ENTRIES ACCEPTED AT ANY TIME. YOU MAY REGISTER THE DAY OF THE COMPETITION AS WELL.
SCOTTISH HARP COMPETITION
HOST OF THE 2024
SCOTTISH HARP SOCIETY OF AMERICA
UNITED STATES NATIONAL HARP COMPETITION
SPONSORED BY
LEARNED KINDRED OF CURRIE
Also sponsored by the Scottish Harp Society of America and American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter.
Special thanks to AHS Pittsburgh for sponsoring the Journeyman/Master award
SPONSOR OF THE STRING-BAND PERFORMANCE IN THE CLAN AREA:
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HARPS STAFF:
MELANIE SANDROCK - Director of Harp Event
FAYE IREY
VICKI JONES
EMILY URSO
JUNE SECHRIST
FAYE IREY
VICKI JONES
EMILY URSO
JUNE SECHRIST
SCOTTISH HARPS
The "Scottish harp" is a small harp used in Scotland, Ireland and Wales for several centuries. "Small" means that it has fewer strings in comparison to the modern orchestral harp, on a smaller body.
Harps come in many sizes and are more primitive in that the harp changes key with levers that press on individual strings to raise the pitch. The strings are gut, nylon or wire and can be played with either finger pads or, historically, the fingernails. The harp was revered in the clans and the harper was expected to tell stories of the history of the clan.
Scottish culture and music is widespread and with it went the harp, and today is most prevalent in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Canada and the USA. More detailed information can be found at the Harp page using the link below.
Harps come in many sizes and are more primitive in that the harp changes key with levers that press on individual strings to raise the pitch. The strings are gut, nylon or wire and can be played with either finger pads or, historically, the fingernails. The harp was revered in the clans and the harper was expected to tell stories of the history of the clan.
Scottish culture and music is widespread and with it went the harp, and today is most prevalent in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Canada and the USA. More detailed information can be found at the Harp page using the link below.
SCOTTISH HARP SOCIETY OF AMERICA
HARPS REGISTRATION begins in the Harp Pavilion at 8:30 a.m.
2024 WORKSHOP CO-LEADER & HARPS JUDGE SHARON KNOWLES
Sharon discovered the Harp in her twenties and immediately plunged into acquiring the necessary skills to play, teach and perform music. From studying with harpists such as Mary McMaster, Patsy Seddon and Judith Peacock Cummings, to playing in innumerable sessions, to taking three years of college courses in music theory, singing, chorus, music history and piano as well as many workshops, Sharon devoted herself to becoming a serious musician. With her customary thoroughness, she took the time to acquaint herself with the pedal harp, to better enable her to help students making the transition from pedal to lever harp.
Sharon, who is most comfortalbe playing by ear, is a masterful accompanist and has performed in the group "Hen" with Sue Richards and Fynesound, a larger ensemble which also includes a dancer. She currently performs solo, in a duo with her husband John, in another duo with soprano Stepahnie Roelker, in an Irish instrumental ensemble called The Morning Star and in a trio with record label owner Maggie Sansone. She has also made a unique recording with claw hammer banjo player Joe Trudeau.
Sharon teaches harp all over the USA and is a respected adjudicator with the Scottish Harp Society of America. She also runs an internationally recognized concert series out of her home near Gettysburg.
Sharon, who is most comfortalbe playing by ear, is a masterful accompanist and has performed in the group "Hen" with Sue Richards and Fynesound, a larger ensemble which also includes a dancer. She currently performs solo, in a duo with her husband John, in another duo with soprano Stepahnie Roelker, in an Irish instrumental ensemble called The Morning Star and in a trio with record label owner Maggie Sansone. She has also made a unique recording with claw hammer banjo player Joe Trudeau.
Sharon teaches harp all over the USA and is a respected adjudicator with the Scottish Harp Society of America. She also runs an internationally recognized concert series out of her home near Gettysburg.
