Here's the harp area schedule for the Solstice Festival.

25th Annual Summer Solstice Folk Music, Dance and Storytelling Festival

June 22-24, 2007
Warner Center Marriott
in Woodland Hills, CA

www.ctmsfolkmusic.org/festiva...ault.asp

Saturday:

11:00 - 11:50
IT'S ALL AN ACT
Kim Robertson
all levels

12:00 - 12:50
THE WIRE-STRUNG HARP (demo stage)
Patrick Ball
all levels

1:00 - 1:50
MUSICAL SANDWICHES
Kim Robertson
beginning

2:00 - 2:50
HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (part I)
Patrick Ball
int/adv

3:00 - 3:50
IMPROV KINDERGARTEN
Kim Robertson
beg/int

9:30 - 10:15
Evening Concert
Patrick Ball


Sunday:

10:00 - 10:50
SECRETS OF SIMPLICITY
Kim Robertson
all levels

11:00 - 11:50
HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (part II)
Patrick Ball
int/adv

12:00 - 12:50
??? storytelling ???
Patrick Ball

12:00 - 12:40
Elaine Weissman Concert Stage
Kim Robertson

1:00 - 1:50
THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN JUST PLAYING THE HARP
Patrick Ball
intermediate

2:00 - 2:50
ARRANGING REPAIR SHOP
Kim Robertson
int/adv


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PATRICK BALL WORKSHOP TOPICS

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THE WIRE-STRUNG HARP

- wire-strung harp workshop on the demo stage

Basically, a lecture/demonstration about the wire strung harp, it's history, what makes it unique, etc. (Some R-rated tidbits about O'Carolan perhaps?)


HEY! LET'S PUT ON A SHOW! (parts I & II)

- show creation workshop (two parts)

Patrick has put together several one-man shows (e.g. "O'Carolan's Farewell to Music", "The Fine Beauty of the Island") and is about to open an ensemble show ("The Flame of Love"). These will be two one-hour workshops on what process he went through to go from the initial concept to a successful performance. The two parts will focus on different shows, and so will provide different insights.


THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN JUST PLAYING THE HARP

- showmanship: integrating spoken word and harp

The solo harp is great as background for some other event, but at the center of attention for an extended period, unrelieved harp music can get boring or even annoying. Fortunately, the spoken word is an excellent counter for the harp. This workshop will go over the use of poem and story to provide breaks in the music and control the tension of the performance.

Patrick is doubtful about this workshop. (It was my idea.) His comment was "This one sounds like something that only you and I will attend. But, I'm game for it. Be sure to bring your dogs to fill up the space." Was I that far off the wall with this?


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KIM ROBERTSON WORKSHOP TOPICS

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IMPROV KINDERGARTEN:

You've never improvised and are not even sure what it means. Here are some basic building blocks for getting started, without any scary music theory. Learn easy one and 2-hand patterns that are as fun as finger-painting back in kindergarten. These patterns and formulas will help you learn the geography of your harp and will be useful in creating arrangements down the road. Hands-on for beginners to intermediate, no reading ability necessary but basic 2-hand coordination helpful.

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IT'S ALL AN ACT:

Playing the harp generally equals playing in front of an audience, usually long before you feel ready. In this workshop, learn techniques to increase your comfort level in your pieces (musical safety-nets, vamps, exit points, etc) as well as for any of your various performance demands (weddings, concerts, etc) that will help you be or at least ACT like a bold, confident performer. Exercises include tips on stage-fright, speaking and using humor on stage. For performers or aspiring performers, no reading ability necessary, Lecture and hands-on, auditors welcome.

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ARRANGING REPAIR SHOP:

This workshop is geared for intermediate to advanced players who have reached the dreaded "arranging plateau", where all your pieces seem to sound alike. Learn ways to jump-start your pieces, using interludes, improv, inner harmonies, rhythmic patterns that will create tension and release and help you tell a new story with each arrangement. Intermediate/Advanced, Hands-on.

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MUSICAL SANDWICHES:

A look at 2-hand chord "sandwiches", voicings and rhythmic progressions that will bring a new dimension to your playing. They can be used for expanding arrangements as well as improvisation and self-expression. Hands on, all levels. Ideal for "Right-brain" intuitive people. No musical knowledge required, but basic 2-hand coordination helpful.

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SECRETS OF SIMPLICITY

The phrase "less is more" was coined by jazz musicians but is an equally apt mantra for harpists. In this workshop, discover how playing fewer notes can actually produce more sound and richer arrangements. Learn exercises for tone and phasing, stabilizing rhythm and leaving space between the notes. [All levels, hand-on, ability to read music not necessary]