TikTok Inspiration and a Backpack Full of Strings
You might expect to first encounter a harp in a sophisticated setting like a concert hall, chamber music recital, or wedding—but for MYS harpist Ben, it was TikTok that first inspired his unique musical path. “I was watching TikTok videos and I saw a woman on there playing the harp and that just really got me interested.” Having already played piano for two years, Ben made a quick transition to harp. "It’s really just like a piano on its side.”
The harp may appear simple at first glance, but Ben quickly discovered its complexity, confessing, “I did not know that you had to change pedals while you’re playing the harp. I thought it was just strings, but there are seven pedals.” Each pedal controls one note of the scale to make it flat, sharp, or natural. “Otherwise, we’d have way too many strings!”
For the past two years, in addition to learning the musical components of the harp, Ben has also learned to navigate logistical challenges. “Moving it up stairs is really the hardest part.” Watching Ben easily navigate his harp up the ramp to MYS rehearsal gives little indication how much work it takes to get there. He has to carry it up and down the stairs at his house. Ben explains, “It’s not too hard, but it does take some work,” adding, “a concert grand harp will actually fit in most SUVs.” Then there are the strings, which can occasionally break. “Everywhere I go, I carry a backpack with a full set of 47 strings!” The thought of breaking a string during a concert is the stuff of nightmares, but thankfully Ben hasn’t had that happen (yet).
While the harp is unique in many ways, Ben shared some reflections about orchestral playing that can be helpful for all musicians:
When sightreading, take a moment to scan the music before playing. Planning ahead is particularly important on harp because “it’s really hard to read the notes and look at your hands at the same time.”
It is important to count rests since there are so many instruments doing different things. “Usually I count rests on my lap with my fingers.”
Record yourself playing to make sure the dynamics and articulations are coming across. “You can really hear so many more things when you’re not paying attention to the notes.”
When asked what it is about the harp that suits him, Ben highlighted the instrument’s expressive potential. “Being able to bring out the musicality of it, the rubato and dynamics, is really important. You can create the illusion of sustaining by using hand gestures after you pluck the strings.” You just might catch some of Ben’s expressive hand gestures when he and fellow harpist Riley take the stage at the Fall Concert on November 3.
Ben is a 9th grade member of the MYS Repertory Orchestra who plays with both the Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras. He studies harp with Amy Nam and attends Saint Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights.
