Artist-in-Residence Site:
Minnesota State Academy for the Blind
400 SE 6th Ave, Faribault (Con.
Dist. 2)
Collaborating
Teacher: Nicole Zweber
Teaching Artists: Christina Cotruvo,
Art Form: Harp music
Project Overview
Students were introduced to the harp instrument, history of
the harp and its musicians of medieval times and 17th, 19th
centuries. They worked collaboratively with peers, staff and the artist to
learn how to play and tune the harp. One group of students assembled their own
harp. Students had the opportunity to individually record their own harp music
and perform for the school and community on the last day of the residency. Listen
to their ensemble of “Ode to Joy” and sample name songs: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bkt7par7uj58yr0/Ode_to_Joy_Name_Song.mp3
Project Highlights
“Each student had a harp buddy to play and understand the harp
with, which changed daily. No one had played a harp before. All were able to do a glissando and pluck a
string, many string patterns and most their own song and picking out a familiar
one by the end of the residency. Nicole said that it has been so beneficial for
Max (student), that it is unusual for him to be in a class not disrupting and
kicking and that he asked her for his own harp time.” – Christina Cotruvo, Artist.
“One student who normally has a very difficult time with
behaviors had and instant change in his demeanor and appearance on the very
first day of the residency with Christina played the harp. He became very calm
and relaxed and was extremely cooperative throughout the entire week. When
playing with a partner he was on task and he worked really hard when creating
music. He even got up during the final presentation to play something. Since
the residency had has requested to have time to come during his breaks to play
on the harp. It has been a great method of relaxation for him.” – Nicole Zweber, Teacher.
