Thursday, November 29, 2012

Maeve Gilchrist Trio, Dec. 8, Greenfield

Great news:  Maeve is back in the area with her trio (Aidan O'Donnell, bass; Duncan Wicket, fiddle) for a concert at The Pushkin in Greenfield. The concert is at 8:00 PM. Admission $10 at the door.

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Floating sounds

Don't try this unless you have a carbon fiber harp. One of the unique events at this year's workshop was a demonstration of the Heartland harp. In addition to having pleasing qualities of sound and weight, it floats and is playable in water. (See video below). 

Next year: synchronized harping??

Water Harping


Sunday, July 29, 2012

Presenting Maeve Gilchrist in Concert

For the past few years Maeve has given a public concert during her harp workshop at Angels Rest in Leyden MA
This year the concert will be on Saturday evening, August 25,
at 7:30 PM. 
Admission is $15 at the door and includes a reception with dessert following the concert.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Registration still open

Space is still available for Maeve's 2012 workshop.
Contact wincj@aol.com.

Monday, June 11, 2012

2012 Workshop Class Schedule

Our format this year is a bit different:   arrival between 3:00 and 4:00PM Thursday, set up and tune up; we will plunge right in with our first class at 4:00PM. There will be two classes on each day, Friday and Saturday.  Friday evening we will hold an informal session - including voluntary attendee performances. Saturday evening Maeve will give a performance open to the public, followed by a reception. The final workshop class will be Sunday after breakfast, plus a chance for review following class.  Lunch will be available before departure.

I will forward to Maeve any requests for workshop material.
Anyone wishing private instruction with Maeve should let me know when registering so we can schedule time.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Maeve's teaching style

I thought it worthwhile to copy Maeve's comments on her teaching approach from a 2010 blog post:

I base my teachings within the Scottish tradition and develop musical ideas incorporating rhythmic accompaniment and improvisation. 
The morning session begins with an extended warmup. Using different exercises I focus on hand and thumb position, placement, and sound quality. Further exercises develop rhythmic stability, syncopation, and sense of time.
New tunes are introduced at the beginning of each session. I teach by the traditional aural method, offering sheet music at the end of the session. After introducing the basic melody, I explore ornamentation and stylistic techniques. Arrangement ideas follow. We will talk about harmony and how to arrange traditional material in a tasteful way that will breathe new life into each piece. We will also explore some improvisational ideas for intros, outros, accompaniment and variation.
I try to suit the the desires of the participants and am open to suggestions for material or techniques to include. In the past we have worked on harmony singing, harp ensemble arrangements, and song accompaniment. 
My goal is to help harpists develop playing that is more fluid, light, and stylistically accurate.
And, Maeve says, 
Harp in the Hills is a unique and inspiring musical experience in a beautiful and relaxed setting.
The open and warm atmosphere is hard to beat. Harpists of all levels will take something away from this gem of a week.
PS - A limited number of private lessons with Maeve can be arranged during the workshop, at additional cost.



Monday, May 28, 2012

Lever Moments

We all have them!
What to do?
Deborah Henson-Conant asked Maeve:

"I met with Maeve Gilchrist
who I consider to be one of the world's
most talented harp 'leverers,' along with being
a wonderful composer, singer, and harpist."


DHC made a video of her  "Moment with Maeve"

You can learn more about Deborah's performances
and musical journeys here.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Spring notes

Spring has sprung in Leyden and we're looking forward to Maeve's workshop in August. Between now and then Maeve will be at a bluegrass festival in MD with Darrol Anger. Later she will be touring with him on the west coast. Maybe we'll be doing bluegrass in Leyden? Anyone planning to attend can forward requests/suggestions for workshop material and I will pass them on. (wincj@aol.com) In the meantime you can catch up with Maeve at her web site, www.maevegilchristmusic.com

Monday, January 2, 2012

2012 Harp Retreat with Maeve Gilchrist

Once again we will be delighting in the lovely hills of Leyden, MA,  hosted by Jennifer Paris and her staff at Angels' Rest.

The dates for Harp in the Hills 2012 are 
THURSDAY, AUGUST 23 to SUNDAY, AUGUST 26.
This will include 6 group lessons and a public concert by Maeve on Saturday, August 25.
The cost for 3 days full room and board, lessons, and concert is $475.

Details of the daily schedule will be posted at a later date.
There is a minimum requirement of 10 full participants.

Register by July 1, 2012.
Contact Jane Winchester, wincj@aol.com
A deposit of $200 is due with registration,
non-refundable after July 1, 2012. Balance due August 1, 2012.