Bios

This page:

Lauren Dana

Elizabeth Golden

Sarah Burns

Introduce yourself! We'd like to read your bio

Lauren Dana

My name is Lauren Dana, I'm almost 16, and I play a 22-string gothic lap harp. I've wanted to play the harp for as long as I can remember. But I've always had so many other instruments that my parents wouldn't buy one. Finally, last month we went to our friend's store and bought this one, and now I'm teaching myself quite happily.

1. I think the best part of playing the harp is hearing the music you're making...harps are probably the most beautiful sounding instruments of all.

2. I have never looked at practising any instrument as hard. For me, any kind of playing is a pleasure, and I love to do it.

3. I don't really know if I have a favorite piece, because I have only recently started and have so little music. But I like 'Aderyn du a'i blufyn sidan', a Welsh song I printed off the internet.

4. I play lots of other instruments! Piano (7 years), flute (5 years), tenor recorder (5 years), pennywhistle (4 years), didgeridoo (1 year), and, of course, the harp (2 months). I play the flute at chruch, and also sing in a school choir.

5. Music is (obviously) my biggest interest, but when I'm not playing, I like to read (especially Jane Austen) and watch old movies (especially Lauren Bacall's). I also love learning languages, and am in my 3rd year of French and my 1st year of Gaelic.

YHA Note: I (Jane) arranged the tune that Lauren mentioned and put it on one of my Web sites. We have included a link to the music here: Aderyn du a'i blufyn sidan. Enjoy!

Elizabeth Golden

Hi my name is Elizabeth. I was in the third grade when I first got interested in the harp. My neighbor, who lived across the street, played the harp and had a harp teacher, Jane Valencia, over every other week. Each time Jane came over I'd tell her I really wanted to play the harp the only problem was my mom wouldn't let me because I already played an instrument, the piano. That summer I quit so I could play the harp. I think the harp is a very unique and special intrument. One of the reasons I choose to play the harp is the first time you play it still sounds good. But I think the main reason I chose the harp over the piano is because my mom nad my brother played it too and I wanted to play something different; something that would be mine alone. Now I have two harps: a little Zephyr and a very heavy ashwood Triplett. I have been playing for 3 years and hopefully will continue for many years to come.

1. The best part about playing the harp is meeting new people and bringing joy to young & old. When you play the harp it sort of brings back memories of the past.

2. Practicing is definitly a hard thing to do. It's hard to find spare time to practice.

3. I don't really have a favorite piece of music. I like all kinds.

4. I used to play the piano and took lessons for a year and changed to the harp.

5. I have two cats named Tigger & Fluffy. I love to swim, play harp, and have performed at The Highland Games.

YHA Note: Elizabeth is 13.

Sarah Burns

I had my first harp lesson when I was five or six years old. (Mom note: that was with Chris Caswell, who cheerfully warned me that I had some competition there.) My mom's teacher taught me "Frere Jacque". When I was in sceond grade, I started lessons with Jane Valencia. A couple of years later, Jane had a baby girl, who she named Amri Rose. Jane stopped teaching for a while, so Verlene Schermer started teaching me. When Jane started teaching again, I had two teachers, Jane and Verlene, because I didn't want to leave either one. Jane teaches me by ear, and Verlene has me read music. Verlene also teaches me singing.

1. What is the best part about playing the harp?
I don't have a favorite part.

2. Do you think practicing is hard to do?
Practicing sometimes is hard to do and sonetimes isn't.

3. Favorite piece?
I don't have a favorite piece (at least I don't think I do!)

4. Any other instruments? A while ago I sort of taught myself the recorder, but I hardly ever play it.

5. Anything else? I like to collect things, I like to read, and I have a black guinea pig that's part Abyssinian.

YHA note: Sarah's story Once Long Ago, In Ireland and musical arrangement of Christ Child's Lullaby (forthcoming) are also included in this issue. Sarah is 11.

Hannah Burns

I'm Hannah. I play the harp. I like Top Ramen. I like it a lot. I also like harp. It exercises my fingers.

1. Best part? The best part about playing harp is people can carry them around to concerts. At concerts they applaud you.

2. Favorite piece? I don't have a favorite piece.

3. Other instruments? I have never played another instrument.

4. Anything else? My favorite book series' are the Bailey School Kids, Nancy Drew, and the=20 Boxcar Children. I have a black guinea pig named Black Midnight

YHA note: Hannah is 8. She composed some music with another girl, Sarah Robinson, called The Forest With Goats & Foxes, also in this issue.

If you'd like to introduce yourself (and we hope that you will!),please write to us at:
white@apnet.com
or harpbiz@baruk.zendo.com.

We love photos! Check with your parents first before sending photos of yourself and your harp. Let them know that we only list names, ages, and states or countries (not cities) in Young Harpers Almanac.
Send your photos with an SASE so we can return them to:
Young Harpers Almanac P.O. Box 0448 San Mateo, CA 94401-0448