We're shining the spotlight on the Puerto Rico Chapter of the AHS, winner of the Chapter of the Year Award in 2019 and 2021! We caught up with chapter president Andrea N. Rivera-Pérez, who shared her insights and strategy for maintaining a healthy, active community of harpists in Puerto Rico.
As a chapter, we strive to offer something unique each month—whether it’s hosting workshops, organizing seminars, or planning casual meet-and-greets. Sometimes our workshops aren’t directly harp-related, but they’re designed to strengthen our group dynamic and create a more connected, supportive atmosphere. One of our favorite activities is visiting homes for the elderly, as it allows us to engage with different communities and share meaningful moments throughout the Island.
Yes, we have several beloved traditions! One of our favorites is coming together to celebrate special moments throughout the year. Whether it’s performing at our Christmas recital or gathering for the annual Glissando Harp Camp, we always enjoy the chance to connect, celebrate, and share the music of Puerto Rico. We also make it a point to recognize and celebrate our members’ achievements—whether they’re harp-related or not, like graduations, academic milestones, or winning competitions. It’s all part of the supportive community we’ve built together.
What makes our chapter truly special is our members. Each one brings something unique, and together we’ve built a supportive, inspiring community. We’re always there for one another, working as a team to share the harp and our love of music with others across Puerto Rico.
I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished, especially given the challenges we’ve faced. Our community has grown, and with it, so has the love for the harp. Beyond traditional learning, we’ve found meaningful ways to blend the harp with our culture, our musical styles, and our unique artistic voice—making the experience not only enriching, but also vibrant and fun.
I’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank each member of our chapter’s board. Every one of them dedicates their time and energy to making our Chapter what it is today. Their efforts help keep everything running smoothly and make our events and initiatives possible. A special thank you to Elisa Torres, Ileana Colón, and Jonathan Schneider for their continued dedication and support.
We’re also truly grateful to be part of a larger network that uplifts and celebrates the unique contributions of each Chapter. Thank you again for giving us the opportunity to share a bit of our story!
Thank you so much for sharing, Andrea! Learn more about the Puerto Rico Chapter on their Facebook page.
