Minnesota Scottish Harp Competition
Come See Us at the Minnesota Scottish Fair!
“This weekend at the MN Scottish Harp Competition I enjoyed some great tunes, cheered on all the amazing and brave harpists, sweated buckets in the humidity and heat, AND won first place in the Master category!” — Stephanie C.
Date: July 18, 2020
Location: Minnesota Scottish Fair | Map
General Public Admission: Free Admission & Free Parking
Cost to Compete: $10 (Registration) + $20 (SHSA membership) *
Judge: Sue Richards
We encourage the general public to attend the Minnesota Scottish Harp Competition! Come hear harpists of all ages play winsome and delightful Scottish tunes.
There are competition categories available for all ages and skill levels. In addition to the solo harp categories, special categories will feature singing, storytelling, non-traditional interpretation, harp in ensemble, and more. Competitors are encouraged to participate in more than one category. We run according to Scottish Harp Society of America’s Competitor’s Handbook.
All competitors will receive a certificate of participation and comments (of a non-pedagogical nature) from the judge. Some special awards will also be presented.
Competition Schedule
Times are approximate!
- 9:00 am | Registration
- 9:30 am | Graded Categories
- Beginner Category
- Novice category
- Apprentice category
- Journeyman category
- Master category
- 11:00 am | Special Categories
- Early Scottish Music, Harp and Spoken Word
- Harp in Ensemble, Emerging Forms
- Harp and Voice
- Non-Graded
- 12:00 pm | Judge prepares scores and comments
- 1:00 pm | Awards presentation
What to Expect?
Registration
All harp competitors must join the Scottish Harp Society of America ($20 fee) AND register for the competition ($10 fee). Advanced registration for the society and the competition is encouraged, but you may register the morning of the competition. The first to arrive get to choose their preffered presentation slot!
Why Should You Pre-Register? Deadline: July 12th
- Scheduled Performance Time. We have our tent for the morning, but need to conclude our competition and awards ceremony by 1:30 PM. When you pre-register, we will be able to schedule all the performances which will help the day flow smoothly.
- Less Likely to be the First to Perform. Per competition rules, the last to register will be the first to compete. If you’re nervous about being first, hurry up and register!
- Guaranteed performance slot. There are limited spaces available so sign up to reserve your time.
Rules
The short version : Scottish Harp Society of America Rules Summary. The extended version : Scottish Harp Society of America Handbook. Competitors are HIGHLY encouraged to read this, including the notes at the end. Knowing what SHSA judges are looking for will give you the competitive advantage!
Selecting Music
If you’re looking for recommendations on music to play in the competition, check out our blog series on music book recommendations. Do your research before selecting a song and be sure that your piece is of Scottish origin.
Competition Attire & Checklist
Participants in the harp competition may be asked to perform an afternoon showcase at the fair. Please plan accordingly!
This is an outdoor event. Pack your sunscreen! Please come prepared for average temperatures ranging from 65-85 (F) degrees. We will have a tent for shade and protection from the rain. We will also be providing some snacks and water for the competitors, but you are encouraged to bring your own.
Checklist (Click to Show)
Yes, some of the items on here or painfully obvious, but if you’re travelling for a whole weekend, it can be easy to forget the simplest things.
- Harp
- Electronic Tuner
- Tuning Key
- Sheet Music (if applicable)
- Music Stand (doing a workshop? bring it!)
- Harp Chair (Average chairs are provided, but if you need a special chair, bring it along)
- Water & Snacks (Some will be provided, but you may want to pack your own.)
- Sunscreen
- Scottish Attire; sashes, insignia, skirts, kilts, etc. (if applicable)
Charlotte Judd Fairbairn Award
What are the Awards?
While the awards are fairly consistent from year to year, our prizes do vary depending on budget and number of competitors.
For 2019’s competition, we gave away a total of $200 in cash prizes, which we divided up among the first place winners of the graded category. There were also two additional bonus awards, “Most Promising Harper” & “Charlotte Fairbairn Award” which had pre-set prizes, outlined below.
2020‘s prizes are still TBD, but graded awards will be given out.
Graded Awards
- Beginner | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Novice | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Apprentice | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Journeyman | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Master | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Special Category Awards
- Early Scottish Harp | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Harp in Ensemble | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Harp & Voice | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
- Emerging Forms | 1st, 2nd, & 3rd
Bonus Awards
These awards were given to two competitors who have won a graded or special category award. 2020‘s prizes are still TBD.
Most Promising Scottish Harper 17 & Under
Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to Musicmakers + Registration Fees Refunded
Charlotte Fairbairn Award All Ages
This general award could be given out for a variety of reasons: enthusiasm, poise, presentation, most progress, inventiveness, or resourcefulness.
This award is sponsored by a patron, John Fairbairn. He writes,
“Charlotte Judd Fairbairn was a person who exemplified dedication. Once she determined that she was going to do something, she threw her heart and soul into it, overcoming all odds and difficulties. One of her favorite phrases was, ‘If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing my best.’ It is that kind of dedication which this award recognizes. Let’s just say it represents ‘the greatest effort to do something well for the enjoyment of others'”.
Read more about Charlotte Judd Fairbairn’s life, an incredible story told by John Fairbairn.
Prize: $50 Gift Certificate to Musicmakers + Registration Fees Refunded