Re: [Harp-L] More SPAH Convention News...

[Richard Hunter <turtlehill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Warren Bee wrote:
<It doesn't matter what your playing level is when it comes to attending a
<SPAH convention. All are welcome and all will find their "place" in the jar.
<Nobody is ever left out at a SPAH convention. When it's over you will leave
<a better player with a smile on your face that you can't wipe off!

I want to second what Warren said here, because to me it's the most striking and wonderful thing about SPAH.  

It's not just that a beginner can breathe the same air as the great, established players at SPAH.  The beginner can walk right up to those players and learn from them.  I don't know of any other convention, for any instrument, where the same can be said.

I will never forget the sight of Robert Bonfiglio, probably the most accomplished and technically skilled classical musician ever to play harmonica, playing in a group with novices at SPAH 1998.  How many novice cellists will ever have the chance to play on the same stage with Yo Yo Ma?  But that's the kind of thing that happens at every SPAH.  

For more accomplished players, it's inspiring to hear great players in genres other than one's own, and reflect on how much there really is to learn about the instrument and music, no matter how much one has already learned.  I think of James Conway's thrilling performance of Irish music with his band at SPAH 2007--what a fresh take on the instrument that was, in every way!  

SPAH is truly inspiring, and a tremendous learning opportunity for players at every level.

Regards, Richard Hunter
latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://myspace.com/richardhunterharp
more mp3s at http://taxi.com/rhunter