This memorial scholarship award is about growth, spirit, devotion and opportunity. Opportunity to expand the knowledge of the harpist's craft and to share that knowledge with others. Opportunities to make positive changes in the lives of others, whether they be an audience of one or of many.
Scholarships are awarded in three categories:
General Training ($500 first place, $300 second place)
Harp Therapy ($500 first place, $300 second place)
Returning Harp Camp attendee ($450)
These scholarships are offered to harpists who are in need of assistance with their pursuit of achieving a more advanced level of accomplishment in the field of performance and service to others.
To apply for this scholarship:print the application form, fill it out, and send it (along with a cassette tape of 2 selections not to exceed a total of 4 minutes) to the address on the application. The application must be received at the address listed by the November 20th deadline.
2010 Jan Pennington Gray Harp Scholarship Winners
This is the day we celebrate Jan’s birthday, January 31st, by announcing the winners of the five scholarships chosen from written and recorded applications from the states of NC, OH, TN, UT and NV. It is very gratifying to have so many harpists/harpers submit applications for financial assistance in furthering their desires to improve their performance skills and their service to their respective communities.
Our judges have chosen Kathryn Harms from Williamsburg, VA as the first place winner in the General Training category. Having studied with Cynthia Grum, Vincent Zenter and Elizabeth Richter, she has received numerous awards for solo performances and as orchestral and ensemble harpist in Virginia and Ball State University. She began teaching younger students while in high school and discovered how gratifying it was to watch students grow musically. She hopes to pursue teaching as a career.
Ellen Barda from Westerville, OH, earned second place in the General Training category. She also plays violin and clarinet. She says her entire life evolves around the harp. Having taught her for five years, her teacher, Candyce Dunham, commends Ellen for her hard work and regular performances for her community, church and nursing homes. She hopes to buy a full set of levers for her harp and continues to search for funds to continue her harp lessons.
The first place Harp Therapy scholarship was awarded to Deborah Eller Nichols from Bluff City, TN. Having performed as a vocalist and pianist for a number of years, she taught herself to play the harp so she could play therapeutic music for patients. She said, “I finally found what I was supposed to do with my music”. She received her certification as a Clinical Musician and hopes to return to the Jan Pennington Gray Harp Camp to gain CEU hours for certification as a therapeutic musician. She said she returned home from her harp camp experience with enthusiasm and joy.
Mariam Roe from Murray, UT is the second place winner in the Harp Therapy category. At the young age of 14, Mariam has already been awarded Superior rating at the BYU Harp Festival and The American Harp Society’s Kathrin Fouse Award. She has volunteered in community service projects and said, “I want to improve my technique and playing so I can start playing the harp at hospitals as soon as my teacher thinks I am ready.
Victoria Layton from Concord, NC is awarded the Jan Pennington Gray Harp Camp scholarship. “Tori” has studied with Christine VanArsdale for 3 ½ years and is only 14 years old. She returns to camp with a record of numerous community volunteer services and an enthusiasm which brings joy to all.
The Board of Directors of the Jan Pennington Gray Harp Scholarship Fund, Inc. offer congratulations and best wishes to this year’s winners.
See All Harp Scholarship Winners
