2027 Presenters

Rhett Barnwell

Rhett Barnwell is a versatile composer, arranger, performer, and conductor, and the founder of Seraphim Music, a publishing company dedicated to sacred, classical, and meditative music for harp, voice, and other instruments. His works are distributed, performed, and recorded by musicians across six continents. As a concert artist, Mr. Barnwell has performed extensively throughout the United States and internationally in Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence) and Ireland. A recognized specialist in sacred and healing music for the harp, he has been featured at major events including the American Harp Society National Conference, Southeastern Harp Festival, Somerset Folk Harp Festival, Harp Gathering, and Harp in Worship Conference. He frequently presents workshops and concerts for regional American Harp Society chapters, and currently serves on the faculty of the Harp Column Academy. In addition to harp, he performs on organ, cello, and French horn. His orchestral credits include performances with the Spoleto Festival Orchestra (Italy), Orquesta Sinfónica de Tenerife (Spain), AIMS Festival Orchestra (Austria), South Carolina Philharmonic, Charleston Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Orchestra and Chorus of St. Louis, St. Clare Baroque Orchestra, and Emory Baroque Orchestra. Mr. Barnwell holds a Bachelor of Music in horn from Florida State University and a Master of Music in horn and cello from the St. Louis Conservatory. He studied harp with Mary Brigid Roman at FSU and later with Ellen Foster and Monica Hargrave in Atlanta. He pursued doctoral studies in choral conducting and organ at the University of Georgia, with additional studies at Westminster Choir College, the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music in Rome, and the Abbey of Solesmes in France. Since 1984, he has served as a choral director and organist for churches throughout the Southeastern U.S. and currently holds the position of Composer in Residence at the Atlanta Harp Center.. Website

Stephanie Claussen

Stephanie Claussen, Influenced by her love of fairy tales, Tolkien, and the world music section at her local library, harpist Stephanie Claussen gravitates towards Scottish tunes, Bach preludes, and anything that sounds vaguely medieval or French. After starting harp at the age of seven, Claussen went on to obtain a degree in pedal harp performance from the University of Minnesota. A two-time winner at the Master level in the Minnesota Scottish Harp Competition, in 2018 she won the title of US National Scottish Harp Champion and in 2021 she performed as one of four finalists in the North America Princess Margaret Celtic Harp Competition. As a teacher, Claussen talks a lot about musicality, and believes that even the simplest tunes can be gorgeous when played with expression. Her most recent publication “The Road Home from Skye” features Scottish and Irish tunes arranged for intermediate through advanced lever harp. When not making music, Claussen enjoys repainting her walls and drinking English Breakfast tea out of a real teacup. Stephanie will be directing the 2027 Harp Gathering Ensemble.  Website

Hannah Flowers

Hannah Flowers is a harpist and singer from St. Paul, Minnesota. Classically trained from a young age, she discovered traditional Irish music as a teenager and hasn’t looked back since. Known for her sensitive and lyrical accompaniment of songs as well as her syncopated and rhythmic accompaniment of dance tunes, Hannah enjoys exploring the full depth of traditional Irish music and song. In 2020 Hannah was awarded a Fulbright Student award to pursue post-graduate research in Irish harp accompaniment and complete a master’s degree in Irish traditional music at Maynooth University outside Dublin, Ireland. She holds a B.A. in music and a master’s degree in Irish Traditional Music Performance from Maynooth University. Hannah enjoys an active performing career, including performances at the Milwaukee Irish Fest, La Crosse Irish Fest, Minnesota Irish Fair, Iowa Irish Fest, the Celtic Junction Arts Center, as well as many solo shows, programs, and workshops across the US and Ireland. Apart from being an active performer on lever harp and as a singer, Hannah is a sought-after harp and voice teacher privately and at the Center for Irish Music, a non-profit community music school dedicated to handing down the tradition. Website 

