The inaugural 2027 AHS Harp Ensemble Festival is a national American Harp Society event co-hosted by the Dallas Chapter. It brings harpists and their families together for four days of ensemble performances, adjudication, workshops, reading sessions, and evening concerts. The Festival encourages musical collaboration, community, and the development of ensemble performance skills.
June 17–20, 2027, at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas, in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.
Harpists of all ages and experience levels are welcome, from beginners to experienced performers. University ensembles, public school ensembles, AHS chapter ensembles, private studio groups, and other harp ensembles may participate. Both lever and pedal harp ensembles are welcome, from duets to large groups.
Yes! You do not need to perform in an ensemble to enjoy the Festival. Registered attendees can participate in ensemble reading sessions led by composers/arrangers, attend workshops, evening concerts, guest artist recitals, ensemble performances, receptions, and other daily events. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect with other harpists, and enjoy music together.
All participants, presenters, performers, and ensemble directors must register individually. Performing ensemble entry fees are separate from attendee registration. Directors or appointed ensemble leaders must register individually first to gain access to the ensemble application.
All evening concerts, guest artist recitals, ensemble performances, workshops, receptions, daily events, and more. Ensemble performances are open to registered attendees as audience members.
Regular registration: $325, or $250 for current AHS members. Student registration: $225, or $175 for current AHS student members. Non-harpist family member or chaperone badge: $30, when accompanying a registered attendee. Register by April 15, 2027; rates increase April 16. Registration information is available at https://www.harpsociety.org/ensemble2027.
AHS membership is not required to attend or participate in the Festival. Current AHS members should log in to their AHS account before registering to receive the discounted member rate. If you would like to join AHS, complete your membership before registering for the Festival. Discounted K–12 Organization Group Memberships and Studio Memberships are available at https://www.harpsociety.org/groups.
The director or designated ensemble leader must first register individually for the Festival by February 1, 2027. Their registration confirmation will include a link to the Ensemble Application and Entry Form. Only one person submits the ensemble application and pays the applicable entry fees. Each ensemble member must also register individually; register by April 15, 2027, for early registration rates.
Registration and ensemble applications open November 1, 2026. Ensemble applications and entry fees are due February 1, 2027. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Duet, trio, or quartet: $25 per ensemble. Medium ensemble of up to 12 harpists: $50 per ensemble. Large ensemble of more than 12 harpists: $75 per ensemble. Collegiate Showcase: $75 per ensemble.
Yes. Registered attendees may participate in multiple ensembles. An ensemble must submit an application and pay a separate entry fee for each category entered.
Ages are determined as of June 1, 2027.
Directors should choose the division and category that best fit their ensemble’s makeup. The Open Division welcomes harpists of any age and is designed for mixed ensembles of students and community harpists, including chapter ensembles.
There is no minimum performance time required. All maximum time limits include transitions between pieces.
All ensemble members must be enrolled in a collegiate program as of spring 2027. Ensembles may be any size. Showcase performances take place Saturday, June 19, 2027. The Collegiate Showcase is listed as Division 6 on the Ensemble Application & Entry Form.
Programs are free choice, but each must include at least one work originally composed for harp ensemble. Transcriptions do not count toward that requirement. Ensemble Application & Entry Forms are due February 1, 2027. All program repertoire information and any corrections are due May 1, 2027. Ensemble Directors will receive a reminder email and program submission form before the program deadline.
Ensembles perform once for adjudicators and a live audience in their registered division and category. Ratings are I. Superior, II. Excellent, or III. Good. Criteria include precision of ensemble playing, blend of sound, articulation and tone, intonation, leadership, and musical interpretation. Ensembles are not ranked against one another; multiple ensembles may receive the same rating. See the Ensemble Evaluation Rubric PDF
Ensembles receive written comments and ratings, with spoken comments after the performance as time allows. Collegiate Showcase ensembles receive written comments and ratings only. Participants in any division may elect to receive written comments without a rating; those ensembles are not eligible for Outstanding Ensemble Performance Award consideration.
Adjudicators may choose to confer Outstanding Ensemble Awards within each division and category. Only ensembles receiving ratings of I (Superior) from all three adjudicators are eligible for consideration. Select Outstanding Ensemble Award recipients may be invited to perform in the Closing Concert and Ceremony without remuneration.
