Music Education Committee
Auditions and Evaluations Program
An Overview
“Auditions and Evaluations” is a two-part program for beginning and intermediate harp students sponsored by the American Harp Society. It consists of two auditions held approximately one month apart.
The word “audition” comes from the Latin [audio] which means “to hear.” We must not confuse our Harp Society “Auditions” with the more common usage of the word audition; for this is not a competition and there are no prizes awarded. Participants come specifically to be heard and to hear one another.
Because this is a unique two-part program, the focus is especially on the improvement that can be made by participating on both days.
The Participants
On the first day, participants play two pieces of their own choosing for an advisor and for one another. A simple theory test is given on the first day. Theory tests will be mailed to chapters upon request.
On the second day of the program, about a month later, participants show their improvement by playing the same two pieces again. In addition, they perform a third piece which they have prepared.
Participants are encouraged to stay and listen to as many other participants as possible during both auditions. Everyone who participates in both Auditions receives a “Certificate of Participation: from the Music Education Committee of the American Harp Society. Send lists of participants to William Lovelace. It takes about three weeks to produce the certificates. These are mailed to the Chapter President for his/her signature. Please include a mailing address with the request.
Planning Your Chapter’s Auditions:
Any chapter of the American Harp Society can hold Auditions and Evaluations. (some small chapters join with nearby chapters and co-host the event.)
Preparation for the Auditions and Evaluations usually begins in the fall. The chapter president and/or other chapter officers coordinate the choosing of dates and times with securing a location and hiring an advisor.
The two Audition dates are scheduled about four to five weeks apart, usually in late winter or early spring.
If a Chapter’s expenses exceed the fees they receive from the participants, the Chapter may send a written formal request for up to $100.00 to reimburse their losses to the Music Education Committee Chair, or National President. The requests must include the event budget statements.
Every three years, a Chapter may request to have an additional advisor present for the second audition. The request is made to the Music Education Committee Chair, and a member of the Committee or nearby member of the AHS National Board of Directors who is a respected teacher is sent. All travel expenses are reimbursed by the AHS national budget. The local chapter usually supplies room and board for the National Committee guest.
History of the Auditions and Evaluations Program:
“It is often forgotten that Marcel Grandjany and the Founding Committee meant for the American Harp Society to be primarily educational in purpose. So it was with enthusiasm that in 1968 Lucien Thomson accepted the suggestion of the new President, Catherine Gotthoffer, to set up some sort of education program. The Auditions and Evaluations Program was the result. The benefit this brings to students is enormous, giving them goals to work toward and improving musicianship in several ways.”*
Lucien Thomson was the Chairman of the Music Education Committee from 1968 to 2000. Over the years, he visited many chapters as a guest advisor, and oversaw the preparation of nearly 3000 Certificates of Participation during his tenure. “Always bear in mind that it is the average and less gifted student whom we hope to help and inspire. Given sincere encouragement and inspiration, they may surprise us, and in any case they will comprise the knowledgeable audiences of the future.”**
*The American Harp Journal, Winter 1999, p. 25, by Sam Milligan
**Recommendations for Successful Auditions,” by Lucian Thomson, circa 1970.
For further information about the American Harp Society’s Auditions and Evaluations Program, please contact:
William Lovelace, Chairman
AHS Music Education Committee
5206 Trumpet Vine Lane
Knoxville, TN 37918
865-679-9433
UNKNKLS@aol.com