| Chicago Harp Ensembles |
The Chicago Harp Ensembles were established to provide vital ensemble training to harpists of all
ages, skill level, and harp type striving to improve their overall rhythm, musicianship and sight-
reading. Rehearsals will be held approximately every other week and will culminate in a polished
performance at the end of each term. Classes will consist of warm-up exercises, sight-reading and
performance pieces while integrating music theory and improvisatory skills. An enriching opportunity
for all harp students, participation in an ensemble will help build and foster a supportive community of
harpists.
Ensemble Placement:
-Ensemble placement will be determined upon recommendation from student’s private harp
teacher.
-The director has the authority to make adjustments to placements following the first rehearsal if
deemed necessary.
Requirements:
-All participating harpists must be taking private lessons outside of the Harp Ensemble.
-All harpists must be able to read music.
-Harpists are expected to have required music prepared for rehearsals.
-Participants are required to bring their harp, bench and a music stand to all rehearsals and
concerts.
-Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory. One excused absence is allowed for each term with
prior approval from the director. Any harpist missing more than one rehearsal or failing to obtain
absence approval will not be allowed to perform in the end of term concert.
-All harpists are expected to arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to the start of ensemble rehearsal,
and are required to tune their own instrument.
-Tardiness is not allowed. If for any reason a harpist arrives after the start of a rehearsal, they
will tune quietly outside the room and be allowed to join the ensemble at an appropriate break.
Cost:
-$175/term for each harpist/ensemble.
Dress Code:
-Proper attire must be worn at all times including proper footwear for pedal harpists.
No flip-flops or bare feet)
-Concert dress: Advanced Ensemble – All Black, ¾ length sleeve, floor-length skirt or pants
Intermediate Ensemble – Black & White, ¾ length sleeve white top, floor-length
skirt or pants
Beginner Ensemble – Black skirt or pants at least knee length when sitting,
colored top
Fall Schedule:
-Rehearsals: September 4, 18; October 2, 16, 30; November 13; December 4, 11 (Dress Rehearsal)
-Concert: December 12
All rehearsals and concerts will take place at:
Irish American Heritage Center,
4626 N. Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630.
Beginner Ensemble 11:30am-12:30pm
Intermediate Ensemble 10:30-11:30am
Advanced Ensemble 9:30-10:30am
(exact times subject to change depending on enrollment)
If interested in enrollment, please contact Marguerite Williams at
marguerite@mlwharp.com or 773-791-7520
Deadline for Winter 2011 Term Enrollment is January 12, 2011.
Marguerite Lynn Williams, Director
Harpist Marguerite Lynn Williams has been a professional harpist and active teacher for over 14 years.
She received a Bachelor of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and a
Master of Music Degree from Roosevelt University. She has taught for the People’s Music School,
University of Chicago, Chicago Youth Symphonies and was the Professor of Harp at the Frost School
of Music at the University of Miami for two years while performing with the New World Symphony.
Ms. Williams currently teaches for the Irish Music School of Chicago, Logos Music School and
privately. She has published two volumes of harp ensemble arrangements, HarpScores Vol. 1 & 2,
through Lyon & Healy Publishing and was a featured performer, lecturer, and harp ensemble coach at
the 2009 American Harp Society Summer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT.
ages, skill level, and harp type striving to improve their overall rhythm, musicianship and sight-
reading. Rehearsals will be held approximately every other week and will culminate in a polished
performance at the end of each term. Classes will consist of warm-up exercises, sight-reading and
performance pieces while integrating music theory and improvisatory skills. An enriching opportunity
for all harp students, participation in an ensemble will help build and foster a supportive community of
harpists.
Ensemble Placement:
-Ensemble placement will be determined upon recommendation from student’s private harp
teacher.
-The director has the authority to make adjustments to placements following the first rehearsal if
deemed necessary.
Requirements:
-All participating harpists must be taking private lessons outside of the Harp Ensemble.
-All harpists must be able to read music.
-Harpists are expected to have required music prepared for rehearsals.
-Participants are required to bring their harp, bench and a music stand to all rehearsals and
concerts.
-Attendance at all rehearsals is mandatory. One excused absence is allowed for each term with
prior approval from the director. Any harpist missing more than one rehearsal or failing to obtain
absence approval will not be allowed to perform in the end of term concert.
-All harpists are expected to arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to the start of ensemble rehearsal,
and are required to tune their own instrument.
-Tardiness is not allowed. If for any reason a harpist arrives after the start of a rehearsal, they
will tune quietly outside the room and be allowed to join the ensemble at an appropriate break.
Cost:
-$175/term for each harpist/ensemble.
Dress Code:
-Proper attire must be worn at all times including proper footwear for pedal harpists.
No flip-flops or bare feet)
-Concert dress: Advanced Ensemble – All Black, ¾ length sleeve, floor-length skirt or pants
Intermediate Ensemble – Black & White, ¾ length sleeve white top, floor-length
skirt or pants
Beginner Ensemble – Black skirt or pants at least knee length when sitting,
colored top
Fall Schedule:
-Rehearsals: September 4, 18; October 2, 16, 30; November 13; December 4, 11 (Dress Rehearsal)
-Concert: December 12
All rehearsals and concerts will take place at:
Irish American Heritage Center,
4626 N. Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630.
Beginner Ensemble 11:30am-12:30pm
Intermediate Ensemble 10:30-11:30am
Advanced Ensemble 9:30-10:30am
(exact times subject to change depending on enrollment)
If interested in enrollment, please contact Marguerite Williams at
marguerite@mlwharp.com or 773-791-7520
Deadline for Winter 2011 Term Enrollment is January 12, 2011.
Marguerite Lynn Williams, Director
Harpist Marguerite Lynn Williams has been a professional harpist and active teacher for over 14 years.
She received a Bachelor of Music and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music and a
Master of Music Degree from Roosevelt University. She has taught for the People’s Music School,
University of Chicago, Chicago Youth Symphonies and was the Professor of Harp at the Frost School
of Music at the University of Miami for two years while performing with the New World Symphony.
Ms. Williams currently teaches for the Irish Music School of Chicago, Logos Music School and
privately. She has published two volumes of harp ensemble arrangements, HarpScores Vol. 1 & 2,
through Lyon & Healy Publishing and was a featured performer, lecturer, and harp ensemble coach at
the 2009 American Harp Society Summer Institute in Salt Lake City, UT.
| Welcome to the 2010-2011 Season of the Chicago Harp Ensembles! Winter 2011 Enrollment Deadline: January 12, 2011 |
