Hands on Harps Camp

Build your very own “clàsarch” (small harp) and learn to play it! You will spend the first day constructing your harp (all supplies are provided!) under the direction of master instrument maker Dennis Waring. Other sessions, with harper Rachel Clemente, will include instruction in how to play and maintain your harp. You will also explore the musical history of Scottish and Irish culture and how it relates to the musical traditions of New England.

Intergenerational! This camp is open to participants ages 8 to, well, any age. Younger campers (ages 8-13) should be accompanied by a guardian (two people, one harp, one fee!).

Note schedule is different on the first day!
Mon – Fri, July 11-15
Monday 11-3 (to make the harps), bring your own lunch!
Tues-Fri will be 12 noon to 2 pm.
Tuition: $295 ($140 instrument making materials, $155 instruction) – scholarships available.
Want to join in? One guardian with an 8-13 year old may share a registration (and harp)!

Here is a video of one of the harps made in the class, being played by Rachel!

Rachel Clemente is a New England based pedal and traditional Scottish harpist who has had a passion for music from the early age of five. She began her harp training as a student of the Suzuki method. In addition, she discovered her love of Scottish music through events and competitions held by the Scottish Harp Society of America and the Ohio Scottish Arts School. Her musical education then continued at renowned arts boarding high school, Interlochen Arts Academy. In July of 2018, Rachel graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow with a bachelors degree in traditional Scottish music. She also won the title of U.S National Scottish Harp Champion in 2016.

Rachel gained Suzuki teaching certification and currently is performing and teaching students and workshops across the U.S. such as the Washington Area Folk Harp Getaway and the Ohio Scottish Arts School. She has a private harp studio as well as being an instructor at the Community Music School of Springfield, MA.

Dennis Waring is the founder and owner of Waring Music. Dr. Waring is an ethnomusicologist, educator, author, instrument maker, collector, performer, and arts consultant. He teaches World Music, American Music, and Music Education courses on the university level, and is involved in public education in primary, middle, and high schools. After earning his doctorate from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut (’87), Waring taught at Wesleyan, Brown University, Trinity College, University of Connecticut, and other regional state universities. As a Master Teaching Artist, he was honored as Connecticut State Troubadour for 2003 and 2004.
As a master instrument maker, Waring has written six books on musical instruments. He invents and manufactures instruments of all kinds. His instrument making workshops for people of all ages is a signature activity and his DVD “From Trash To Tunes” has garnered international recognition.

To register you can fill out the summer registration form – or simply call the office: 802.257.4523