American Harp Society National Competition

This past Sunday, Kate played her harp in my ward. Since we don't have very many musical numbers, everyone loved it. They probably would have loved it anyway, but the lack of music just made her playing all the more poignant. As always, she did a beautiful job. This recent performance reminded me that I have not mentioned what an amazing harpist Kate is. Kate exhibited her great talent in the American Harp Society National Competition held a Westminster College at the end of June. Although she did not win, it was an incredible honor even to be chosen as 1 of 8 finalists out of 38 harpists to compete in the competition. I was able to attend the competition to hear her play. I was nervous for Kate, but I shouldn't have been because she did exceptionally well. Kate said she wasn't even nervous at all and thought it was the best performance of her pieces she had done yet.

She worked so hard and right before the competition, she did a series of small performances. One of these performances was held at our house and my mom invited friends from our ward and a few relatives that live nearby. Everyone enjoyed it and Kate held an impromptu Q&A session. Not many people are familiar with the harp and they are always stunned that a harpist has to push pedals up and down during a piece in order to achieve sharps and flats. It is a complicated instrument and I'm so proud that Kate has mastered it so well. She has a passion for music and I know she will go far.

Here is a picture from Kate's performance at our house answering questions and then one from her performance at Westminster with her friends from Harp Fusion.