2024 WORKSHOP CO-LEADER AND HARPS JUDGE MARTHA GEOUGE HILL
A native of the North Carolina Mountains, Martha grew up in a very musical family. She began studying piano at age 7, organ at age 13, and completed her BM and MM degrees at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She obtained her Ed.D. degree at Columbia University in New York City.
Martha completed a career in North Carolina public education before retiring in 2013. She taught middle/high school choral music for 10 years before moving into various roles in educational administration - curriculum specialist, principal, director, and superintendent. During her years in public school education, she remained heavily involved in accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists/ensembles; playing chamber music; singing in the Hickory Choral Society; and serving as a church organist.
Following her Scots-Irish roots, Martha developed a great love of the Celtic harp during her husband’s involvement in the Scottish High land Games. Martha’s passion for the harp has grown and evolved over the years.
Currently, she performs with the Celtic trio, Stone’s Throw. She is a member of the Blue Mountain Harpers in Asheville, North Carolina, and toured northeast Scotland in 2019 and in 2023 with the ensemble Harpa. She also composes and arranges for the Celtic harp and for Stone’s Throw.
In 2023 she performed by special invitation at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival with Harpa. In 2017, Martha won the harp competition at the Scotland County, NC Highland Games, and was awarded the Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Prize for Best Senior Clarsach Player by the Clan Donald Trust. In 2018, she also won the Master level harp competition at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, and in 2019, was awarded the Adult Prodigy Award while Stone’s Throw won the top award in 2018 and 2019 for the “Harp in Ensemble” at the Grandfather Mountain competition.
She is a member of the Scottish Harp Society in America, and a certified judge of SHSA sanctioned harp competitions. Martha resides between Hickory and Todd, North Carolina with her husband, Ben. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth, and her Siamese cat, Fingal, and rescued English Bulldog, Harley Quinn.
Martha completed a career in North Carolina public education before retiring in 2013. She taught middle/high school choral music for 10 years before moving into various roles in educational administration - curriculum specialist, principal, director, and superintendent. During her years in public school education, she remained heavily involved in accompanying vocal and instrumental soloists/ensembles; playing chamber music; singing in the Hickory Choral Society; and serving as a church organist.
Following her Scots-Irish roots, Martha developed a great love of the Celtic harp during her husband’s involvement in the Scottish High land Games. Martha’s passion for the harp has grown and evolved over the years.
Currently, she performs with the Celtic trio, Stone’s Throw. She is a member of the Blue Mountain Harpers in Asheville, North Carolina, and toured northeast Scotland in 2019 and in 2023 with the ensemble Harpa. She also composes and arranges for the Celtic harp and for Stone’s Throw.
In 2023 she performed by special invitation at the Edinburgh International Harp Festival with Harpa. In 2017, Martha won the harp competition at the Scotland County, NC Highland Games, and was awarded the Princess Margaret of the Isles Memorial Prize for Best Senior Clarsach Player by the Clan Donald Trust. In 2018, she also won the Master level harp competition at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, and in 2019, was awarded the Adult Prodigy Award while Stone’s Throw won the top award in 2018 and 2019 for the “Harp in Ensemble” at the Grandfather Mountain competition.
She is a member of the Scottish Harp Society in America, and a certified judge of SHSA sanctioned harp competitions. Martha resides between Hickory and Todd, North Carolina with her husband, Ben. They are the parents of two adult daughters, Rebecca and Elizabeth, and her Siamese cat, Fingal, and rescued English Bulldog, Harley Quinn.
2024 MASTER OF CEREMONIES FOR HARPS STEVE SCHACK
Mr. Steve Schack of Columbus, Ohio is an experienced and renowned Scottish Harpist and the 2010 U.S. National Scottish Harping champion.
Become a sponsor of the Ligonier Highland Games and help us continue the tradition of preserving and promoting Scottish arts and heritage. Your donation will be recognized on our website and in the souvenir program book. Other benefits can include V.I.P. seating, hotel accommodation and becoming an honorary chieftain. Click link above to find out more.
