Photo by Carol A. Spiegel/Mirari Photo
The WYSO Harp Program, now in its eighth year, has two components: orchestral playing and participation in the harp ensemble. During the school year, WYSO harpists meet on Saturday mornings to rehearse with each other and with the orchestras to prepare for several orchestra concerts and a harp ensemble recital each season. Students develop orchestral skills through individual and small group coaching, orchestra rehearsals, and performances. The harp ensemble also offers students a chance to learn chamber music skills.
Harpists interested in joining WYSO make audition arrangements with the Harp Program Director. Harpists are asked to play a short audition demonstrating level of playing technique and experience, ability to prepare two orchestral excerpts provided by WYSO, and sight-reading proficiency. Orchestral experience is not a prerequisite for an audition.
Karen
Beth Atz, Harp Program Director, is
Artist-in-Residence at the UW-Madison School of Music. She is principal harpist
with the Madison Symphony Orchestra, a position she has held since 1976. Ms.
Atz maintains a private teaching studio, offering expertise and experience
in many styles including classical, contemporary, folk, jazz, popular, ethnic,
and Celtic music. She is in demand as a harpist for orchestra, opera, ballet,
chorus, small ensemble, and solo performances. Ms. Atz has taught at Edgewood
College and has presented master classes at UW-Madison, UW-Stevens Point,
and other locations in Wisconsin. She has also presented at the UW-Madison
Summer Music Clinic, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and at various
public schools. Ms. Atz is a graduate of the UW-Madison School of Music. Photo
by Katrin Talbot.
Amanda Basich, Assistant Director