CLICK HERE TO REGISTER through March 1.

Registration Fees are non-refundable. Registration is complete on the date which both form and fee are submitted.

Full registration fee includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch on-site, all workshops and ensemble participation, and evening concerts. Saturday dinner is on your own. *Bringing your own meals does not change the registration fee amount. Dietary restrictions may be stated on the registration form.

Registration fee does not cover ensemble music. If you choose to participate in the ensemble playing, you may purchase your part(s) as directed under "Ensemble Music" for 1, 2 or all 3 of the ensemble pieces.

For information and fees on rental harps, go to "Rental Harps".

To complete the Registration form, click here.

PRESENTERS:

KIMBERLY DEROSA's musicality and versatility take audiences on a meaningful journey. She is dedicated to elevating and inspiring audiences’ and performers’ personal experience with music. Based in north Dallas, Ms. DeRosa has performed throughout the US, and in Canada, Scotland and Australia. She co-hosts Harp Teachers Gathering webinar and has been a guest artist with Harp in Worship, Beauty of the Harp, Hangin’ with the Harp, Northern Colorado Harp Festival and AHS 2011 Institute. This year she will be featured at the One Harp World international conference in Toronto.

Recordings: Tidings of Joy, Zero Hour, A Journey of Soul and Sound book.. Current projects explore the meditative and vibrational aspects of her original compositions, particularly within contemplative environments including sound baths.

Kimberly’s passion for teaching focuses on nurturing the love for music and the harp, developing skills and self-expression, and building confidence and polish. She is founding director of Houston Summer Harp Festival and Harp Journeys for Adults. Graduate studies: The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Bachelor of Music - Southern Methodist University.
Kimberly has served on the local, regional and national levels of the American Harp Society. www.harpjourneys.com

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JAYMEE HAEFNER (BM, MM, DM) is Professor of Harp and Director of Graduate Studies at the UNT College of Music.  She has performed internationally (Hong Kong, New York City, New Orleans, Atlanta, Mexico, Czech Republic, Russia, and France) and premiered new works for harp by notable composers (including Libby Larsen, Paul Patterson and Gary Schocker). She recently taught masterclasses at Indiana University Jacobs School, Eastman College of Music, Boston Conservatory, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and has adjudicated for the Hong Kong International Harp Competition, American Harp Society (AHS) National Competition, Lyon & Healy Awards, Young Artist’s Harp Competition, and the Italy International Harp Competition. Her invited lectures include the World Harp Congress (WHC) in Amsterdam and Sydney; the AHS in Minnesota, Louisiana, Utah, and Orlando; and Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) in San Antonio. She has published two books about renowned harpist Henriette Renié (1875-1956), and her Grove Music Online article was published by Oxford University Press.  Her Crimson Duo (violin and harp) released two CD’s and has performed internationally at conferences for the World Harp Congress and American Harp Society. Jaymee has served as Treasurer for both the USA International Harp Competition and World Harp Congress, served on the executive committees for the American Harp Society, the American Harp Journal editorial board, and the AHS Foundation.  Her ensemble (UNT HarpBeats) was featured in the Lyon & Healy Summer Concert Series (Chicago), the WHC (Hong Kong), the AHS National Conference (New Orleans and Orlando) and the TMEA conference (San Antonio), and will perform at One Harp World in Toronto in summer 2026.  Outside of music, she is passionate about spending time outdoors, especially scuba diving and hiking.

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THERESE HONEY
Childhood fascination with the harp blossomed into an exciting and successful career as a professional harpist for this Houston native. She is a specialist in Celtic and Early harps, with a background in classical Pedal Harp. Performing on copies of historical harps, wire-strung harps and other folk harps of ancient design, Ms. Honey draws on her vast knowledge of early music history and her stunning virtuosity to bring alive the beautiful music of the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Baroque eras. Her varied solo repertoire includes classical, popular, traditional and early music.

