Do you like to play Pop songs? Sometimes we find that sheet music of our favourite songs have not been published for harp. Come and learn key skills required to create your own harp arrangements using readily available PVG (Piano/Voice/Guitar) scores and recordings. What works best? How can you make the arrangement ‘your own’? Are there typical chord progressions and rhythms? What harp sounds and tricks can you use to create a Pop feel to your music? Sometimes we want to play a tune that we cannot find any sheet music for at all, so in this class we will also take a look at how you can use recordings/YouTube to work out your favourite song. Come along and open the door to a whole world of Pop music on the harp, even writing your own! We will finish the afternoon with a short concert to friends and family at 4pm to showcase the music we have been working on during the day.
10am – 4.30pm
£20
There are three workshops available to book on to:
South Wales Workshop:
Cardiff
Sunday 8thJuly 2018
The Old Church Rooms
Park Road,
Radyr, Cardiff
CF15 8DF
Supported by Camac Harps Telynau Vining Wales – Cymru
Wild Strings is the UKHA Jazz & Pop Harp Festival, taking place in Manchester, 5 – 7 Oct 2018. Organised by a group of UK harpists active in jazz and pop music, at the request of the UK Harp Association. We have fantastic performances, workshops and jams for you to participate in, and you can enter the special Wild Strings Future Blend composition contest. Get ready to play, learn, listen, jazz, pop, rave, rock and blues with us!
National Botanic Garden of Wales Family Harp Weekend
The Seventh Family Harp Weekend at the National Botanic Garden of Wales
The Harp is the National Instrument of Wales, yet many people have never touched one.
The National Botanic Garden of Wales aims to change that for all adventurous and curious visitors to the garden this Summer!
On the Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July the NBGW host its seventh annual harp weekend organised by Shelley Fairplay, a harpist who is deeply passionate about engaging people with the harp and the hugely divers music it has to offer.
Come and join us for the seventh annual family harp weekend at the National Botanic Garden of Wales (10:00am to 4.00pm) to hear Shelley Fairplay’s Harp Revelry concert, try the harp for the first time at a Hands on Harps workshop, bring little children to a Tiny Hands on Harps session, listen to the Cardiff based ensemble group Dynamic Harps perform, the Wales Clarsach Society ensemble perform, become a Harp Detective, make your very ownharp crown, and enter this year’s Draw the harp in the Flowers competition. To book your FREE space on any workshop please click >>HERE<<.
Do you already play the harp? Brilliant! You are invited to join the NBGW Flash Mob Harp Ensemble, where you can come and play in the magical setting amongst the flowers! If you have just started playing, played for years, or simple own a harp and want to hang out with harpists then bring your instrument along to play in an open rehearsal in the morning and then perform in the afternoon. Music will be given out on the day to suite all levels, reading or not reading music. If you would like to attend please sign up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<
All events are FREE once you have entered the gardens, for information on the National Botanic Garden of Wales admission times and prices please visit their website by clicking this link: NBGW
Runtime of events on Saturday 30th and Sunday 1st July:
All events are FREE once you have entered the gardens, for information on the National Botanic Garden of Wales admission times and prices please visit their website by clicking this link: NBGW
Full details of Events:
10.00am – 4.00pm Harp On Desk – Great Glass House
Come along to the ‘Harp On’ desk to find out more about the harp weekend!
Here you can book your workshop space, pick up your harp detective trail sheet, access the harp crown craft table, enter the ‘Draw the harps in the flowers Competition’, pick up a timetable, and ask any questions you might have regarding the weekend’s events!
This stand will be run by wonderful volunteers, friends and performers of Dynamic Harps.
10.30am-12.00pm NBGW Flash Mob Harp Ensemble Open Rehearsal
Do you already play the harp? Brilliant! You are invited to join the NBGW Flash Mob Harp Ensemble, where you can come and play in the magical setting amongst the flowers! If you have just started playing, played for years, or simple own a harp and want to hang out with harpists then bring your instrument along to play in an open rehearsal in the morning and then perform in the afternoon. Music will be given out on the day to suite all levels, reading or not reading music. If you would like to attend please sign up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<.
Not a harpist? You are welcome to come along and listen to us preparing to perform in the lunchtime concert, an interesting behind the scenes experience!
12.15pm “Tiny Hands on Harps”: Parent and Toddler/Child session (15 minutes)
Try the lap harps together and enjoy much loved nursery rhymes and stories! This workshops is aimed at children 2-6 with one to one parental support in the session.
