At a harp retreat weekend in mid-April, I (Jane) heard what sounded like bells coming from the main room. Entering the room, I discovered Hannah Burns, age 8, playing a small wire-strung harp, and Sarah Robinson, age 6, playing a small nylon-strung harp. Hannah was playing one repeating pattern, and Sarah (who had only touched the harp a couple of times before), was playing another pattern.
Played together, the two patterns made the bell-music. Above the pattern, Hannah sang an improvised song. I sat down and transcribed the patterns, and asked Hannah about the title and song. She gave me the title, but told me that she didn't want me to write down the song. The melody and words were supposed to be different everytime, and she wanted anyone who tried the music to feel free to come up with something all their own!
Enjoy!
The pattern in The Forest ... sounds like ringing bells. You can make patterns that sound like the sea, horses galloping, bird song, and who-knows-what else!
2. You can also get together with a music friend and make up some patterns.
3. After you've gotten used to playing your pattern, come up with a title for it.
4. Now, while playing the pattern, start singing! Make up your own words and melody as you go along. If you want to, write down or record your song!
5. If you like what your patterns or song, please share them with YHA !