As an ensemble musician, she performs with Texas Early Music Project (TEMP) and traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and 13th-century Medieval music as a member of Wyndnwyre. She has toured throughout the United and in Europe including a performance in 1997 at the 20th Annual Carolan Festival in Keadue Co. Roscommon, Ireland.

Ms. Honey remains in demand for lectures, concerts and festival engagements and as a clinician and adjudicator across the United States. Her workshops include topics on Medieval, Renaissance and Celtic repertoire, arranging and style, technique, and Harp Ensemble. She is a dynamic teacher who inspires and motivates her students to learn more about the harp; its technique, repertoire and history. She co-hosts Melody’s online Harp Teacher Gathering.

Her private teaching studio is located in the Houston, Tx area. She is a published arranger and a recording artist with multiple CD releases.

www.Therese-honey.com

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STEPHANIE POYNER
Stephanie Poyner is Director of Parish Music at Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Flower Mound, TX, where she serves as the principal organist, handbell choir director, praise band director, youth bells director, children’s choir and chimes director, and occasional harpist. She holds a Bachelor of Education degree (K-12 Music) and Lutheran Teaching Diploma from Concordia University, Nebraska and a Master of Church Music degree from Concordia University, Wisconsin. She studied organ with Charles Ore and John Behnke, choral directing with David Held and Kenneth Kosche, and harp with Therese Honey and Kimberly DeRosa.

SPECIAL GUESTS:

ALEXANDER CORONADO
As a Reiki Master, Alexander Coronado creates empowering sound healing journeys using crystal and Tibetan bowls, flutes, gong, didgeridoo and bells that guide individuals to unlock, explore, and harmonize their inner potential, fostering transformative growth and self-discovery. His experience with horses has refined his ability to remain present and aware, creating a supportive environment for all.

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OCTAVIA HARP ENSEMBLE members Dr. Laura Brandenburg (director), Kimberly Snaufer DeRosa, and Kela Walton present their recent program "Expedition d'Elegance," featured at the 2025 Crystal Charity Ball in December.

The Octavia Harp Ensemble is comprised of eight outstanding professional harpists from the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.  Founded in 1993 by director Laura Logan, the ensemble presented its much-anticipated premiere concert in the spring of 1994.  Since that time, the ensemble has been much in demand presenting concerts in North Texas, Austin, Houston, Oklahoma and Louisiana. The ensemble’s wide-ranging repertoire reaches from the 17th to the 21st century and incorporates a variety of musical styles.  From the group’s inception, Octavia has been dedicated to commissioning and promoting new compositions for harp ensemble.

Members of the Octavia Harp Ensemble have over 200 combined years of professional experience.  The group includes respected harp soloists and many of the players are much in demand as entertainers in the pop and jazz field.  Members perform with the Fort Worth Symphony, Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Richardson Symphony, Garland/Las Colinas Symphony, Turtle Creek Chorale and the Dallas Wind Symphony.  Several are established harp teachers in the area.  As an ensemble, the group has performed at such prestigious events as the Beaux Arts Ball, the Dallas Opera Gala and the Crystal Charity Ball.  All the ensemble members are involved in all types of freelance engagements; between them, they perform for more than 300 weddings annually!

Octavia released its first recording in 1997 on the Traditional Sounds label, a collection of traditional Christmas carols entitled Angels We Have Heard On High.  The group’s second recording, entitled Moonlight Sonata, was released in 2003 and features many new Classical arrangements for harp ensemble.

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MARY RADSPINNER
For 31 years, Mary was the co-owner (with harp tech husband John Gill) of Melody’s Traditional Music and Afghan Press Music for the Harp. She currently continues as a consultant for Melody’s and works on the website. Along with being an arranger, editor, performance and practice coach, she’s a pollinator devotee and native habitat proponent.  She has held positions in various symphony orchestras, large and small, throughout the Midwest and Texas. She has freelanced in the Houston area since 1983. Mary was director of music/organist at St. Therese Catholic church in Milwaukee where she also taught harp and piano for the Milwaukee Public Schools. She’s been the staff pianist for Waller (TX) ISD, and is the founder of “Harp Teachers Gathering” – a community of and for harp teachers. A member of the Irish Fest (Milwaukee) Peace and Justice orchestra, Mary has a B.M. in music ed and applied harp from Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI. She has studied with Jeanne Henderson and Louise Trotter.

