Welcome!
Welcome to the Chicago Harp Ensemble, training ensemble of the Chicago Harp Quartet.  This site is for students, families, and teachers to help us all stay organized and informed, as well as for potential new members to see what we're all about.  Please check out our 2018-19 season and let us know if you have any questions!

About the Ensemble

The Chicago Harp Ensemble was established in Fall 2010 to provide vital ensemble experience to harpists of all ages, performance levels and harp types.  All classes are lead by a professional instructor with extensive experience with harp ensemble and take place September through May.  Classes include warm-up exercises, sight-reading and performance pieces while integrating music theory and improvisation as well.  Participation in the harp ensemble will enrich harp education by providing a fun and friendly environment in which to learn ensembles skills, build a strong rhythmic background, strengthen ear training, learn to follow a conductor and build a supportive harp community.

Concerts

The Chicago Harp Ensemble performs two concerts free to the public each year.  If you are interested in attending these concerts, please get in touch with CHQ to find out more information. 

Faculty

Marguerite Lynn Williams, Founder & Director

Alison Attar, CHE North Assistant Director

Julie Spring, CHE downtown Assistant Director

Lauren Hayes & Ellie Kirk, Teachers

2018-2019 Season
The Chicago Harp Ensemble is pleased to announce its 2018-2019 season beginning September 8th.  Downtown ensemble rehearsals will take place at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave, Rm 901 Harp Studio, where we are privileged to have four concert grand harps to be shared among students.  

Fall 2018 Schedule
Rehearsals:

  1. September 8

  2. September 15

  3. September 29

  4. October 13

  5. October 27

  6. November 3

  7. November 17

Dress Rehearsal ~ December 2, 2-4pm  Lyon & Healy Hall
Concert ~ December 2, 5pm    Lyon & Healy Hall

Spring 2019 Schedule
Rehearsals:

  1. February 9

  2. February 23

  3. March 9

  4. March 23

  5. April 6

  6. April 27

  7. May 11

Dress Rehearsal ~ May 19, 2-4pm  Lyon & Healy Hall
Concert ~ May 19, 5pm  Lyon & Healy Hall


Beginner 9:30-10:15am
Intermediate/Advanced 9:30-11:00am

Registration & Tuition

The Chicago Harp Ensemble is open to harpists of all ages, performance levels and harp types.


2018-2019 Information

  • Registration deadline: 8/31/18

  • Tuition: $230/semester or $410 for both semesters if paid in full by 8/31/18

  • Tuition is due with registration materials each semester (8/31/18 for the Fall term and 2/1/19 for the Spring term)

  • Please make checks payable to: Chicago Harp Quartet

  • Music will be distributed beginning 8/13/18, as soon as registration materials are received.

  • Students are expected to prepare music before the first rehearsal of each term.

Important Information

  • Harpists are required to bring their harp, bench and music stand to all rehearsals and concerts. (Some equipment is available in the Roosevelt Harp studio including four pedal harps, assorted music stands and benches.  Please make arrangements directly with Ms. Williams to use this equipment. All equipment is provided for concerts taking place at Lyon & Healy Hall.)

  • Attendance Policy

    o   Attendance at all rehearsals is expected, however we offer some flexibility to accommodate members who would otherwise not be able to participate. 

    o   All members are allowed one absence.  If a member is absent for more than one rehearsal, they will be required to do a performance test before or after a rehearsal in order to be approved for participation in the semester’s concert.

    o   Planned absences: please provide a written excuse to the Director two weeks prior to the absence.

    o   Unexpected absences (such as illness or emergency): please call the Director (773-791-7520) as soon as possible.

    o   Attendance at dress rehearsals and concerts is mandatory.

  • All harpists are expected to arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to the start of ensemble rehearsal to ensure plenty of time for tuning and set-up. If the member cannot tune in less than 5 minutes, it is highly encouraged for them to arrive earlier to allow enough tuning time.

  • Tardiness is not allowed. Please make every effort to arrive before the start of class. If for any reason a harpist arrives after the start of a rehearsal, they will tune quietly outside the room and be allowed to join the ensemble at an appropriate break.

  • Parking is available on the street and in paid parking lots. We suggest using parkwhiz or spothero to find discounted rates.

  • Concert Dress: For the 2018-2019 season, CHE will be wearing long black bottoms (pants or full-length skirts), black tops, black hosiery or socks and black shoes.

Contact Information
chicagoharpquartet@gmail.com