Questions About The Harper's Star?

What is The Harper's Star?  The Harper's Star is an affiliate of the International Society of Folk Harpers and Craftsmen (ISFHC), a society founded in 1985 “by a group of folks wanting to share their music, ideas and skills to further the musical capabilities of the folk harp”.  We are based in Appleton, Wisconsin. To learn more about ISFHC, go their website at http://www.folkharpsociety.org/.

Who can join The Harper’s Star?  Do you play the harp?  Do wish you did?  Are you a lover of harp music?  Are you a craftsman who has built or would like to build harps?  The Harper’s Star is open to all of you, 18 years or older, whether you love formal concert settings,  music faires, the challenge of building instruments,  performing, teaching, or just playing for the love of it!

What are The Harper's Star members like?  Members of The Harper's Star are everyday people who have several things in common.  They share a passion for the harp and harp music of all styles, they hunger to connect with a community of other harpers;   they feel a deep connection to their own harp and the music they make on it; they are seeking to become comfortable with their current level of harp ability; they desire to help others on their harp journey...and they want to create a network of resources for all harpers!    Their 'day jobs' fall into a variety of categories, their hobbies and interests and goals in life are just as varied.  Many members of The Harper's Star are self-taught harpers.  (You'd be suprised at how many of them come from a piano background!)  Some are, or have been in the past, full-time professional musicians...and some only play to an audience of family, a few friends, or a pet or two.  But all of them share a love for the instrument, and all of them wish to learn more from each other about harps, harp history, harp music, and harp playing.  

What do I gain by becoming a member?  First and foremost, you'll become part of a supportive network of harpers - people like you who want to exchange harp ideas, experiences, knowledge, and resources with you. You can get together with them monthly to foster that exchange. You'll receive a quarterly e-newsletter with harper tips and interesting information. You'll up-front have access to harp-related special events and workshops.  You can become part of The Harper's Star 'performers pool' if you want to.   And you can stay connected as often as you like with new harper friends through our members-only Yahoo! Group.  

What if I don't own a harp right now?  Having a harp is not a requirement for membership.  But if you feel the pull to join us, then chances are strong that you'll be looking for a harp of your own sometime soon.  And when that time comes The Harper’s Star can be of great help: we'll provide you with any information and resources you may need to select a harp that’s right for you!

What if I don't play as well as everyone else?  Members of The Harper's Star are at various stages in their harp journey, from beginner to advanced.   Don’t make your decision to join by how you feel you compare with other members of the group. Many of us are self-taught, and encourage you all the more to join us because of that. You'll be most welcome - no matter how long you’ve been playing, how much time you have to practice, or whether or not you have a teacher other than yourself!  

How much does membership cost? How often do you meet? What do you talk about?   Membership dues are $25 a year. We meet on the third Monday of every month excepting the month of December. Each meeting focuses on a specific harp-related topic, and approximately 3 meetings a year feature a special harp workshop of some type.   To see the list of meeting topics for the coming year, click on the 'Meetings' button to the left.  

The Harper's Star has alot to offer you. And you have alot to offer The Harper's Star. Please join us, and share yourself and your harp with us! 

More Questions? Contact the Membership Coordinator!