About The Program
Located in Northern Georgia just a few miles from the North Carolina border in the Smoky Mountains foothills region, YAHS is open to pedal harpists age 12–26 who want to focus entirely on the harp without distraction. The program is designed to improve performance skills and practice habits and intensify preparation for solo performances, orchestral auditions, and competitions. Students are expected to spend a period of time each day in intensive practice. Other time will be spent in guided practice, lessons, and masterclasses, along with recreational and social activities.
2008 launches the first year of the YAHS Guest Artist Program. Read more about this year's guest artist Bridget Kibbey.
Typically, up to 30 harpists are accepted to attend the two-week program. Acceptance is based on an audition recording and teacher recommendation.
In special cases, students under age 12 will be admitted as Junior participants. "Juniors" are held to the same artistic standards, however prepartation and participation requirements are slightly relaxed. Please inquire about Junior participation.
Lessons and Performances
During their two-week stay, students will participate in:
- Private Lessons and Masterclasses
- Solo Recitals
- Mock Orchestra Auditions
- Public Performances
Workshops
Throughout the session, students will participate in a variety of workshops, including:
- Stage Presence and Memorization
- Nerves and Performance Anxiety
- Competitions and Auditions
- Orchestral Excerpts
- Harp Ensemble
- Music Theory
Competition
Each season the Young Artist's Harp Seminar holds a solo competition. Winners are selected to perform a solo with harp ensemble accompaniment on the Gala Grand Finale Concert. Competitors can enter the competition with one of the following pieces:
"Ten Past Two" from Around the Clock Suite, by Chertok
Concerto in D, Vivaldi/Moore, any movement
Concerto in C, Vivaldi/Moore, any movement
Handel Concerto in B Flat, 3rd Movement, any version
Deep River, by Grandjany
Aria in Classic Style, by Grandjany
Sonata in C, by Clementi/Waddington, any movement
Debussy's "Danses Sacree et Profane" (one or both movements)
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