CAROLINE DOHERTY- HARP
DOHERTY'S HARPY PLACEBY HALLIE MILLS ON OCTOBER 10, 2014
At just a few weeks old, sophomore Caroline Doherty heard her first notes of classical music. Doherty has since then become a very talented harpist. As a newborn, Doherty’s parents played classical music for her, which she believes is how she first got involved with this art. At a young age, her mother urged her to pick an instrument to play because music helps with brain development. She chose the harp and started playing at eight years old.
“My dad’s side of the family is Irish,” Doherty said. “[My] dad suggested the harp because it’s Irish.” Doherty practices for about an hour each day, either at home or at earlybird orchestra. “She’s a very thoughtful musician; she plays harp in our ensemble so she sits in the bass section and plays a lot of the harmonies,” Orchestra teacher Chris Nunnally said. “Last year she had a solo part, which was kind of exciting.” Nunnally has never worked with a harpist as close as he is working with Doherty, and she is the first harp player he has taught at Rose. She also has a personal instructor, Kathy Sprau, who is a very talented wedding harpist in Greenville. Doherty played the violin in the sixth grade, but she says she prefers the harp. “Once I started [playing the harp], I just really liked it,” Doherty said. The harp is not a simple instrument. Doherty said her harp probably weighs 75 pounds and is very awkward to carry. Her harp stays at Rose in the orchestra room or in her living room at home. “I like how much of a challenge it is,” Doherty said. “[Also] the music you can play is really diverse [and] it really helps you with your eye-motor skills.” Doherty’s talent can be seen at orchestra performances and at occasional weddings. The audience at the next orchestra performance might just be blown away by Doherty’s harp playing skills. |
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