Last Summer, I played a carbon-fiber harp and fell in love. I have been saving for it ever since, and eventually will be able to buy it. It has a great sound, is lightweight and can be in extreme temperatures without causing damage. This makes it easier on my body and gives me peace of mind. Several friends and colleagues suggested I try crowdfunding to meet that goal faster, so here I am!
My goal is to HARP TREK: Take the harp where it has never gone before! I want to promote this instrument and inspire others to play it. Most people don´t get to see, hear or play a harp unless they are at an orchestra performance (which hopefully has a harp part) and even so, its hard to hear the harp being performed outside of those gorgeous glissandos that everyone loves.
I have been busking in subways, playing at farmers markets, bars, open mic´s, and other places people normally would not hear a harp. Sometimes the weather is not so great and could damage my instrument if it is cold, or damp. I realized that the carbon fiber version eliminates the potential of damage because it is water-resistant! Also, there are times where conditions are dark, there is not ample clearance, venues are crowded and getting a heavy harp on and off a stage quickly is very difficult.
The carbon fiber harp has a direct input to evenly amplify the sound and also LED lights built-in to help me see in low-light conditions (especially when a music stand is not needed).
Having this harp will allow me to leave quickly should the weather turn, or if a situation requires me to leave. It is only 26 pounds, so I can literally pick it up and go instead of using a harp dolly (see picture)
My goal is when I have this harp, to let people play it and ask questions and fall in love with this amazing instrument.
A little about me:
Classically trained, I studied at the Musikhochschule in Vienna, Austria after completing my Bachelor's Degree of Music at Valdosta State University. I am an experienced, professional and seasoned performer and have been playing professionally since 1997.
I serve on the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Chapter of the American Harp Society. I am also a member of the Music Teachers Association of California where I mentor students to earn a Certificate of Merit for harp studies. I am a member of The Suzuki Association of the Americas, Harper's Hall, and the facilitator for the Bay Area Harpists S&A Meetup Group. I have started a public school harp education program in San Mateo and hope to expand that into other local schools.
Here is more information on the harp:
http://starlightharps.com/
