BRATTLEBORO — The Brattleboro Music Center (BMC) is offering a unique weeklong program this summer that allows participants to make and learn to play their own harp - and multigenerational music lovers are encouraged to make this a family affair.
Those attending the first-ever Hands on Harps Camp - open to participants ages 8 all the way through adult - will build their very own clàsarch (small harp) and learn to play it.
The camp runs from Aug. 2 through Aug. 6 at BMC (72 Blanche Moyse Way).
The first day, Monday, Aug. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will be spent constructing the harps (all supplies are provided) under the direction of master instrument maker Dennis Waring.
Sessions for the remainder of the week, with harper Rachel Clement, all run from noon to 2 p.m.
They will include instruction in how to play and maintain the harp. Participants will also explore the musical history of Scottish and Irish culture and how it relates to the musical traditions of New England.
The tuition is $295 ($140 to cover instrument making materials and $155 for instruction). Scholarships are available.
Younger campers (ages 8-13) should be accompanied by a guardian (for one fee).
Other BMC summer camps include:
• String Orchestra “Reads,” for intermediate to advanced string players in high school and up;
• Camp Presto, focusing on beginner instrument and music training; Summer Strings for grades 3-6;
• Youth String Orchestra Re-boot Camp, “for those who have been involved in the Youth String Orchestra in the past,” according to the BMC website. (“It's OK if you haven't played in a while!” the course description says.)