In the Georgia mountains to judge a harp competition, day 1

Posted at 9:24 PM on July 11, 2012 by Alison Young

Arrived this afternoon in Atlanta and stopped for lunch at a local institution, The Flying Biscuit Cafe with two of the judges Anne Sullivan and Judy Loman.

Judy is a legend in the harp world and actually studied with the famed Carlos Salzedo. I had to ask her about his amazing technique and teaching method. She said he wasn't strict about every student doing his elbows-raised-and-bent-hands-pulling-away-gracefully-from-the-harp style, but it was beautiful to both see and hear him play.

She also mentioned that he always stressed, "Work like the devil to sound like an angel!"

(Judge's meeting the eve of the competition; Judy Loman is to my right)

The Young Artists Harp Competition is being held in the mountains near the very spot "Deliverance" was filmed. It's gorgeous here and after our meeting with all seven judges (six harpists plus me, the sole non-harpist) we had a chance to pick some blueberries from huge bushes. Delicious!

Up bright and early to hear harpists all day tomorrow and looking forward to sharing behind-the-scenes details from the judges bench! ~alison