News Archive
Harpist Makes Cover Story in "Harp Column"
Jody Guinn, harp instructor at Westminster College, appears as the cover story in the November/December issue of "Harp Column," one of the nation's two harp journals.
Guinn and her colleague, Nancy Lendrim, form the Salzedo Harp Duo. They have accompanied for stars such as Clay Aikens, The Three Tenors, Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Josh Groban, and the Moody Blues. They also perform at various events including, weddings, funerals, operas, churches, and ballets.
This duo has known each other for over 20 years.
"I first met Nancy the first summer I went to Camden, Maine, to study at the Salzedo Harp School, and we were instant friends," Guinn said. "Nancy and I spent several summers there and remained friends."
What makes this duo different is not only the instrument they play, but the music they choose to play. After studying with Alice Chalifoux, who was mentored by Salzedo, Guinn and Lendrim felt dedicated to carrying on the tradition of Carlos Salzedo's music.
"Few people know that Salzedo not only wrote original harp duo scores, but also transcribed other composers' music, especially piano duets," Guinn said. "That doesn't mean that we only play Salzedo music, but more that we want to carry on his legacy and method of playing.
"Our story would not be complete without mentioning our friend Alice, who is now 98 years old. She is well known in the harp community, and even appeared on the "Johnny Carson Show." She changed my life. Alice is kind to everyone. She is famous for her wit and equally famous for her stellar teaching. She is also my good friend and was my maid of honor at age 81. She ran the school until 2002. It was a very sad end of an era when she retired&a well deserved retirement, but still sad."
The Salzedo Duo recently recorded the music of Salzedo on the CD, "Short Stories."
"After hearing Salzedo's music, there were people who begged us to make a CD, so they could enjoy his music anytime," Guinn said.
In 2002, the Duo was invited to perform at the 8th World Harp Congress in Geneva, Switzerland. They expanded their works to include other 20th century French composers, as well as a number of contemporary compositions.
In addition to the cover story in "Harp Column," the duo drew a rave review from the Cleveland Plain Dealer's music critic, Donald Rosenberg, in the July 10, 2004 edition. Their CD received a five harp (out of five) rating from "Harp Column" writer Darin Kelly in the March/April 2005 edition. Kelly wrote that "the Salzedo Harp duo comes through with a winning disc of the composer's works."
They also retain active rosters of private students, passing on the Salzedo tradition to a new generation. Currently Guinn and Lendrim continue to perform together in harp ensembles and orchestras where they both hold principal harp positions with Ohio orchestras.
"It's not easy transporting a harp because they are heavy and awkward to move. I have a Lyon & Healy Style 23 concert grand harp, which I have to cover, then load them onto a dolly and maneuver them outside," Guinn said. "I have a station wagon that I use to haul this harp to concerts. Sometimes I have to move my harp three to ten times a day; lifting it into the car to transport; lifting it back out; rolling it into an auditorium; lifting it into an orchestra pit; just to repeat the transport when the concert is done."
The duo has a hectic schedule and talk about whether or not they need a manager.
"I'm enjoying the duo so much," Guinn said. "The spotlight is just on the two of us, and it's so much fun to share it with Nancy."
Contact Guinn at JGuinn4277@aol.com for more information.
Westminster College Professor Earns Doctorate
Dr. James Cherney recently earned his doctorate degree from Indiana University and a promotion from Westminster College.
Westminster College Announces Women's Choir Concert
The Westminster College Women's Choir will present its spring concert Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Wallace Memorial Chapel.
Tibetan Buddhist Monks Visit Westminster College
Westminster College recently hosted a group of visiting Tibetan Buddhist Monks.
Organ Recital Scheduled at Westminster College
Dutch organist Paul Tegels will perform a recital Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 7:30 p.m. in Orr Auditorium.
The evening's program includes works by C.P.E. Bach, Cesar Franck, Johannes Brahms, and others.
Students Compete in Mathematical Contest in Modeling
Four teams of students represented Westminster College in the international Mathematical Contest in Modeling (MCM), held at Westminster Feb. 8-12.
Westminster College Hosts High School Programming Contest
Westminster College hosted 10 teams from five area high schools at this year's High School Programming Contest Oct. 9. The event was hosted by Westminster's Mathematics and Computer Science Department in conjunction with the Admissions Office.
Westminster College Receives $1.2 Million to Endow Scholarships for Chemistry Students
Westminster College recently received a $1.2 million bequest from the estate of Dorothy M. Robins to establish endowed scholarships for chemistry students.
Westminster College to Send 65 Volunteers on Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge Trip
The Westminster College chapter of Habitat for Humanity will observe its 20th anniversary by sending 65 volunteers to Biloxi, Miss., for spring break March 15-21.
Music Majors Received Drinko Grant to Attend Workshop
Four Westminster College music majors received a travel/presentation grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to attend a horn and tuba workshop Oct. 20-21 in Canton, Ohio.
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