The 15-minute children’s session are free once you have paid for your admission in to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Tickets will available on the day at the ‘Harp on’ stand or can be booked in advance clicking here and signing up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<.
All children must be accompanied by an adult sitting alongside them during this event.
12.15pm “Hands on Harps” Workshop (45 minutes)
Always wanted to try the harp? Come along to try our National Instrument of Wales, with harpist Shelley Fairplay
Workshop will include demonstrations on a Pedal, Celtic and Lap Harp, then along with Shelley’s guidance, you can have a go at playing one of the fifteen 17 string lap harps available on the day. Maximum of 30 people per session, adults and children aged 7 up. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
A place on the workshop is free once you have paid for your admission in to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Tickets will available on the day at the ‘Harp on’ stand or can be booked in advance clicking here and signing up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<.
1.30pm Harp Ensemble Music Performed by Dynamic Harps and Friends! (45 minutes)
Come and enjoy hearing harp ensemble Dynamic Harps perform, There are now threegroups in Cardiff meeting regularly for ensemble workshops with Harpist Shelley Fairplay. This is an open event so come along and have a listen!
Dynamic Harps are thrilled to be joined by harpist friends from across Wales for the ‘Flash Mob Harp Ensemble’ and The Clarsach Society Wales Branch who will be performing on the Saturday.
2.30pm Harp Concert – Shelley Fairplay presents ‘Harp Revelry in the Garden’
Harp Revelry at the National Botanic Garden of Wales with harpist Shelley Fairplay. Revel in the sound of a hundred harp strings, in a garden of a thousands plants, birds, and butterflies – and the revelry of music from Celtic roots, Classical melodies, Pop tunes. Join Shelley Fairplay, a harpist with two very different kinds of harps: the classic 6’ high concert harp – and a new harp-guitar hybrid: a wearable, carbon-fiber electric harp.
“Shelley’s concert, just ELECTRIC!” Ani N.
“Audience spellbound from start to finish.” Helen B.
For further information regarding Shelley please visit: www.harpwales.com
Shelley Fairplay teaching a workshop at NBGW
3.15pm “Tiny Hands on Harps”: Parent and Toddler/Child session (15 minutes)
Try the lap harps together and enjoy much loved nursery rhymes and stories! This workshops is aimed at children 2-6 with one to one parental support in the session.
The 15-minute children’s session are free once you have paid for your admission in to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Tickets will available on the day at the ‘Harp on’ stand or can be booked in advance clicking here and signing up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<.
All children must be accompanied by an adult sitting alongside them during this event.
Learn basic harp techniques
3.30pm “Hands on Harps” Workshop (45 minutes)
Always wanted to try the harp? Come along to try our National Instrument of Wales, with harpist Shelley Fairplay
Workshop will include demonstrations on a Pedal, Celtic and Lap Harp, then along with Shelley’s guidance, you can have a go at playing one of the fifteen 17 string lap harps available on the day. Maximum of 30 people per session, adults and children aged 7 up. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
A place on the workshop is free once you have paid for your admission in to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Tickets will available on the day at the ‘Harp on’ stand or can be booked in advance clicking here and signing up for FREE by clicking >>HERE<<.
Make your own ‘Harp Crown’ Craft– All Day Event (10am-4pm)
Do you like to stick and glue? Do you like to colour in? Then this activity is for you!
Brand new activity for this year! Come and create your very one harp crown to wear for the day! Harp Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses can parade around the garden!
This is an unsupervised activity so toddlers and children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. The Crowns should fit adults too, you are welcome to make one whatever your age!
‘Harp Detectives’ Trail of Discovery!
Harp Detectives – All Day Event (10am-4pm)
Harp Detectives – take part in an exciting trail of discovery! This activity is designed for children to explore and discover for themselves interesting information related to the harp whilst journeying around the beautiful Great Glass House. Collect your trail sheet from the Harp On desk in the Great Glass House. Successful harp detectives may return to the Harp On desk to receive a sticker as recognition of their resourceful exploring!
‘Draw the Harps in the Flowers’ Competition
Draw Harps in the Flowers – All Day Event (10am-4pm)
Competition open for all ages! Enjoy drawing a beautiful instrument in a beautiful setting! Pencils and paper will be available on the day! All entries will receive a harp pencil for taking part and at the end of the weekend a rosette for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize will be awarded for 16 and under category and winners will be sent this along with their prize of a ‘harp model construction kit’.
The winners will be announced on the 2nd of July via Facebook and will have their drawings posted on the National Botanic Garden of Wales and Harpist Shelley Fairplay’s Facebook Page. Prizes would be posted out after the weekend. So, make sure your name, addresses and telephone number is on the back of each picture!
