

The first event of the year when I get to bring out my holiday music is always an exciting time!  This year, it was for a holiday open house at the Comstock Township Library near Kalamazoo, Michigan.  The library staff went all out to make this a memorable occasion for their patrons of all ages.

As I played a variety of Christmas and Chanukah songs, people gathered around to listen.  Some kids even gave me special requests for their favorites!  There were also cookies, cider, a visit from Mrs. Claus, and my favorite - reindeer!  They might have upstaged me a little, but I didn't mind!

This was also the first time I tried out using the sheet music I've stored on my iPad instead of a binder full of music.  It took some getting used to (I only tried to flip it over to turn the page once), but I loved having so much music available in such a small package.  When you're moving a huge harp around, it's a benefit to downsize everything else whenever possible!

For holiday events, the harp can provide for all of your musical needs.  From traditional Christmas carols to modern popular pieces and Chanukah selections, even a sing-along is possible!  Visit my website, Kalamazoo Harpist, for more information on having a harpist for your celebration.

Goshen Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony at Liberty Community Church

We love it when we get to work with the same families for multiple weddings.  In 2006, Devon was the harpist for the groom's sister's wedding, and I was happy to get to play for them this time around!  Heather and David were married at Liberty Community Church in Goshen, Indiana.

The entrance of the wedding party and the family was packed full of wonderful song choices.  The processional began with the grandparents and parents entering to "You are My Sunshine."  The mothers of the bride and groom then walked to the alter to light the side unity candles.  While they were doing this, I played "In My Life" by the Beatles. 

Next came the bridesmaids' entrance.  For these processionals, Heather went more modern with the bridesmaids entering to "Glitter in the Air" by Pink.  The flower girls and ring bearers had their own entrance music, the Disney song, "It's a Small World."  The bride then made her entrance to "Marry Me" by Train.

During the ceremony, I provided music for the lighting of the unity candle.  The song of choice for this moment was "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain.  The bride and groom made their exit to "Love Story" by Taylor Swift.

If you are interested in having harp music for your Goshen area wedding, please visit our website, Elkhart County Wedding Harpist.  We can provide traditional, non-traditional, or any mix for your ceremony music!

Tiffin, Ohio Harpist ~ Wedding at the Ohio Memorial Chapel

This year, our November brides have enjoyed better weather than our summer weddings had!  The Saturday after Thanksgiving was another gorgeous fall day.  Erin and Jeremy held their wedding ceremony at the Ohio Memorial Chapel in Tiffin, Ohio.  The chapel is beautiful, and it has great acoustics! 

They opted for a harp & piano duet as their ceremony music.  The pianist was Joy Morin, and if you are looking for a piano teacher or performer in the Bowling Green area, you should contact her (http://pianostudio.joymorin.com/)!

The prelude was primarily popular pieces, such as "Can't Help Falling in Love," "I Cross My Heart," and "The Wedding Song."  With the harp & piano duet, we alternated who played the melody and who played the accompaniment.  It was a lot of fun to work with such a talented musician who was able to improvise and really make the music come alive! 

Because of where the piano was located, I had to set up the harp almost behind the pulpit.  It made it a little hard to see, but the pastor was wonderful about giving us cues!

When she let us know that the mothers were ready to enter, we played Bach's "Prelude in C."  The processional music for the bridal party and bride was "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  As the couple lit the unity candle, we played "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot.  The recessional to conclude the ceremony was "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven.  We continued the upbeat music with the postlude selections, including "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" and "You Are My Sunshine."

Whether as a solo harpist or working with other musicians (violin, cello, flute, piano, trumpet, or anything else you can imagine), I love providing music for weddings!  Stop by my website, Ohio Wedding Harpist, or call 1-877-HARP-578 to tell me more about your plans and how the harp can fit in with them.

Harp Music for the Holidays

During the month of December, we always have several performances that are open to the public.  If you'd like a change to hear the harp in person, this is a wonderful opportunity! 

