Who is the Scottish Harp Society of America?
The Scottish Harp Society of America, Inc. (SHSA) is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to the the Scottish harp, the clarsach and its music both ancient and modern. Members of the Society include musicians, harpmakers, and people who simply enjoy listening to the Scottish harp. Membership in the Scottish Harp Society of America is open to all. Yearly dues are $18.00. Membership includes a subscription to the Kilt & Harp, the quarterly journal of SHSA.
The idea for SHSA was conceived in 1980 when Christina Tourin met Herb MacNeil, the founder of the Scottish Clan Society of America. Dr. MacNeal heard Christina playing an Irish program in N.Y.C. After the concert he asked her, "Did you know the Harp was just as much a part of Scottish culture as in Ireland?" She replied, "Yes" and he said, "Well, what are you going to do about it!?" A year later Christina and 2 other people in Vermont signed the necessary paperwork to establish the Scottish Harp Society of America. Beginning in 1982, Christina contacted various artists from Scotland to come to Oberlin, Ohio to share their knowledge in a workshop format. SHSA began the first Scottish Harp Course with 11, moved on to 22 the second year, 33 the third, 44 the fourth, 66 the fifth year and 88 the last year they sponsored the course. The course is now sponsored by the Ohio Scottish Arts School and continues in its success.
Through the year, the Society sponsors performances, presentations, workshops and classes, competitions, and gatherings all over the United States and Canada. The Society is the sanctioning body for the U.S. National Scottish Harp Competition and qualifying regional Scottish harp competitions. The annual U.S. National Scottish Harp Competition includes the National Championship with its prestigious Herbert P. MacNeal Award, along with competition for all ages and category of competitor, from beginning to professional harpers.