Myrtle Hart Society: Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Serves At-Risk Atlanta Students

Rashida Black writes in the June issue of the Myrtle Hart Society eNewsletter: “The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble is a non-profit organization that exists to provide harp instruction to urban, at-risk students enrolled in the Atlanta School District. The UYHE is incorporated into the curriculum of the New Schools at Carver, School of the Arts, as well as offering an After School Program for 5th-12th graders who attend other Atlanta Public Schools. This musical endeavor is the brainchild of Elisabeth Remy, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Principal Harpist, and Roselyn Lewis, Atlanta Public Schools music teacher.

“The Urban Youth Harp Ensemble began in the fall of 2000 with two students at Brown Middle School in Atlanta before moving to its current home at Carver High School. Marissa Knaub was added to the staff for 2007-08 school year as the primary instructor for the Carver Harp Academy. Ms. Remy is the Artistic Director of the Ensemble and the primary teacher for the UYHE after-school program. Ms. Lewis serves as the Executive Director and manager of the program. Currently, over 40 students receive free instruction on the harp either during or after school.”