Everything listed is free and open to the public.  If you need any more information about attending one of these events, please call us at 1-877-HARP-578 or send us an email.  We'd love to meet you and share some of our favorite Christmas, Chanukah, and other seasonal music with you!

• December 3rd:  1:00-3:00 pm, Comstock Township Library, Comstock, Michigan

• December 11th:  2:00-3:00 pm, Peabody Public Library, Columbia City, Indiana

• December 15th:  5:00-6:00 pm, German Township Library, South Bend, Indiana

• December 17th:  2:00-3:00 pm, Harris Branch Library, Granger, Indiana

• December 24th:  7:00 pm (pre-service music starts at 6:30), Christmas Eve Service, First Christian Church, Mattoon, Illinois

We also have openings for bookings for private events, so contact us or visit our website to find out about having a harpist for your family or company party!

Harp music for a Christmas Open House at the Embassy Theatre, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Indianapolis Harpist ~ Wedding Music at the Benton House

I've never done the whole shopping in the middle of the night thing on Black Friday ~ I'd much rather spend that time at a wedding!  Sayla and John chose the day after Thanksgiving for their intimate wedding ceremony in Indianapolis.  The historic Benton House ~ newly decorated for Christmas ~ was a lovely setting for the ceremony.  Their peacock feather theme was incorporated in their corsages, floral arrangements, ceremony readings, and guest favors.

Harp prelude greeted guests as they arrived, and when the bridal party entered, I played "Ave Maria" by Franz Schubert.  After a few words of welcome from the officiant, the bride entered to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" ~ also known as "Here Comes the Bride" ~ by Richard Wagner.  During the ceremony, they had a moment of reflection during which I played "Unchained Melody."  The recessional to conclude the ceremony was "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic.

From small ceremonies to grand receptions, having a harpist provide the music for your event adds a special touch!  Visit my website ~ Indianapolis Harpist ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information or a quote for your event.

Crown Point Harpist ~ Harp Music for a Baby Shower

A harpist for a baby shower?  Yes, the harp provides a beautiful and soothing sound that is perfect for a baby shower luncheon! On November 12, I provided a variety of musical selections as family and friends celebrated their soon to be growing family.  This was the first grandchild for the dad's parents, so they were extra excited!  Some selections that I played included modern pop pieces, Christian children's songs, and classic lullabies. 

The harp is a perfect instrument for any occasion.  Whether you are planning a large wedding, small social event, or a baby shower, visit our website, Crown Point Harp Music, to see how we can make your event better!

Peoria Wedding Harpist ~ Cornerstone Building Reception

A wedding that had it all!  The ceremony and the reception were located at the beautiful Cornerstone Building in downtown Peoria, and had everything from intricate ice sculptures, to a perfect cocktail hour setting, to a chihuahua in a wedding dress! 

This amazing wedding was planned by Sara at So Chic Events.  I had the opportunity to entertain the wedding guests during the cocktail hour.  Guests were treated to light food, drinks, and great music as the reception was being prepared.  What made the setting perfect was that the space was small and intimate. 

The harp was a perfect fit for this space and added to the already elegant atmosphere!  The mix of classical and pop pieces provided a great backdrop for guests to enjoy their evening.

If you would like information about having the harp for your ceremony or reception, please visit our website, Peoria Wedding Music.  We'd love to work with you!

Detroit Harpist ~ Music for a 90th Birthday in Farmington Hills

This was the second 90th birthday party that I've been honored to play for this year.  Although Charles wasn't actually turning 90 until Tuesday, he had a dinner party with his family the Saturday before.  He planned it a few days in advance, just in case ~ in his own words ~ he didn't make it!  He was so full of energy and excitement, that I couldn't believe he was the guest of honor.  It was an absolute delight to play for him and his family!