Written comments will be emailed to directors following the Festival. Ratings will be posted at the conclusion of each division’s performances during the Festival. Awards will be distributed at the closing ceremony on Sunday, June 20. Recipients must be present to receive awards. No certificates or awards will be mailed.
All Festival performances, workshops, and events take place at the Marriott Dallas Allen Hotel & Convention Center in Allen, Texas. The Festival group rate is $185 per night, plus tax. Garage parking is included when you book through the Festival group link, with parking on the same level as your room for easier harp moving. Guest room Wi-Fi is free for Marriott Bonvoy members. Dining and shopping at Watters Creek Village are a short walk across the street.
Use the Festival group reservation link available through https://www.harpsociety.org/festvenue to receive the group rate and included garage parking. Make your reservation by May 24, 2027, to secure the discounted group rate.
Ensembles are highly encouraged to bring their own harps if at all possible. A limited number of loaner harps will be available for ensemble performances and will be scheduled through the Harp Pen. Requests for loaner harps can be submitted through the Ensemble Application and Entry Form by the director.
Ensembles traveling from farther away may request loaner harps through the Ensemble Application and Entry Form. A limited number will be available, so submitting a request does not guarantee availability. Email the Festival co-chairs to discuss the Harp Partners program and coordinate instrument needs before traveling.
Personal harps will be stored in your hotel room. Ensembles bringing harps are encouraged to participate in the Harp Partners program, which connects ensembles willing to share instruments with ensembles traveling from farther away. Contact the Festival co-chairs at AHSFestival27@gmail.com for more information and to coordinate arrangements.
All participants should bring their own tuning keys and tuning accessories, even if they are not bringing a harp. Participants bringing harps must also provide their own replacement strings. Label everything with your individual name. A limited number of strings may be available to purchase, but availability is not guaranteed. Lost items will be held in the Festival office. Nothing will be shipped to owners after the event. Check before leaving the hotel if you are missing anything.
Choice of performance attire is up to each individual ensemble.
Rideshare, shuttle, and rental car options are available at both major airports: DFW International and Dallas Love Field.
https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/transportation/
https://www.dallas-lovefield.com/passenger-services/ground-transportation
The hotel offers a breakfast restaurant, and food is available in the hotel bar and grill. Watters Creek Village, a short walk from the hotel, offers a variety of dining options and a grocery store.
Yes. Non-harpist family member or chaperone badges are available for $30 for those accompanying a registered attendee. These badges include access to concerts, workshops, performances, and other Festival events. Participants under age 18 must be under the supervision of an adult. Evening concerts are also open to the public, with tickets available at the door for $20 each.
The American Harp Society, its officers, employees, independent contractors, and/or volunteers do not provide guardianship services for unaccompanied minors attending events. It is the responsibility of the parents of unaccompanied minors to provide for a guardian for their minor child and to follow all rules set forth in the policies of the venues where events are located.
Individual participants will receive a confirmation email after submitting their registration form and payment. Ensemble directors or leaders will receive a confirmation email after submitting their ensemble application and entry fees. Ensemble reminders will be sent to the designated director or leader. As more information becomes available, this FAQ will be updated; please check back.
Festival merchandise will not be sold on site at the Festival. Pre-order your Festival swag at the AHS Bonfire store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/ahs-events/
Yes. Premium sponsorship levels are Platinum Presenting, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Bluebonnet, with customizable opportunities. Cash and in-kind donors under $500 are recognized as Friends of the AHS. Premium benefits include promotional recognition, at least one app push notification, discounted advertising opportunities, at least one complimentary ticket to all evening concerts, an opportunity to supply literature or a small tote bag item, and a Proud Sponsor icon. Visit https://www.harpsociety.org/sponsors-amp-ads or please email Festival leadership at for more information.
Visit https://www.harpsociety.org/ensemble2027 for registration, ensemble entry information, guest artist announcements, and Festival updates.
Visit https://www.harpsociety.org/festparticipation for more information or download the complete 2027 AHS Harp Ensemble Festival Rules.
Email Co-Chairs Laura Brandenburg & Kela Walton with questions!
