Amanda Bateman, senior music major at the University of North Georgia, performed at UNG’s Gainesville campus on Sept. 25 at the Ed Cabell Theatre from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. to show off her skills as a harpist. Before moving on to her senior recital, Bateman had to perform her junior recital in front of a jury of professors. This jury included Dr. Molly O’Roark and George Gerswhin. The junior recital is only 30 minutes of playing time whereas the senior recital is an hour long.
The recital featured a various selection of pieces; two original and ‘Scintillation’ by Carlos Salzero, a piece that requires a lot of peddle work and left and right hand movements. Bateman passed her junior recital and will be playing her senior recital in the spring, bringing in a chamber group and adding in a guitarist.
“In the beginning it can be challenging but playing the harp is always rewarding and so much fun.” – Amanda Bateman, UNG senior music major and harpist
Bateman started playing the harp at 11 and hasn’t stopped playing since. “I cant remember a time I wasn’t playing the piano or the harp but I knew the harp was something special to me,” she said. Bateman also explained her level of learning pieces. “I listen to a piece over and over again and take the piece apart and learn it in sections to perfect it before I perform it.” Bateman has performed orchestra gigs, weddings, corporate events and funerals. Looking ahead to the future, she thinks teaching the harp could be a serious passion in her life.
She embraced her unique position, often sharing her love for the instrument with her family, friends and faculty. O’Roark, who also teaches the harp, said that experience is required in order to enter the program. “We can teach you from the start how to play, but it’s just for fun. The real work for the degree comes from added years of learning the basics.”
UNG started offering a Bachelor of Music program two years ago. Since then, there have been only two harpists at the university. As Bateman reaches the end of her studies in music, an empty spot is left open for the next harpist to fill at UNG.
