Harp 'n Fish - Miscellaneous

NOOZ ON THE CROOZ!

Updated September 29, 2009

Report on the “Harp Cruise”

Nine happy harpers set sail on Sept 17, 2009 for a nine-day cruise to New England and Canada. All but two were able to drive to the port of Bayonne, NJ, and bring their harps with them. One of the two who flew borrowed a harp from me, and one gal brought her own small harp on the plane. We were so lucky to have Sue Richards as our ex-officio clinician and all around harp guru! A bonus was that we met another harper on the cruise who had her harp with her - she as well as we were surprised, but we promptly adopted her into the group

Our ship was Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. I was a bit concerned ahead of time because this is the largest ship I have ever been on. I need not have worried. Explorer is a beautiful ship, and the staff could not have been more accommodating to our needs.

We had a small conference room available to us for harp storage and for our group sessions. There were three day-time sessions of three hours each - and three evening sessions that lasted until we were too tired to pluck. We played loads of ensemble music that had been proposed ahead of time. Most of the harpers were familiar with the music played. There was also a lovely book of Sue Richards’ own arrangements and compositions that was given to each harper on the cruise. On some evenings, Sue and a few of us - usually Wendy McCormick and Karen Babb - played informally in the library. There were usually some folks just sitting and relaxing and listening to the music. Another harper surfaced! She did not have her harp with her, but we made her welcome into the group, and she was able to play once or twice with us thanks to the generosity of Sharon Strange, who graciously lent her harp to the new gal.

A special exclusive feature of the harp cruise was a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Nancy Hurrell is the Harp Consultant there, and she arranged a private session for us to view the Museum’s collection of antique harps. Nancy gave a wonderful talk on harp history and the history of each particular harp, as well as audio samples, and a live demonstration of the Egan harp. It was great to see Nancy again, and to let her know that we had played from her books in our sessions!

I think the favorite port was Halifax, Nova Scotia. What is not to like about all that Scots influence? As the ship arrived at the dock, there was a kilted bagpiper and a kilted drummer to greet us!

I think I can safely say that a good time was had by all. Will we do it again? Hmmmm?

Sue Richards, Gerry Serviente and harp schlepper Barry Serviente prepare to board the ship. Do they look happy?