Exploring Our Roots
HHS 2022 Virtual Conference
Monday, June 13 – Friday, June 17, 2022
Click here for biographies of presenters
Click here for Conference registration
Monday – Nancy Thym
How do I make it sound medieval?
The unique challenge of accompanying modal music of the Middle Ages on the harp
Since medieval music is based on a modal rather than on a harmonic system, accompanying medieval music on the harp requires a unique approach. The aim of the course is to abandon modern chordal thinking and learn tools to help develop other alternatives, such as drone patterns, moving drones and melodic accompaniments, as well as intabulating the voices of two or three part compositions. Are there “typical” medieval melodic patterns or types of ornamentation?
Tuesday – Jennifer Sayre
The joy of 4-part polyphony;
Focus on the 16th century Spanish harp, technique and repertoire
Explore the world that opened with the arrival of printed music books which carried technical playing details as well as repertoire ranging from church accompaniments to freely composed tientos to popular tunes with diferencias, some of the first variations printed. Included is one of the first printed pieces composed by a woman.
Wednesday – Maxine Eilander and Stephen Stubbs
Introduction to playing chords:
Continuo made easy
Maxine Eilander and Stephen Stubbs have been performing together as duo partners, as the continuo team in operas and chamber concerts. They will give an introduction to easy continuo playing and delve into some of the ground bass patterns of Italy and Spain in the 16th and 17th Centuries.
Thursday – Jan Walters
Revolutionary Times and the Classical Harp
Revolutionary developments of the harp and its technique. Looking at simple scales, chord patterns, and ornaments with their practical application in harp music of the era including Preludes and Airs.
Friday – Alfredo Rolando Ortiz
From Harp to Harp with Love
Learn about the traditional Latin American Harps evolution and their very important presence in several areas. Learn the most popular traditional rhythmic styles and fun special effects to enrich your technical arsenal and widen your repertoire. His teachings are also always woven around concepts of prevention of injury.