Schedule and classes are subject to change without prior notice.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Building Ensemble Skills (Jaymee)
This presentation provides strategies designed to improve both comfort and precision in the rewarding experience of harp ensemble playing for new and experienced participants.

Developing Your Musical Ear (Kimberly)
A fresh approach that expands your listening perspective and awareness, enhancing both musical learning and confidence.

Intros, Interludes and Transitions (Therese)
Ideas and tips for enhancing your music with intros, interludes and transitions.

Technique: Level Up with Back to Basics (Therese)
A review on technique to assist ease of playing, facilitate difficult passages and develop tone. Remaining time will address specific issues from participants.

Using iPad and ForScore (Victoria)
Tips on using the iPad, ForScore and a page turning pedal.
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PERFORMING and MUSICALITY

The Contemplative Harp (Kimberly)
After discussing the possibilities and benefits that reflective music offers, participants will be guided in creating a piece of their own.

The Gold at the End of the Rainbow (Therese)
Get ready for St. Patrick’s Day by learning to play with an Irish accent. This class shows how to use lead sheets to accompany Irish music in harp circles or sessions, while exploring rhythmic style, harp adaptations, and ornamentation.

Dos and Don’ts of Playing for Worship Services (Stephanie)
Playing for a worship service may seem like a daunting task. Learn the ins and outs allowing a smooth performance. Practical tips for playing worship services from appropriate music repertoire to logistics such as mic-ing.

Ensemble Playing
We encourage all to experience making music with others through our Festival Ensemble. You may choose to play on 1, 2 or all 3 chosen pieces to be performed on Saturday’s 7:00 pm. concert. Music is chosen with consideration of rehearsal time and varying levels of experience. Go to “Ensemble Music” to purchase your music to prepare your part(s) prior to the Festival.

Harp and Piano/Organ (Stephanie and Kimberly)
A presentation and demonstration of the wonderful world of harp and piano/organ repertoire.

Miracles in Melody (Therese)
Learn techniques to perform the Cantigas de Santa Maria, 13th Century devotional songs from the court of King Alphonso X El Sabio in a medieval style.

Music Sharing
All are invited to share a piece with fellow harpists—solo, duet, and ensemble performances welcome. Enjoy listening to others. Supportive feedback may be offered by the presenter.

EXPLORING the WORLD of HARP
The Legacy of Henriette Renié and Her Music (Jaymee)
Dr Jaymee Haefner, who specializes in Renié’s life and music, will present aspects of her ongoing influence and insights into her compositions.

Music Shopping
Music from Melody’s Music will be available for sale through an on-site pop-up store.

Open Forum
Harp talk! Here is your chance to share a piece of music, ask questions and discuss harp related topics with the presenter.

Whispers of the Ancients with Alexander Coronado (Kimberly)
De-stress with Kimberly and Alexander’s ambient tones of harp, crystal bowls, bells, didgeridoo and Chinese flute. This experience is on the roster for the 2026 One Harp World international conference in Toronto sponsored by American Harp Society and World Harp Congress!

A Musical Tasting: The Music of Susann McDonald (Melody’s Music with Mary Radspinner)
Become familiar with the vast selections of arrangements and compositions by Susann McDonald for all levels of playing. Music will be available for purchase.

We encourage everyone to participate in our Festival Ensemble! You may choose to play on 1, 2 or all 3 chosen pieces which will be on our Saturday 7:00 concert. YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE your music, choose and your part, prepare prior to the festival.

Please edit parts to your comfort level, such as only playing with one hand or simply playing the first note of each measure. Music is chosen with consideration of rehearsal time and varying levels of experience.