They reserved the banquet room at Ginopolis Restaurant in Farmington Hills for the celebration.  Four generations gathered, and they enjoyed a served meal with harp music in the background.  As they presented the birthday cake, everyone sang "Happy Birthday" to harp accompaniment.

If you are planning a party or wedding in the Detroit metro area, I'd love to be your harpist for the event!  Visit my website, Detroit Harpist, or call 1-877-HARP-578 for information on including harp music in your plans.

Introduction to the Harp Class ~ St. Joseph, Michigan

A colleague of mine from the South Bend Area Music Teachers association invited me to be the guest artist at two of the Monday Musical Club's student recitals in November.  It's always such a pleasure to be able to introduce young musicians to the harp!

The recital and class were held in the Whitcomb Parlor in St. Joseph, Michigan.  I loved being able to listen to the student performances ~ everything from beginning violinists to accomplished pianists.  After they played their pieces, I talked a bit about the early history of the harp, and its origins in the hunter's bow.  I described how, as the range of the harp expanded, the construction changed to include a front pillar to support the added tension of additional strings.  As some of the earliest examples of harps with columns are from the British Isles, I played the folk songs "The Water is Wide" and "O Danny Boy" on my Laurel Leaf lever harp. 

Since the audience was primarily musicians and their parents, they were very responsive when I asked the group questions!  We talked about how to get chromatic notes on the harp and the development of levers and pedals.  There was a collective gasp when I unveiled my beautiful Venus Classic pedal harp!  With the invention of the pedal harp, a wider range of music was playable on the harp, and more composers began to write specifically for the instrument.

I demonstrated with Bach's "Prelude in C," Godefroid's "Romance Without Words," and "All These Woes" by the modern Canadian composer John Weinzweig.  The special effects that can be created on the harp are always a big hit!  I showed them glissandos, percussion effects, vibrato, pedal slides, and special ways of muffling the strings.  I always allow time for questions after the presentation, and there were many! 

When I'd answered their questions, the audience was able to come up and give the harps a try for themselves.  This wasn't just limited to the kids!  It's amazing how the students, once they have been introduced to the instrument, don't find it intimidating at all.  Some were even able to pluck out familiar melodies and create their own effects!

If you are interested in having a program about the harp for your studio, club, class, church, or other organization, please contact me.  Visit my website, www.TheClassicHarpist.com, or call 1-877-HARP-578 to get on my schedule!

Grand Rapids Harpist ~ Wedding Reception at the Amway Grand Plaza

11-11-11 was a very popular wedding date!  Not quite as busy at 7-7-07, but Jeff and I both had receptions for which we were booked as the harpists this year.  Originally, Dan & Tonya planned to have both their ceremony and reception on Friday, but instead they went ahead with their ceremony on the other prime date this year ~ 9-10-11 ~ in Vegas!  They kept their plans for the reception, and were able to enjoy a more relaxed and low-key event with their closest friends and family members.

The reception was held on the 26th floor of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the DeVos Suite.  I arrived just before sunset, and the view was breathtaking!  Before the guests arrived, I rehearsed with a friend of the bride's who sang "When You Say Nothing At All" to harp accompaniment later in the evening. 

For the rest of the evening, I entertained the guests with harp renditions of a variety of popular songs, from "Can't Help Falling in Love" to "Clocks" to "You Raise Me Up."  Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and the view over nighttime Grand Rapids.  The couple and their children also participated in a sand ceremony, creating a keepsake vase with each person's blue or black (the wedding colors) sand. 

If you are planning a wedding ceremony or reception in Grand Rapids, I'd love to be your harpist!  Visit my website, Grand Rapids Harpist, for details on including harp music in your plans.

Achievement in Music Piano Festival ~ Mishawaka, IN

On November 5th, nearly 100 piano students from the South Bend area participated in the Achievement in Music Festival held at Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana.  This non-competitive adjudication involves taking a written and aural music theory test, playing scales & other keyboard skills, sightreading, and a performance of two prepared pieces (one memorized).

