• Harp in Worship Ensemble Information and Repertoire

Harp in Worship 2023 will include three harp ensembles open to registered conference participants:  the Alleluia Ensemble, the Praise Ensemble, and the Saints Ensemble. Each harp ensemble will feature unique arrangements in a variety of musical styles. 
 
Ensemble participants shall provide their own harp, bench, and music. Conference ensembles will be featured in a special performance on Saturday afternoon as well as during Sunday morning church services. Participation in ensembles is open to everyone, on lever or pedal harp. 
 
Sign up in advance with your conference registration. 
 
Alleluia Ensemble
Beautiful and traditional arrangements for multiple harps, team led by Laura Brandenburg and Special Guest Directors Bonnie Mohr, Elaine Litster and Elizabeth Hames. The Alleluia Ensemble will participate in the Traditional Sunday morning worship service.

  • There Is a Redeemer by Melody and Keith Green, arranged for two harps by Bonnie Mohr. Key of Eb Major. 2 parts. Harp I is for lever harp tuned in Eb and Harp 2 is written for pedal harp. This arrangement features excerpts from Debussy’s First Arabesque in the Introduction and Coda, as well as in the bass pattern. Available at: HarpSongMusic.com
 
  • Let All Things Now Living* (Tune: The Ashgrove), arranged for three harps and optional violin by Elizabeth Irene Hames.  Key of G Major, pedal or lever harp.  3 parts. Moderate difficulty. Classically inspired setting of a favorite hymn tune. This ensemble arrangement was commissioned especially for the 2023 Harp in Worship Conference. Available for download         through the composer’s website: emmusicpublishing.com. *World Premiere
 
  • I Know That My Redeemer Lives, by Lewis D. Edward, arranged by Shari Pack. Key of A Major. 3 parts. Lever or pedal harp. Harp 1 and Harp 2 parts are best played on pedal harp; however, they are adaptable for the experienced lever harpist. Harp 3 is written for lever harp. This unique arrangement weaves J.S. Bach’s famous “Prelude in C” throughout.
 
Praise Ensemble
Fun and contemporary original ensemble arrangements, led by dynamic jazz harpist Cindy Horstman. The Praise Ensemble will participate in the Contemporary Sunday morning worship service.

  • His Eye is on the Sparrow, arranged by Cindy Horstman. Key of D major. 2 parts. Latin rhythm with jazz-based harmonies. Syncopated rhythms in both parts give this classic an uplifting, spiritual feel. Harp 1 playable on lever or pedal harp. Harp 2 is pedal harp only.
 
  • The Wayfaring Stranger, arranged by Cindy Horstman and premiered at the 2017 Harp in Worship Conference in Denver, Colorado. Key of E Minor. 3 parts. Harp 1 & 2 parts are lever-friendly, easy-intermediate. Harp 3 part is written for pedal harp, moderate difficulty. This rhythmic and flowing arrangement of a haunting melody includes harmonics and glisses. 
  • Amazing Grace, arranged by Cindy Horstman. Key of F Major. 2 parts. For pedal and lever harp. This is a lovely, jazz based, arrangement of a Gospel classic. Cindy will provide a free lead sheet for participants and will teach the accompaniment during ensemble rehearsals at the conference. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn and play from a lead sheet, harp ensemble style! Lead sheet available in advance by request. 

Saints Ensemble
Back by popular demand, an encore performance of Variations on When the Saints Go Marching In, by Frank Voltz. A genuine crowd-pleaser, this lively arrangement was published by Chiera Music and premiered at the 2017 Harp in Worship Conference in Denver, Colorado. The Saints Ensemble is open to all, and will be led by the effervescent Frank. 
Special note from Frank: “You gotta play it to believe it! This ensemble arrangement for lever or pedal harp is in the form of theme and variations. It begins with the theme (March), and continues in Baroque, Classical, Waltz, Fox Trot, Rock and Roll, and Smooth Jazz styles. Harp Parts 1 and 4 have no lever / pedal changes. Harp Parts 2 and 3 have two lever changes / one pedal change. Playing this piece will be the most fun you've had in church since you were a kid in Sunday School!”
 
 
For questions about signing up for an ensemble, locating the music, or anything else regarding participation in the Alleluia, Praise, or Saints Ensembles, contact Ensembles Coordinator Laura Brandenburg at hiwtx23@gmail.com.
 
Links to Purchase Music
Ensemble participants will provide their own music and may prepare any part of their choosing. Consult with the ensemble director for questions about which part to play. Links to mp3 recordings or guidetracks for practice will be provided where available. Bring printed parts or original downloads only, no photocopies. Please be respectful of copyright laws and support the work of our harpist arrangers.


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     Conference

    First United Methodist Church
    800 W 5th St
    Fort Worth, Texas 76102
    https://fumcfw.org/

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