Robbin Gordon-Cartier

Joyful, centered, and a consummate musician are words that describe the presence and playing of Robbin Gordon-Cartier. Dedicated early to the study of the harp, Gordon-Cartier spent long summers as a young harpist in Ireland studying at the Royal Irish Academy. Since then she has appeared nationally and internationally everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the National Symphony of Santo Domingo, at events honoring Lord Guiness, Cicely Tyson and Sir James Galway. Robbin teaches an extensive and very successful harp program in the East Orange School District’s Cicely Tyson’s School of the Performing Arts where she works to bring the harp to the attention of a wide variety of young people, busting stereotypes. Robbin is a Salvi Concert Artist and has presented a week of master classes and concert at the French ambassador’s residence in Bogoto, Columbia for the Salvi Harp Foundation. Most recently, Robbin was presented with the Performing Arts Education Award 2022 from the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. Robbin is a sought-after presenter of workshops across the country. Robbin has a CD out, Just As I Am and a book based on her harp story, Robbin -The Girl who didn’t want to Practice” by Dorothy Carey.  Website

TAPESTRY

Denise & Michael Grupp-Verbon

TAPESTRY, featuring Harpist, Denise Grupp-Verbon and Acoustic Guitarist & Multi-Instrumentalist, Michael Grupp-Verbon, is based in Toledo Ohio. Performing and recording together for over 25 years, Denise and Michael have created a truly distinctive sound featuring their unique arranging & composing. TAPESTRY has released 3 CDs, featuring Pop, Celtic, Folk and Original music. In addition, they have also published numerous arrangements and instructional books for solo harp. They perform for scores of concerts, weddings, corporate and private events annually. Michael is also a professional videographer and photographer, he specializes in video documentaries and landscape and wildlife photography. Denise is the Internship Manager for the School of Liberal Arts at Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. Denise and Mike are the founders of The Harp Gathering, now celebrating its 20th year. Website

Janet Witman

Janet Witman is happy to return as a presenter to the Harp Gathering 2027! She's a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, and has been an active freelance performer in orchestras, choirs, chamber ensembles and with the concert harp duo, "Principally Harps". She was resident harpist of the Hotel Dupont in Delaware for two decades, and is founder and director of the Brandywine Harp Orchestra. Janet and her astrophotographer husband, Kevin have presented their "Astral Harp Projections" in many location across the US. Her harp music arrangements are favorites among harpists for lever, pedal and ensembles. Janet and Kevin reside in rural Chester County, PA with their three kitties: Cheddar, Julie and Toodles.  Website

Deette Bunn

Deette Bunn says it was love at first sight but it took a year of persistent parental persuasion before she started harp studies when she was 9. Classically trained with a Bachelors and Masters degree in harp performance, Deette has soloed with orchestras throughout the US and has held several principle harp positions as well. She discovered the lever harp - both single and double strung - during her 17 year stint as 2nd harp with the Syracuse Symphony and has been an active teacher and performer on the single and double strung lever harp ever since. She recently retired from the faculty at Cornell and Syracuse Universities and Lemoyne College, giving lessons on both pedal and lever harp, as well as from being the director of Harmony of Harps, a local lever harp ensemble for which she has written numerous lever harp arrangements. She currently maintains a full private studio and a busy performance schedule. In addition, she works as a harp therapist using both single and double strung harps at her local hospital and hospice.

Brittany DeYoung

Brittany DeYoung, owner of MI Harp Center, is a classical harpist and educator with extensive performing and teaching experience. She serves as harp instructor at Hillsdale College and Flint School of the Performing Arts and is Principal Harpist for the Ann Arbor and Lansing Symphony Orchestras. Brittany has performed across the U.S. and internationally, loves playing chamber music with her colleagues, and enjoys teaching young students. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Arizona. Website

  

Kristina Finch

Based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, harpist Dr. Kristina Finch is a versatile performer, educator, and advocate for the modern harp. She serves as Professor of Harp at the University of Southern Mississippi and directs the Mississippi Harp Academy, where her teaching emphasizes accessibility, confidence, and musical growth. Kristina is Principal Harpist with both the Miami City Ballet and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, Second Harpist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and an active chamber musician whose collaborations span classical, contemporary, and popular styles. A certified Harp Mastery coach, Kristina helps harpists of all levels build confidence, clarity, and joy in their playing. She is also the creator and host of the One Pedal Off Digital Harp Conference and the former host of the Harp Column Podcast. Kristina holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Florida State University and brings to her work a broad creative perspective shaped by performance, teaching, entrepreneurship, visual art, and yoga.

