The Central Valley Youth Harp Ensemble will perform for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch on Thursday, Dec. 12. Members, guests and prospective members are invited to attend. The December Holiday Meeting, entitled “Harps for the Holiday”, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with the Harp Ensemble performing at 7 p.m.
The young harpists will offer a magical evening of holiday music celebrating the Winter Solstice, Yuletide and Hanukkah. The meeting will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room at Mesa Verde Elementary School, 4850 Mesa Drive in Riverbank. Margie Butler (Director of CVYHE) has been touring and recording for over 35 years with her Celtic music trio, Golden Bough. Besides her recordings with Golden Bough, she has also released four albums featuring the Celtic harp. When not performing with Golden Bough, she leads The Central Valley Youth Harp Ensemble.
Founded in 2009 by Butler, the youth ensemble has since been performing in a variety of settings, including senior retirement centers, churches, farmer’s markets and private parties. Although the harp is the featured instrument of the ensemble, it also includes Irish penny-whistle and voice. Many members live in and around Modesto. However, several travel up to an hour and a half each way for lessons and to be a part of the ensemble. Ages in the ensemble range from seven to 17. Besides performing in the ensemble, the members study music with Butler. She also has harps for rent and for sale, and offers harp lessons to young and old. For more information about harps and lessons, contact Butler at (209) 572-1715 or email: Margie@goldenboughmusic.com.
Prospective members in the Oakdale, Riverbank, or Escalon area can email Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net for more information and directions to the event.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equity for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy. The nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university members. Learn more at www.aauw.org. Branch information is at http://ore-ca.aauw.net or by emailing the branch at AAUW.ORE@gmail.com. Graduates holding an associates or higher degree from an institution of the AAUW list of qualified institutions and persons holding an honorary degree are eligible for membership in AAUW.
