Strumming six strings on a guitar might seem difficult, but junior Alyson Kanne has mastered strumming the 47 strings on a harp. At the age of six, Kanne first sat down to play the harp after encouragement from her close grandmother.
Still engrossed in the harp, Kanne now plays for both Central’s orchestra and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) and also gigs in hotel lobbies and at church meetings.
“I’m glad I can set myself apart and be creative by entering into not ventured territory,” Kanne said. “I’m proud to play such a beautiful and unique instrument.”
Although habitually perceived as an outdated, unconventional instrument, the harp is actually similar to standard instruments such as the piano.
The harp has designated keys or strings to pull or loosen alongside pedals at the foot of the instrument to generate flat or sharp notes, which Kanne has learned to master over the last 10 years.
Kanne’s family members could not be more supportive of Kanne through her journey as a harpist.
“Our family has enjoyed watching Alyson improve over the years,” Beth Kanne, mother of Alyson Kanne, said. “Seeing her play in a variety of events is always a pleasure.”
As demanding as schoolwork, jobs, and concerts can be, Kanne still squeezes in two hours a day to practice.
Time constraints don’t stop Kanne from committing to her instrument though. She is extremely grateful for the opportunities she has already been given.
“By participating in CYSO, I’ve gotten so many privileges such as playing at last year’s Rydek Cup, [a famous men’s golf competition],” Kanne said. “Our concert played in front of stars like Justin Timberlake, Tiger Woods, and Michael Phelps.”
When not performing in front of audiences, Kanne loves to take a spin on the traditional instrument for entertainment.
“I’m classically trained, so I play older music such as Baroque,” Kanne said. “But I’m in love with turning current music, such as [artists] Ms Mr and Lana Del Rey, into pieces I can play for the harp.”
Once peers and other orchestra members recognize her as a harpist, Kanne feels the pressure to perform well, given the scarcity of young harpists.
Although few play the harp, competition for spots is still tough for Kanne. Each CYSO concert requires an audition for spots and solos, and Kanne believes the competitions will only become more difficult.
“Since it is such a gamble to make it in the [music] industry,” Kanne said, “I’m going to take what I can get and make the most out of it.”
Her goals for the future are broad but still dwell in the music industry.
“Whether [my future] is in classical music or modern industry or anything that can incorporate my harp playing and vocals. I’ll just see where the path takes me.”
