Huron Harp School to celebrate 20 years with 'Tunes, Tangos and Jigs' at Kingsbridge Centre

Huron Harp School is celebrating 20 years with their 'Tunes, Tangos and Jigs' live musical event at Kingsbridge Centre on Saturday, July 25. Tickets available at the door.

By: Kathleen Smith

Huron Harp School (HHS) based in Goderich is celebrating 20 years in July. To celebrate this milestone, members of HHS are putting on a celebratory concert on Saturday, July 25 at Kingsbridge Community Centre.

‘Tunes, Tangos and Jigs’ will have lively Irish jigs and airs, popular music that everyone can recognise, some contemplative melodies, and include the popular ‘Tando to Evora’ written by Loreena McKennitt.

Founded in 2006, HHS has over 25 members and continues to grow. All students, regardless of age or experience, have opportunities to play in casual settings, as well as performances.

Members of the school are students of Sharon Johnston (Goderich) and Jane McQuarrie (Teeswater) however, HHS has expanded to include other harpists in the community.

The group meets once a month to learn new music and polish their repertoire.

Johnston has made her living as a musician and music teacher for over 30 years. Her students have gone on to complete harp, piano and theory exams at all grade levels.

Her students have also won scholarships at music festivals, and some have gone on to post-secondary music studies.

Today, HHS has more harps per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

Johnston began playing the harp in 1996 and took her first workshops in Celtic music at the Celtic Roots Festival in Goderich and never looked back.

“Once I picked up a harp, I could not put it down,” admitted Johnston.

“Since then, I have gone on to become a harp instructor, workshop facilitator, recording artist and director of the Huron Harp School.”

Over the past 20 years, HHS has presented dozens of concerts, hosted harp retreats and a harp festival with participants from across North America and premiered a composition that was commissioned especially for this group.

HHS’ mandate is that all harpists are welcome to join the group and everyone has a voice. Members range from elementary musicians who have recently started on the harp, to professional musicians and everyone between.

HHS members can be found playing in churches, nursing homes, jam sessions and everywhere in between.

Despite challenges of social isolation during the pandemic, planning and rescheduling rehearsals during Huron County winters, and transporting large instruments, members remain committed to the group.

“Nothing compares to the feeling of working together to create music of the highest quality,” explained Johnston.

Later this summer, HHS will be featured at this year’s Celtic Festival, playing on the mainstage on Sunday, August 9 at 6:45 p.m.

Director Johnston and some members will also be attending an international harp conference in July to present a lecture on building a harp community.

All are welcome to ‘Tunes, Tangos and Jigs’. No tickets sold in advance, but $20 admission at the door.

Proceeds from the evening will be split between the musicians and the venue so that HHS can continue making and presenting music in the community.

“HHS has built a supportive community where everyone is committed to making music that appeals to all,” said Johnston.

“Come and support a unique community group in a beautiful local venue that rivals any hall in larger centres. There will not be another concert like this in Ontario, probably not in Canada. Be uplifted and inspired by ‘Tunes, Tangos and Jigs’.”