2023 SCOTTISH HARP COMPETITIONS RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
SYLVIA REESE
BEGINNER CATEGORY
1st Place KAY BALDEROSE
2nd Place SYLVIA REESE
3rd Place RACHEL URSO
JOURNEYMAN CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH McINTOSH
APPRENTICE CATEGORY
1st Place DEVIN HOUSLEY
HARP & ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARP ENSEMBLE & STRING BAND
FAITH STENNING SCHOLARSHIP
SARAH McINTOSH
SYLVIA REESE
BEGINNER CATEGORY
1st Place KAY BALDEROSE
2nd Place SYLVIA REESE
3rd Place RACHEL URSO
JOURNEYMAN CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH McINTOSH
APPRENTICE CATEGORY
1st Place DEVIN HOUSLEY
HARP & ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARP ENSEMBLE & STRING BAND
FAITH STENNING SCHOLARSHIP
SARAH McINTOSH
2019 SCOTTISH HARP COMPETITION RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
CAMRYN BUCCI
BEGINNER CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH URSO
2nd Place SARAH MCINTOSH
3rd Place AZARIAH WHITE
4th Place CAMRYN BUCCI
5th Place ANN-MARIE HORCHER
NOVICE CATEGORY
1st Place MATHEW PAINTER
2nd Place DANIEL TOTTEN
APPRENTICE CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
MASTER CATEGORY
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN
HARP & ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARP ENSEMBLE & STRING BAND
FAITH STENNING SCHOLARSHIP
REAGAN ALLEN
CAMRYN BUCCI
BEGINNER CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH URSO
2nd Place SARAH MCINTOSH
3rd Place AZARIAH WHITE
4th Place CAMRYN BUCCI
5th Place ANN-MARIE HORCHER
NOVICE CATEGORY
1st Place MATHEW PAINTER
2nd Place DANIEL TOTTEN
APPRENTICE CATEGORY
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
MASTER CATEGORY
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN
HARP & ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARP ENSEMBLE & STRING BAND
FAITH STENNING SCHOLARSHIP
REAGAN ALLEN
2018 HARPS COMPETITION RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
CAROL KAPPUS
NOVICE OPEN
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
JOURNEYMAN OPEN
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN 2nd Place MADELYN KOONTZ
MASTERS
1st Place ALIX BALDWIN
2nd Place CAROL KAPPUS 3rd Place ANGEL WATESKA
HARP AND VOCAL
1st Place CAROL KAPPUS
HARP AND ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARPS & STRINGS BAND
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
ALIX BALDWIN
CAROL KAPPUS
NOVICE OPEN
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
JOURNEYMAN OPEN
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN 2nd Place MADELYN KOONTZ
MASTERS
1st Place ALIX BALDWIN
2nd Place CAROL KAPPUS 3rd Place ANGEL WATESKA
HARP AND VOCAL
1st Place CAROL KAPPUS
HARP AND ENSEMBLE
1st Place RINGGOLD HARPS & STRINGS BAND
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
ALIX BALDWIN
2017 HARPS COMPETITION RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
REAGAN ALLEN
REAGAN ALLEN
BEGINNER OPEN
1st Place CHLOE RUSSELL TIE 1st Place GIANNA SPRECACE
NOVICE OPEN
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
APPRENTICE OPEN
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN 2nd Place HANNA McINTOSH
JOURNEYMAN OPEN
1st Place ANGEL WATESKA 2nd Place MADELYN KOONTZ
HARP IN ENSEMBLE
1st Place RUSTIC RHYTHMS ENSEMBLE (RINGGOLD)
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
ANGEL WATESKA
Rustic Rhythms group members:
Kris Patrick, Ethan Gamble, Beth Gamble, Eli Drischler, Melanie Sandrock, Emily Urso, Sarah Hetzler, Kelley Kulp. Sarah Middlemiss, Flo Rusch, Judy Founds, Judy Forsyth, Donna Schipani, Corin Schipani, Caden Schipani, Lukas Holsopple, Sarah Stewartson, Aaron Lunn, Kylie Konton, Christian Martin Penley, Barb Heinze, Kirra Gerrard, Gianna Popalo, Madelyn Koontz, Sarah Hetzler, Hannah McIntosh, Caitlin Painter, Anna Vogt, Eva Vogt, Ali Crownover, Brett Ridgeway, Kim Ridgeway
