Utah Chapter Recognition Program

Purpose

The purpose of the Utah Chapter recognition awards is to celebrate the accomplishments of harpists in our chapter who make significant contributions to the harp community and progress in their studies as harpists. It is our hope that this recognition will foster a sense of community among local harpists as we come together to celebrate each other's successes.

Anyone in the community may nominate an active AHS-Utah Chapter member for recognition. We encourage teachers, colleagues, and non-harp instructors (e.g., orchestra conductors) to submit nominations, however we discourage parents from nominating their children. The Chapter board will evaluate all nominations. Members who have received an award will be notified and awards will be presented at an official Chapter activity.

Core Values

There are four categories of recognition award, which reflect the four core values of the Utah Chapter of the American Harp Society. They are:

Learning, Growth, Community, and Achievement.

Learning Recognition

• This award is given to harpists who complete a significant learning experience or professional development program sponsored through the Chapter or another harp-related organization. Upon nomination, the harpist will be notified and asked to submit a reflection on how the experience helped them to develop as a harpist.

• Harpists who facilitate a significant learning experience or professional development program sponsored through the Chapter or another harp-related organization may also be nominated for this award.

Growth Recognition

• This award is specific to the Utah Harp Festival held annually by the Chapter on the second Saturday of May. The award is given to harpists who have earned an Excellent or Superior rating over three levels in the Solo Category and to harpists who have earned an Excellent or Superior rating over three years in the Special Performance Category (Concerto, Ensemble, Chamber).

Community Recognition

• This award is given to harpists who have completed at least twenty hours of harp-related community service. Upon nomination, the harpist will be notified and asked to submit a record of and reflection on their community service experience.

Achievement Recognition

• This award is given to harpists who meet one of the following criteria:
• Earn three superiors at the Utah Harp Festival over any amount of time
• Are a Junior or Senior in High School, have participated in five years of the Utah Harp Festival, and have earned at least an Excellent rating in three of those five years at any level.
• Place in an invitation-only competition (such as the American Harp Society National Competition)
• Are a Sterling Scholar in Music representing their school
• Graduate from college with a harp degree or minor
• Complete a Suzuki School Book Recital or comparable activity (such as a traditional student completing their own recital)