Amy Hemker

Amy Hemker, CMP, CME, began her interest in music at a very young age. She continued in music through school to graduate from Ohio Northern University in 2014 with a BA in flute applied studies and music theory concentrations. She graduated from Music for Healing and Transition Program as a Certified Music Practitioner in 2017 and has worked since in the hospital and hospice settings, providing live, therapeutic music for patients and staff. Amy has also earned her Certification as a Music Ergonomist and hosts webinars for injury prevention for musicians. She also performs at weddings and events, and teaches online for MHTP. Amy is a multi-instrumentalist, self-taught on several, but now focuses on the harp. Website

Carol Kappus

After many years of singing opera and classical music, Carol has now returned to her first love: playing the Celtic harp and singing the traditional songs of Scotland, Ireland and Wales. She specializes in the music of Scotland: traditional songs, songs of Robert Burns and songs in Scots Gaelic. Carol goes to Scotland frequently to study Gaelic language and song at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the Isle of Skye. She is the winner of many awards from the Scottish Harp Society of America and the Great Lakes Regional and the US National Scottish Mòd. She teaches and performs around the Midwest and in Scotland. She is a frequent contributor to The Folk Harp Journal and has published several books of compositions and arrangements. Check out Carol’s web page where you can see videos, hear recordings and purchase her books. Website

Susie Kunkle

Susie Kunkle has been performing music for over fifty years. She plays multiple instruments, sings, and has studied harp under Denise Grupp-Verbon. She has performed with several worship teams and bands, and has also produced four books of original harp compositions and one of original arrangements of traditional Christmas carols. She currently plays on her church’s worship team and with the Irish band, Song of Erin.

Karen Peterson

Karen Peterson playing the harp as a teenager because she was too lazy to practice violin or piano. After years of attending folk harp conferences, she noticed that many adult students were frustrated with their progress on the harp. This motivated her to become a harp coach, encouraging adult students of all abilities to find enjoyment in this magical instrument. Fear of brides inspired her to use her harp powers for service instead of ceremonies; she became a Certified Music Practitioner, and has provided therapeutic music to patients and staff since 2010 on her double-strung harp. Karen was on the Board of Directors of the Music for Healing and Transition Program for nine years, ending as President. She is the author of two books, Enjoy the Modes and Enjoy the Dorian Mode, which take advantage of how harpers use the same hand position for both major and minor chords. Her favorite music to play on the harp is Top 40 hits from the 1960s to today. Website

Jo Lynn Rhodes

Jo Lynn Rhodes is an experienced performer and enjoys sharing the beauty of harp music with local sacred and secular audiences.  She received her Bachelor of Music Performance and Master of Elementary Education degrees from Heidelberg University in Tiffin, OH where she resides with her husband and blended family. She is celebrating 33 years in education and currently teaches 1st grade. She is a former student of Denise Grupp-Verbon and credits her for providing a solid foundation in technique and introducing her to the “harp world.” A familiar face at the Harp Gathering, she has almost perfect attendance, and looks forward to seeing familiar and new faces alike. Facebook

Pat Tait

Pat Tait graduated from the University of Michigan School of Music, as a voice performance major, taught vocal music for 46 years to children aged 18 months to 14 years, retiring in 2016. Pat plays and has taught piano, guitar, recorder, ukulele, mountain dulcimer, hammer dulcimer, and lever harp. She has been a member of several choral groups over the years and has been singing with the Plymouth Oratorio Society since 2002. Pat received her first harp for her birthday in 1990 from her husband, Jim. The harp was part of their professional dulcimer trio, Felicity Strings, who performed together for almost 20 years. Now, Pat mostly performs solo. In June of 2019, Pat started the Happy Harpers harp circle in Southeast Michigan. Currently, the circle meets virtually online weekly. FaceBook