What next?!
Has this weekend awoken your inner wannabe harpist?! Why not join Shelley Fairplay’s brand new online START HARP class where you can learn to play the harp from the very beginning using lap, lever or pedal harp. Need a harp? Shelley will be happy to help you find one, just email her on info@harpwales.com
Over the weekend, Shelley’s two CD’s will be available to buy from the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
Harp Revelry is a community harp event for families, concert goers and harpists, the National Instrument for all, the harp for EVERYONE to enjoy!
Come and join us on 27thMay 2018 for a day exploring and enjoying the National Instrument of Wales at the beautiful venue, Insole Court in Cardiff, 10.30am to 4pm.
What’s Happening?
For families: Come and try the harp for the first time in a ‘Hands on Harps workshop’. Harps are provided for this fun, easy and informative session. There is a ‘Tiny Hands on Harps’ session for under 7’s including stories and nursery rhymes. You can also attend the family friendly concert, find out all about the traditional Triple Harp in Wales, the electric harp with effects pedals and see a harp ensemble perform!
For audiences: Come and hear Wales’ national treasure, our foremost Triple Harpist, Robin Huw-Bowen along with Cardiff based Shelley Fairplay on Concert Pedal and Electric Lever Harp. There are also two lecture demonstrations, one on the Triple Harp and one on the Electric harp. In the afternoon you can hear the community ensemble Dynamic Harps perform alongside the attendees from the day courses.
For harpists: Your day ticket includes a morning workshop with our very own Robin Huw-Bowen and an afternoon workshop with Shelley Fairplay, entry to the lecture demonstrations on the triple harp and the electric harp, the lunchtime concert and then the opportunity to perform in the student ensemble concert in the afternoon. You will need to bring your own harp to this harp event, but the access is flat!
Family day ticket: £20. Entitles up to 2 adults and 2 children entry to one or more activity throughout the day. Individual day ticket: £10 for over 16’s. Under 16’s go free but MUST be accompanied at all times by a paying adult. Entitles bearer entry to one or more activity throughout the day. Harpists ticket: £20. Full access to all activities. Single Event Ticket: £5 for over 16’s. Under 16’s go free but must be accompanied at all times by a paying adult. Entitles bearer entry to one concert / lecture demonstration or harp novice activity during the day.
The timetable:
Event descriptions:
10:30 to 11:00 Tiny Hands on Harps Workshop (for young harp novices)
Try the lap harps together and enjoy much loved nursery rhymes and stories! This workshop is suitable for children 18 months to 7 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult sitting next to them during this event.
11:00 to 11:45 Hands on Harps Session (for harp novices)
Always wanted to try the harp? Come along to try our National Instrument of Wales, with harpist Shelley Fairplay. Workshop will include demonstrations on a Pedal, Celtic and Lap Harp, then along with Shelley’s guidance, you can have a go at playing one of the fifteen 17 string lap harps available on the day. Maximum of 30 people, adults and children aged 8 and above. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
10:30 to 12:00 Workshop with Robin Huw Bowen (for harpists):
Traditional Welsh Music workshop for harpists with Wales’ foremost Triple Harpist Robin Huw Bowen!
12.00 to 12.30 A lecture demonstration with Shelley Fairplay on Electric Harp (open to all)
Come and find out about the Electric Camac DHC 32 that Shelley wears to play! Come and find out about this instrument and the possibilities it opens up when performing. There may even be time for you to try it for yourself!
13:00 to 13:30 Concert with Robin Huw Bowen and Shelley Fairplay (open to all)
Since 1983, Robin Huw Bowenhas introduced the Welsh Triple Harp and its music to thousands all over the world. As the only full-time professional Welsh harpist specializing solely in the Welsh Triple Harp, his influence on the world of Welsh folk music and harping has been far-reaching. He undoubtedly ranks among the most important figures that the Welsh folk tradition has produced.
“… Robin has got to be one of the top performers, giving the Welsh Triple Harp the airing it so rightly deserves, and his show on this night was one of the best I’ve ever seen or heard.”
Shelley Fairplayis a harpist based in Cardiff. She began her journey as a harpist in 1991. Shelley’s performances feature original works along with her own arrangements of popular, classical and traditional tunes. Her music includes traditional playing alongside performances on electric harp with effects pedals. Shelley performs throughout the UK and internationally her harp has taken her as far as America and Hong Kong.
