Freshman Kyla Clewis has been playing the harp for the past three and a half years. She recently started playing in the Steinbrenner orchestra, where she hopes to grow as a harp player.
“My great grandma got me interested in the harp, she’s been playing harp for 40 years. Sometimes I’ll go up to Tallahassee and play with her. I’ll also go out and play at nursing homes and hospitals.” said Clewis.
Clewis started out her musical career early by learning piano in second grade, followed by the violin in fourth grade, which took her to the All County competition later on in her musical career. It was in sixth grade that she first started playing the harp. She learned to play with the help of a private tutor who is a harpist in the University of South Florida’s orchestra.
“The harp I play is huge. It’s as tall as me, and I have to sit down to play it. The harp has 40 strings, each is color coded to the note it plays. It’s similar to a piano since there are foot pedals for sharp and flat notes.” said Clewis.
Clewis has performed many times outside of school, but this year is her first time playing in school. She recently played in her first Steinbrenner concert, as the first and only chair in the harp section, playing at the front alongside other experienced orchestra members.
Clewis is now preparing with the rest of the orchestra for the Winter concert, which is scheduled for Dec. 12.
Gretchen Strunk // Staff Writer
God’s way in her go girl you will shine jesus as already gone ahead of you …. you are a winner proud of u