MISSION

The mission of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble is to deliver quality musical instruction on the harp, develop music reading skills and musicianship to at-risk, urban youth.

VISION

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble is introducing students to educational and professional opportunities, that may otherwise be outside of their reach. The exposure to harp musicianship will impact the gender and ethnicity composition of the orchestral stage.

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble provides the experiences and the program that helps the young harpist begin their potentially life-long journey in the captivating musical world of the harp. The free program is funded through donations from individuals, foundation grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with host school like Charles R. Drew Charter School.

OUR HISTORY

  • 25th Anniversary Program Year!

    • Expansion of after-school programming at Drew Charter School.

    • Addition of after-school program at Harper-Archer Elementary school, teaching third and fourth grade students

    • Six week summer camp and recital at ArtsXchange.

    • Feature on The Kelly Clarkson Show, with Roselyn Lewis, Dr. Jennifer Betzer, and Myron Leonard.

    • Launch of Sip & Strings performance series.

    • Major Gift from The Community Foundation of Tennessee through The Price Fund from Lauren Daigle.

    • Dr. Molly O’Roark, returns as Artistic  Director.

    • Dr. Jennifer Betzer joins as Junior Academy teacher.

    • UYHE successfully transitions back to in-person instructional programming, serving over 80 students.

    • In response to COVID pandemic, Ensemble facilitates classes virtually.

    • The Links Atlanta Chapter contributes major gift to purchase pedal harp.

    • Angelica Hairston joins as Artistic Director and Dr. O’Roark joins as Junior Academy harp instructor.

    • ‍Monica Hargrave, harpist and UGA harp instructor, teaches harp at Main Street Charter Academy with support from Atlanta Chapter of Pierians.

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    • UYHE moves to Drew Charter School, teaching over 60 students for instructional credit.

    • Carolyn Lund, professional harpist, hired as Artistic Director.

    • UYHE receives support from National Endowment for the Arts, Fulton County Arts Council, and City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs.

    • In-school program launches at Carver School of The Arts High School, Marissa Knaub hired first full-time teacher; and student participation increases to 40 students.

    • Harps purchased through donations from Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation and Arthur R. Blank Foundation

    • Founded by Roselyn Lewis, retired teacher, and  Elizabeth Remy-Johnson, harpist with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

    • After-school Program at Brown Middle School with two students.