Six students from my piano studio participated this year.  Preparing for the festival involves lots of extra practice time and dedication.  Once they completed their theory test, they got to join me in the game room for some musical bingo and hangman.  Congratulations on a job well done!

• Camille A
• Anna B (100% theory score)
• Mark B
• Megan B
• Claire C
• Joseph D

These students also received ratings of "Excellent" in all three areas on which their playing was judged (keyboard skills, sightreading and repertoire):

• Anna B
• Mark B
• Joseph D

Harpist in St. Joseph, Michigan ~ Wedding at the Hertiage Museum

November is typically a slow month for weddings, but 2011 has proven to be the exception.  We also have several Friday ceremonies and receptions - Friday is the new Saturday!  When you plan your wedding for a less popular month or day of the week, you will not only receive discounts from some of your wedding professionals (venues particularly), but you will also have a better change of being able to book your top vendor picks.  With fewer brides competing for the best professionals in each field, you are more likely to find that the person you want to hire is available for your date.

This can be a tricky month for weather, but November 4th was an especially pleasant fall day.  It was so nice, the bride and groom were even able to head to the lakeshore for some pre-ceremony pictures!  Their colors of red and black, along with the favors of caramel apples, continued the autumnal theme.

Abby and Timothy celebrated their ceremony and reception at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph, Michigan.  Their ceremony and took place in Shepard Hall, with guests seated on the ground level.  The bridal party and the parents of the bride and groom stood on the balcony above. 

I played harp music as the guests arrived, and switched to "Falling Slowly" for the entrance of the parents and bridesmaids.  The bride's processional music was "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles. 

During the ceremony, the groom's uncle sang "Steady as We Go" by the Dave Matthews Band.  The recessional was the Jason Mraz song "I'm Yours," which was also the couple's first dance selection.  Once the ceremony was complete, the guests headed upstairs to the museum for the cocktail hour.  They were greeted with glasses of champagne and passed hors d'oeuvres - and harp music! 

 
The exhibit was Ice Age Imperials, and guests were able to explore while they waited for the downstairs to be re-set for dinner service.  I've played in some fairly unique places before, but this was the first time I was set up next to a musk ox! 

I am available throughout Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana to provide harp music for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events.  Contact me by phone (1-877-HARP-578) or email, or visit my website, Southwest Michigan Harpist, for information on having a harpist for your event!

Rock Island Harpist ~ Quad Cities Botanical Center Wedding

 

If you would like an outdoor wedding, but don't want the weather to spoil your plans, then an indoor botanical garden or conservatory is the perfect place for your ceremony!  You have the natural beauty of the flowers and plants, but don't need to have a Plan B in place if it rains (or it's too hot, or too cold...).  It also makes it possible to have the feeling of an outdoor wedding during the winter months.

This ceremony took place at the Quad Cities Botanical Gardens in Rock Island, Illinois.  Located right on the Mississippi River, this venue is a hidden gem!  The ceremony was inside the Sun Garden, but the weather was nice enough to allow for guests to wander outside and take pictures in their other gardens.  The waterfall that usually runs was turned off so that the guests would be able to hear the officiant (and the harp!).

They started right on time, with the maid of honor and the bride entering to "Hymne" by the Greek composer Vangelis.  This is a beautiful piece with a new-age style, and makes a perfect romantic and non-traditional wedding processional.

During the ceremony, the bride requested that I play Handel's "Aria" from Rinaldo for a moment of reflection.  It's a good idea to have time during your ceremony when you can just stop, take a breath, and try to remember the moment.  It all goes by so quickly!

For the recessional, she opted for the third movement of "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.  I continued the postlude music until all of the guests had left the garden.

I am available to provide harp music for weddings and receptions throughout the Quad Cities, and would love to speak with you about including a harpist in your plans!  Visit my website, Quad Cities Wedding Harpist, or call 1-877-HARP-578 for details, availability, and to receive a customized quote for your event.