1st Place CHLOE RUSSELL TIE 1st Place GIANNA SPRECACE
NOVICE OPEN
1st Place SARAH MIDDLEMISS
APPRENTICE OPEN
1st Place REAGAN ALLEN 2nd Place HANNA McINTOSH
JOURNEYMAN OPEN
1st Place ANGEL WATESKA 2nd Place MADELYN KOONTZ
HARP IN ENSEMBLE
1st Place RUSTIC RHYTHMS ENSEMBLE (RINGGOLD)
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
ANGEL WATESKA
Rustic Rhythms group members:
Kris Patrick, Ethan Gamble, Beth Gamble, Eli Drischler, Melanie Sandrock, Emily Urso, Sarah Hetzler, Kelley Kulp. Sarah Middlemiss, Flo Rusch, Judy Founds, Judy Forsyth, Donna Schipani, Corin Schipani, Caden Schipani, Lukas Holsopple, Sarah Stewartson, Aaron Lunn, Kylie Konton, Christian Martin Penley, Barb Heinze, Kirra Gerrard, Gianna Popalo, Madelyn Koontz, Sarah Hetzler, Hannah McIntosh, Caitlin Painter, Anna Vogt, Eva Vogt, Ali Crownover, Brett Ridgeway, Kim Ridgeway
2016 HARPS COMPETITION RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
Eli Drischler
Eli Drischler
BEGINNER
1st Place Sarah Middlemiss 2nd Place Skylar Hazelton
NOVICE
1st Place Reagan Allen 2nd Place Eva Vogt
APPRENTICE
1st Place Angela Wateska 2nd Place Eli Drischler
3rd Place Madelyn Koontz 4th Place Anna Vogt
JOURNEYMAN
1st Place Sarah Hetzler 2nd Place Donna Bennett
MASTER
1st Place Jen Narkevicius
HARP IN ENSEMBLE
1st Place Rustic Rhythms
EMERGING FORMS
1st Place Donna Bennett 2nd Place Eli Drischler
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
Jen Narkevicius
1st Place Sarah Middlemiss 2nd Place Skylar Hazelton
NOVICE
1st Place Reagan Allen 2nd Place Eva Vogt
APPRENTICE
1st Place Angela Wateska 2nd Place Eli Drischler
3rd Place Madelyn Koontz 4th Place Anna Vogt
JOURNEYMAN
1st Place Sarah Hetzler 2nd Place Donna Bennett
MASTER
1st Place Jen Narkevicius
HARP IN ENSEMBLE
1st Place Rustic Rhythms
EMERGING FORMS
1st Place Donna Bennett 2nd Place Eli Drischler
FAITH STENNING MEMORIAL AWARD
Sponsored by the American Harp Society Pittsburgh Chapter
Jen Narkevicius
2015 HARPS COMPETITION RESULTS
ST. ANDREWS SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH HARPIST OF THE DAY
Rheannon Ramsey-Brimberg
Rheannon Ramsey-Brimberg
BEGINNER
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1st Place Gabe Cunningham
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2nd Place Hannah MacIntosh
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NOVICE
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1st Place Kira Kaselah
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2nd Place Eva Vogt
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3rd Place Eli Drischler
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APPRENTICE
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1st Place Caitlin Painter
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2nd Place Angel Wateska
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JOURNEYMAN
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1st Place Sarah Hetzler
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2nd Place Samantha Schultz
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3rd Place Alexis Dolfi
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MASTER
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1st Place Mary Abbott
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2nd Place Rheannon Ramsey-Brimberg
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ENSEMBLE
1st Place The Ringgold String Band
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