Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive offers a summer program unique to lever and pedal harpists between the ages of 12 and 20. The CVHI program requires them to select between a solo, ensemble-based or combined track to follow during their week on the scenic campus of the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut. While every participant takes the necessary courses in rhythm, sight-reading and technique, each harpist will have courses specific to his or her selected track which will allow deeper focus, more practice time, theme-based Master Classes and performances, and an intensive approach to either ensemble or solo playing.
This year, Connecticut Valley Harp Intensive takes a close look at orchestral playing and performance, with guest artists from local orchestras. This focus will best be reflected in changes to our Solo Track, where students will study one or two orchestral excerpts (in addition to their solo works), with guidance from both CVHI instructors and our featured artists. We are once again adding an optional additional overnight at the end of the week, for those students who would like to stay on after the final performance for some last-minute bonding with new camp friends.
CVHI accepts students of all levels, from Beginner to Advanced, and offers all its participants an opportunity for inspiration while forming lasting relationships with other student harpists. Days are spent rehearsing, practicing and learning in the spacious rooms of the newly renovated resource center, taking a private lesson, attending workshops and cultural events, and participating in various outdoor activities throughout the day.
This exciting and learning-filled week will culminate in a final recital on our last night, in which each student will participate either as a soloist, or as part of a group. For those who choose our optional overnight at the end of the program, Sunday morning leaves time for goodbyes, hugs and contact exchanges at breakfast before a morning departure.
CVHI offers interested students a 7-day program, with either a day or overnight option, from July 21nd – July 27th, 2013. Students will be housed in dormitory-style accomodations, with adults on the premises, and three meals daily.
Taught by well-known and seasoned professional harpists, CVHI offers a high quality of musical instruction in every area, from solo, orchestral and ensemble coaching, to theory, rhythm, tuning and even how to dress properly for a performance!
Our 2013 Guest Artist:
Edward Cumming
Professor of Orchestral Studies
Edward Cumming, Music Director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra for nine seasons, recently joined the Hartt School (University of Hartford) as Primrose Fuller Professor of Orchestral Studies.
Working with young musicians has played a prominent role throughout Cumming's career. While Resident Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony, he served as Music Director of the nationally-acclaimed Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra -- one of five orchestras invited to the biennial National Youth Orchestra Festival in 1998 and 2002.
Mr. Cumming studied with Otto-Werner Mueller at Yale University, where he received a Doctorate in Music in 1992. As an undergraduate at the University of California at Berkeley, he was awarded the prestigious Eisner Prize for Creative Achievement in the Arts. In May 2010, he received an Honorary Doctorate from Trinity College.