From the Harp Strings

2016 is proving to be exciting, busy, and full of transition. This year, I auditioned for graduate school, received a graduate fellowship, graduated from Eastern  Michigan University, presented two recitals, published a senior thesis, and began a new degree. It's been very rewarding, and I'm taking some time to get back on my feet and start some creative projects.

Here's a taste of what happened in the earlier part of the year...

My Senior Thesis: A study of Carlos Salzedo

If you're a harpist, you've undoubtedly heard of Carlos Salzedo! He's arguably the most important harpist in history. However, if you're not a harpist, chances are you didn't even know his name (unless you know a harpist, of course!).

After completing my senior recital in February, I began work on another recital project that would become my senior thesis. I decided to explore the music of Carlos Salzedo and his contributions to American musical society. What a gratifying experience this was!

Through studying this music, I more fully realized the versatility, range, and possibility of sound on the modern pedal harp. Salzedo's music can be beautiful, angular, dynamic, avant-garde, or sweet and delicate. Each piece that I played was so vastly different from the others, that it kept me interested and involved in the process.

Since I have studied the Salzedo school of harp technique, it's no wonder that I felt so at home talking about his music and performing it live. I truly enjoyed the experience. Recordings of the performance will be available online for you to listen to very soon.

Read my Senior Thesis! 


Go out with a...Gliss

This past April, I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in harp performance. What a whirlwind of a weekend it was, because I participated in both the Honors College commencement ceremony and University Commencement. The Honors College ceremony holds a very dear place in my heart because I was invited to play a duet with my good friend and colleague, Michelle Good. We played an arranged version of Alphonse Hasselmann's piece Serenade Melancolique during the ceremony. 

It was such an honor to have my final moments with The Honors College be through music.

How many commencement ceremonies have you been to that had harp duets? (Thank you, EMU Honors College, for the picture!)

This post is obviously overdue. Alas, with the start of graduate school, I've been working hard to keep up with the academics, musical demands, and teaching, and haven't had much time to write. However, I hope to make more time for this soon and keep you all updated with what has been happening! 

Until Next Time,

Celisa