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Home > Blogs > Arts and Entertainment > Archives > 2010 > July > 07 > Entry
Harp ensemble celebrates 30th anniversary
It’s no secret that harmonic vibrations off the strings of a harp have a soothing, calming effect. But professional harpist Bobbie Strobhar, coordinator of the Dayton Area Harp Association (DEHA), believes the instrument has healing properties too.
“I sometimes play in the neo-natal intensive care unit at Miami Valley Hospital,” she said. “The vibration calms babies down. Their breathing relaxes, they stop crying, they eat better and they get out of the hospital faster.”
Strobhar is a harp fancier and instructor. She said the DAHE celebrates its 30th anniversary with a series of concerts beginning at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 100 Country Club Rd., Xenia Sunday, July 11 at 3 p.m.
“Our ensemble is a mix of students and professionals,” Strobhar explained. “A lot of the members have been in the ensemble for decades. I put together a special program this year for our anniversary. We’ll also do a holiday program later this year.”
Most of DEHA performances are free and take place in churches. The lone exception is the Thursday, August 19 performance at the Dayton Art Institute which is free to DAI members and $5 for non-members.
“There are three reason why we prefer to play in churches,” Strobhar said. “Number one, people aren’t going to charge us to play in churches. Number two, you usually have a nice base of a congregation so you already have interested people. Number three, churches are easy to get into because trying to haul all these harps up stairs is treacherous.”
Strobhar said the 14 member ensemble is accompanied by flute, violin, cello and percussion. Ron Kendell, conductor for Dayton Playhouse, is music director.
This is not a money-maker at all,” she said. “This is strictly for the love of playing and to give the community something unusual.”
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