Harp-Struck: D181’s Harp Program flourishes at local schools

By Anna Hughes

Nicole DaSilva and her daughter Isabella have a special thing in common: they both play the harp.

DaSilva started playing the harp at 12 years old after being mesmerized by it at a symphony performance. She studied music in college and played professionally for a bit, later working at a harp-making company.

When Isabella, currently in 8th grade at Clarendon Hills Middle School, expressed her own interest in learning to play when she was just eight years old, DaSilva was thrilled.

“It is such a dream come true,” DaSilva said. “For her to get to share something that I love has been very special, and both of us find so much joy in it. It’s wonderful.”

Isabella is one of the original students of District 181’s harp program, which launched in 2020. Led by orchestra director Meghann Talbot, a harpist herself, the program allows students to try their hand at what is often considered to be an intimidating instrument. However, its beauty tends to override other potential concerns.

“How it looks…I think that draws students to it; it’s pretty and unique compared to all the other instruments,” Talbot said. “It sounds pretty the minute you pluck a string, you know, it sounds good. And I think that helps, too.”

Talbot’s harp experience is one of the key components of this program’s growth. It allows her to have a personal understanding of the instrument’s requirements and a deep knowledge of what students need to succeed in their lessons.

“I think that it helped that I’m a harpist,” Talbot said of starting the program. “You don’t often see that many orchestra teachers who play the harp. They’re usually a violinist or, you know, a cellist. So I think that was an advantage.”

In 5th grade at D181 elementary schools, students are given the option of joining the orchestra. Those interested in the harp try out a variety of string instruments, as well as the harp, to ensure that it’s a good fit. Talbot said a piano background is encouraged because it makes learning the harp a bit easier, however, any student who wants to learn is more than welcome. Talbot’s mindset when it comes to sharing this beautiful instrument is simple: the more, the merrier!

“It fills my love of the harp and passion for the harp,” Talbot said. “And I’m really lucky that our district provides this opportunity for the kids and me.”

Talbot said the district has been incredibly supportive of this program, allotting a portion of the orchestra budget each year to purchasing more harps. They’ve been able to buy affordable harps that remain at school, so students don’t have to worry about transporting the large instrument back and forth—something that is often a deterrent to potential young harpists.

“We’re very lucky. We have the largest harp company in the world in Chicago,” Talbot added. “So we’re able to rent harps if we need to, or we’re able to buy or purchase used harps from them. So if anything breaks, they’re really close by. So we have a lot of things going for us.”

Parents of harp students, like DaSilva, are thrilled by the opportunities provided to their children through this program, as well as the friendships and bonds formed over a love of music at a young age.

“Meghann does a phenomenal job finding things that just the harps can do together as a harp ensemble, which is so unique, and then also integrate them into the orchestra, which I just am thrilled about,” DaSilva said. “I did not have the opportunity to perform in an orchestra until I was in college…It just really is so unique, and it’s very rare.”

Since Talbot is currently only working at the middle schools, DaSilva volunteers her time teaching harp lessons at Walker Elementary School as much as she can. It’s a chance for her to support the program and share the beauty of her beloved instrument while watching the art of music-making through the eyes of excited young people.

“The harp always stood out to me specifically because it was so unique, and it made me feel so special that I got to play something that was very unique,” DaSilva said. “I think the harpists feel that as well, that they’re a part of something that’s very unique and special, and that makes them feel very confident and want to share what they’re learning with others.”

DaSilva is excited to see Isabella join the orchestra at Hinsdale Central in the fall, along with her other classmates who are choosing to pursue the harp at a higher level. It’s a collaborative effort between the middle and high school districts, as well as the orchestra teachers. Talbot is confident that as the harp program grows at the elementary and middle school levels, it will flourish at the high school level. Seeing the passion and continued interest of these students is all she could have ever asked for when starting the program.

“I think that’s the best part of being a teacher,” Talbot said. “Seeing them excited about playing an instrument…makes you appreciate being a teacher. Then, just watching them grow and, you know, maybe have a hard time getting the music, and then see them practice and work really hard and then achieve that. And it’s just a great feeling.”

Middle school students at HMS and CHMS have the option of taking orchestra as an elective class in their schedule. Anyone interested in the program should contact their school for more information.