1) Amazing Grace arranged for 5 harp by Mary Jane D’Arville. Available at your favorite harp store including our Festival vendor, Melody’s Music (click here).

2) French Café Waltz by Tamsin Dearnley. Available at your favorite harp store including our Festival vendor, Melody’s Music (click here). Choose solo or duet.

3) Thistledown by Stephen Dunstone. Available at your favorite harp store including our Festival vendor, Melody’s Music (click here).

*Schedule and classes are subject to change without prior notice.*

Music Shopping
Music from Melody’s Music will be available for sale with an on-site pop-up store throughout the Festival.

FRIDAY, March 6

1:30 Doors open. Please enter through the front doors of the church.

2:15 - 3:00
Building Ensemble Skills (Jaymee)
OR
The Gold at the End of the Rainbow (Therese)

3:15 - 4:00
The Legacy of Henriette Renié (Jaymee)

4:15 - 5:00
Developing Your Musical Ear (Kimberly)
OR
Using iPad and ForScore (Victoria Gonzalez)

5:15 - 6:00
Ensemble Rehearsal
OR
Music Sharing

6:00 - 7:00 Dinner provided on-site.

7:00 - 8:00 Concert
Stephanie Poyner, piano/organ with Kimberly DeRosa, harp
and OCTAVIA Harp Ensemble with Laura Brandenburg, Kela Walton and Kimberly DeRosa

SATURDAY

9:00 Doors Open

9:30 - 10:15
Dos and Don’ts of Playing Worship Services (Stephanie)
OR
The Contemplative Harp (Kimberly)

10:30 - 11:15
Technique: Level Up with Back to Basics (Therese)

11:30 - 12:15
Intros, Interludes and Transitions (Therese)
OR
A Musical Tasting: The Music of Susann McDonald (Mary Radspinner/Melody’s Music)

12:15 - 1:15
Lunch provided on-site. Music shopping provided by Melody’s Music.

1:15 - 2:00
Ensemble Rehearsal
OR
Open Forum and Music Sharing

2:15 - 3:00
Miracles in Melody (Therese)
OR
Harp and Piano/Organ (Stephanie and Kimberly)

3:15 - 4:00
Whispers of the Ancients (Kimberly and Alexander)

4:15 - 5:30
Ensemble Rehearsal

5:30 - 6:45 Dinner on your own

7:00 - 8:00 Concert
Festival Harp Ensemble
and Therese Honey

RENTAL HARPS are of limited availability and are an extra fee. Reservations for a rental harp is based on “first con-first serve” so please indicate on the registration form or click on kimberlyharp@gmail.com. We ask rental request to be submitted no later than March 1. You will receive confirmation if a rental harp is available to you. Rental fees are paid at the time of check-in with check or cash only. Lever harps - $75. Pedal harps $100.

FRIDAY DINNER and SATURDAY LUNCH is included and will be provided on-site to all participants. Dietary restrictions and preferences may be noted on the registration form.

REFRESHMENTS Coffee and water and light snacks will be provided throughout the day.

DRESS: Please dress comfortably.

CONCERT DRESS for harp ensemble: Nice casual - dressy.

7:00 CONCERT is free and open to the public.

ENSEMBLE PLAYING - Do I have to play the ensemble music? You do not have to play in the ensemble but we encourage everyone to try at least one piece. Please edit your part to your comfort level. Observers may find rehearsal fun and informative. Check "Ensemble Music" drop-down for details and descriptions on the music.

Further questions? Text or call Kimberly at (713) 962-6923 or email kimberlyharp@gmail.com

Rhett Barnwell, Angi Bemiss, Laura Logan Brandenburg, Robbin Gordon-Cartier, Therese Honey, Cindy Horstman, Jan Jennings, Joanna Mell, Mary Radspinner, Kimberly DeRosa, Louise Trotter, Kela Walton and Frank Voltz