Monthly Archives: February 2016

Katherine Denler, Winner of MSU Running Start Program with “Harp in Hand” project

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Katherine Denler recently won Second Place in the 2016 Michigan State University Running Start Program for entrepreneurial projects bringing arts and community together.

Katherine DenlerHarp in Hand is a collaborative project between Katherine Denler and Origami Rehabilitation, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) therapy facility affiliated with MSU. Through the process of building, decorating, and playing Waring Harp Kits, Harp in Hand hopes to invigorate the established woodworking, art, and music and movement therapy programs already established at Origami. Katherine will work alongside art and recreational therapists to allow clients access to harps at any level appropriate to their interests and abilities.

Once the 10 harp kits are completed, some will stay at Origami, while others will travel into the community as the introductory instruments used in group harp classes. These classes will be offered by Katherine to interested groups, of any age or ability, to put harps into the Greater Lansing community. Katherine hopes that by taking the high up-front cost of instrument purchase or rental out of the equation, more people will be able to engage with the harp. Also, the group class structure will minimize lesson costs which should help some persons of lower income not only begin, but sustain interest in the harp.

Eventually, the community group class will return to Origami to play alongside and for the clients and staff. This community bridge building is the ultimate goal of the program: using harps to empower clients, invigorate therapy programs, and connect people through music.

Watch Katherine’s 2016 Running Start presentation here!