“Shelley”s concert, just ELECTRIC and that’s before you hear the loop pedal and DHC light.”
13:30 to 14:30 Workshop with Shelley Fairplay (for harpists):
Workshop for harpists with Shelley Fairplay. Expect swing-time and rhythmic exploration, presented in a ‘you can do it’ way!
14:30 to 15:00 A lecture demonstration with Robin Huw Bowen on Triple Harp (open to all)
A lecture demonstration with Robin Huw Bowen on the Welsh Triple Harp, come and find out more about this fascinating and beautiful instrument. There may even be time for you to try it for yourself!
15:15 to 16:00 Student Concert (open to all)
This harp ensemble concert will Including performances by Dynamic Harps and course attendees, supported by the tutors Robin Huw Bowen and Shelley Fairplay
Join us this May for the first ever Dynamic Harps ‘Starter’ ensemble sessions!
5 years ago 7 trembling harpists arrived in a small church hall outside Cardiff, unsure what to expect, who they would meet or what they would do. It was the first ever meeting for Dynamic Harps, and yes I was the tutor, one of the 7 tremblers!
Fast forward in time to 2018, and it’s time to expand, I am opening a new ensemble for fledgling students, the Dynamic Harps Starter Ensemble.
Dynamic Harps Advanced ensemble have performed throughout South Wales, with up to 24 performers in total, we travelled to perform at the Harpes Au Maxes international harp festival in France where we were the backing band for a Grammy nominated recording artist! We have been invited to perform a lunchtime concert in Caernarfon International Harp Festival this Easter.
We also have guest tutors come in to teach and have learned so much from the likes of Robin Huw Bowen, Meinir Heulyn, Deborah Henson-Conant, Ellie Evans and Ben Creighton Griffiths.
The ensemble has advanced so far and become bigger and better than I could have ever imagined, thank you to all involved!
It’s been such an incredible experience I now know I must open the doors further, as the power of learning and playing in an ensemble is so strong, we make friends, become better at sight reading, improve our rhythm, our technique, are inspired by others and of course simply enjoy the joy of music making together.
On Monday 14th May I am opening up the new class, the Dynamic Harps Starter Ensemble, this is for elementary to intermediate students. Not only am I sure we will have an amazing time, this group will give you the experience and training needed to join Dynamic Harps Advanced ensemble one day!
Are you trembling? Come and join us! I promise it will be worth it!
When?
Adult group: 2.45pm-3.45pm Monday afternoons
Student group: 4.15-5.15pm Monday afternoons
Usually terms will run in 10 week blocks 3 times a year. For the first-term we will have just 6 sessions culminating with an ensemble performance at the National Botanic Garden of Wales Family Harp Weekend – 30th June (adults) and 1st July 2018 (students).
Where?
I am delighted to announce that the Dynamic Harps Starter Ensemble will be taking place at Telynau Vining Wales – Cymru Shop in North Cardiff. This gives us the amazing opportunity to use the harps in the shop rather than bring your own, making this a really easy way ‘in’ to attending harp ensemble sessions!
What do you need to join?
You need to already read music a little as we will be working from sheet music. You can be any level up to grade 4 and Shelley will write parts to suit your ability so rest assured you will be able to play and enjoy the sessions whatever your level.
You will need to have your own harp at home to practice on between sessions and ideally be taking one-to-one lessons in addition to the sessions.
Cost
The cost for the 6 sessions is £60
How to apply?
To apply for either ensemble, drop me an email on info@harpwales.com and I will send you over further details!
Please note Shelley Fairplay is not currently taking on one-to-one students.
10.00am – 4.00pm Harp On Desk – Great Glass House
10.30am-12.00pm NBGW Flash Mob Harp Ensemble Open Rehearsal
12.15pm “Tiny Hands on Harps”: Parent and Toddler/Child session (15 minutes)
12.15pm “Hands on Harps” Workshop (45 minutes)
2.30pm Harp Concert – Shelley Fairplay presents ‘Harp Revelry in the Garden’
What next?!
Over the weekend, Shelley’s two CD’s will be available to buy from the National Botanic Garden of Wales.
10:30 to 11:00
13:00 to 13:30
Shelley Fairplayis a harpist based in Cardiff. She began her journey as a harpist in 1991. Shelley’s performances feature original works along with her own arrangements of popular, classical and traditional tunes. Her music includes traditional playing alongside performances on electric harp with effects pedals. Shelley performs throughout the UK and internationally her harp has taken her as far as America and Hong Kong.
13:30 to 14:30
15:15 to 16:00