December 2018

Celtic mahogany harp by master builder Duane Bolster

Q: What is a Celtic harp, you ask?

A:  The Celtic harp is a triangular harp traditional to Ireland and Scotland. It was a wire-strung instrument requiring great skill and long practice to play, and was associated with the Gaelic ruling class. It is said the music heard in heaven is the golden sound of harps. Today the Celtic harp has an aura of mystery because the average person has never seen a harp except at the symphony and has never heard of an Irish harp.

“I build ’em, don’t play ’em. Please give it a try.  Play it. Pet it. ” Duane Bolster

In 2006 Duane Bolster received the  Hero award from CCA “For Creating a Magnificent Harp for the Music Rx Program” and in 2010 received The John Barry Award from Northwest Kidney Kids Inc. “For Providing Exceptional Care to Children with Kidney Disease”

“I don’t play, not even a little. A note on my not playing the harp; I have studied a few instruments over the years; accordion, clarinet, piano, and harp to name a few, but mastered none. I frequently have people express surprise when they find out that I build harps, but don’t play the harp. They get a chuckle when I mention with a laugh that I know some people who even though they play the harp, they don’t know how to build one!!”—Duane

Fairweather House and Gallery, located at 612 Broadway, in downtown Seaside will host a “Harp Instrument Petting Zoo” throughout December.

This free event is open to the public for adults and children in their first attempts to engage the harp instrument.

Each participant will have the opportunity to play featuring the instrument crafted by Duane Bolster, master harp builder.