I had planned to blather on about theory this week, but let’s hold that for next week, shall we?  This week I wanted to follow up on a question from last week.  I’m delighted that you enjoyed the video as much as I did! 

One of you asked if there was sheet music for the great ensemble arrangement of America the Beautiful those amazing harpists are playing in the video. (I’m always so delighted that you actually read my blog that I’ll usually do just about anything to answer your questions!) 

So, I used my super-sleuthing skills to contact the military harpists to email them to ask if they would share the arrangement (ok, I looked them up in the American Harp Society Directory).

Two amazing things happened from this – first, I met a bunch of super delightful harpists that I didn’t know before!  They were, to a one, so warm and wonderful.  They responded quickly and were incredibly gracious.  And they are all located near me (Yea!!) except for Megan Sesma from the US Coast Guard who is in New London CT (which is a convenient train station if you’re going to compete at the Scotland CT Highland Games, btw). 

Second, from them I learned a little bit about this music.  For those of you who might not have seen my other posts (on Facedegram), the sheet music is available from Vanderbilt Music*.  It was arranged by Daniel Burton for six harps.  But perhaps more interesting and exciting – it was commissioned by the American Harp Society and these six military harpists!

Now a clarification.  While the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army are part of the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard is is actually part of the Department of Homeland Security.  Even so, the Coast Guard is the oldest continuous sea service of the country.

And the last little bit of update.  After the video was completed, Chief Musician Emily Dickson retired from the Navy and Madeline Jarzembak has been selected to be the principal harpist with the United States Navy Band. Welcome aboard Madeline!  In the email discussion, the military harpists mentioned that they are not currently planning to do another video together (and hopefully we’ll all be off video and IRL sooner than later!), so revel in this unique experience.  And watch for them – military bands perform all over the country and they may be near you soon!

Thank you so much for your questions and comments.  And for the opportunity to answer them!  I am consistently struck by how diverse, interesting, warm, and welcoming our very small harp community can be.  Keep asking away!  I l-o-v-e finding answers, meeting people, learning more – and getting to share it with you!   

* As usual, I’m not clever enough to have affiliate links – this is just to make it easier for you to find it!