The Williamsburg community has enjoyed the music of our youth harpists since 1995, when Cynthia Campbell harpist and music teacher at Rawls Byrd Elementary school, began teaching the school students on a few rented harps.
Although based in public schools for more than a decade, the Rawls Byrd-Berkeley harp program was privately funded from its inception. In 2006 parents voted to end the school-based program and to form the Williamsburg Youth Harp Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of the new private program.
The Williamsburg Youth Harp Society was formed as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing children in the Williamsburg, Virginia area with an enriched educational experience through study and performance on the harp.
The program is currently funded through tuition, fund raising, grants, performance honorarium and donations. We are a registered corporation with the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Students are divided into Harp I and Harp II while they learn the basics of the harp. They can then progress to our performing ensembles: Allegro (beginning ensemble), Canto (intermediate ensemble), and Arpeggiare (advanced ensemble).
We offer group lessons, private instruction and can be booked for your next live event.
Classes are held on the campus of the Williamsburg Baptist Church, 227 Richmond Road on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
We offer 2 semesters of group instruction. A spring and fall semester ranging from 10 - 12 weeks depending on level of ability. Each semester ends with a recital for each level as well as several opportunities for our performing ensembles to be out in the public. Summer Camps are often available.
Harp 1 students will have class on Tuesday evening from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.
The current fee is $150 per semester.
Allegro Ensemble students currently have practices on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
The current fees are $250 per semester for all of our performing ensembles.
Canto Ensemble students currently have practices on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
The current fees are $250 per semester for all of our performing ensembles.
Arpeggiare Ensemble students currently have practices on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM.
The current fees are $250 per semester for all of our performing ensembles.
Lauren Carlton graduated with honors from New Kent high school on June 12, 2020. Lauren began taking harp lessons at the age of 9 that would in turn become a big part of her life. She spent much time with Ms. Campbell and other harpists learning, practicing, preparing and of course her favorite time, performing. As Lauren advanced through the levels of performing ensembles, she enjoyed more and more sharing her music at recitals, community events, weddings and especially performing in a therapeutic manner in the nursing homes.
Lauren’s senior year in high school was paired with a nursing program at Rappahannock Community College and she also graduated from that program with her CNA to begin her nursing career. She was able to take her harp to clinicals and play for her patients. Lauren plans to continue her nursing education to receive her BS in nursing from VCU and minoring in therapeutic harp.
Ms. Campbell became and very importantly part of her life teaching her much beyond music and lessons that’s she will take with her always. Lauren stated, “I have many special memories that I will hold in my heart forever as well as many friendships that will last a lifetime”. And all of this was possible being a part of the WYHS.
Sydney Harris graduated from Lafayette High school on June 12, 2020. Sydney began taking group harp lessons in 2nd grade from Cynthia Campbell before school at Rawls Byrd Elementary. She continued to play with The Williamsburg Youth Harp Society for 11 years, participating in numerous concerts, recitals, and community events. The Arpeggiare harp ensemble was her favorite extracurricular activity! Sydney also loved working with the beginner harp students as a teaching assistant. She has played with The Williamsburg Youth Orchestra, Lafayette and Jamestown high school choirs and orchestras, Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, and for weddings and other celebrations.
Sydney began studying pedal harp in 11th grade and was fortunate to have been selected to attend the two-week-long Young Artist Harp Seminar (YAHS) at Kenyon College in July 2019. Sydney is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National Science Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, Lafayette Varsity Tennis, Williamsburg Presbyterian Church youth group and is a drummer in The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Corps.
Sydney plans to major in music and follow a pre-med track at Davidson College in North Carolina this fall. She would like to thank Ms. Campbell for the many wonderful years of instruction, support and mentoring she has provided. She would also like to thank WYHS for the opportunity to play in harp ensembles for all the years!
Make sure to keep scrolling to see Sydney and Lauren over the years in their own photo gallery below!
Harp 2 Tuition fee plus a processing fee for online payments
Harp Ensemble Tuition fee plus a processing fee for online payments
8-18 years old
Our Beginner HARP CLASS (Harp I) - Tuesday evenings from 6:30P – 7:30P
Classes begin Tuesday February 4, 2020
Harp I is only $150
That fee includes:
Complimentary harp rental (while supplies last)
Ten (10) sessions of group classroom instruction & a recital to display your child’s progress
All classes take place at the Williamsburg Baptist Church
Please include a $50 deposit to hold your future harpist's place in our upcoming spring semester. The balance of tuition will be due on the first day of class.
Space is limited!
A confirmation email will be sent upon enrollment.
Please send your application via email to williamsburgyouthharpsociety@gmail.com
or mail to 99 Oxford Rd. Williamsburg VA. 23185
Application 2019.20 (pdf)
DownloadBeginner Harp Tuition fee plus a processing fee for online orders.
Please forward your written application via mail or email and indicate on the form that you paid online
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
227 Richmond Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185, United States
P.O. Box 1087
Williamsburg, VA 23187
Copyright © 2020 Williamsburg Youth Harp Society - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder