Talent Tuesday – Anita Jaynes and the harp

Thanks to the Omaha Public School system, which has one of the nation’s only school harp programs, Anita Jaynes, nurse midwife in the ob/gyn department, has played the majestic instrument since seventh grade.

Over the years, her harp skills have allowed her to play with the Omaha Symphony, Lincoln Symphony, Opera Omaha and the Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company. She also has participated in recording sessions and performed at thousands of weddings.

Anita Jaynes will perform on harp during today’s Talent Tuesday event in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Today, Jaynes brings her harp to work where she will perform for the medical center community during the second Talent Tuesday event at noon in the Eppley Science Hall Amphitheater.

Below, Jaynes talks about the harp and her music with UNMC Today.

How is the harp played?

The harpist uses four fingers on each hand. The pinkie is not used because it is short, weak and not independent from the ring finger. Generally speaking, the right hand plays the treble clef and the left hand plays the bass clef but the hands frequently cross. The harpist needs calluses on the fingers and strong arm muscles to play with a rich tone.

And now for something completely different … Following Jaynes’ set, PR’s Chuck Brown and ITS’ Brian Luger will play a set of country- and blues-rock songs.

The harp also has seven foot pedals that are used to change the pitch of the strings. The harpist’s goal is for the audience not to notice the pedaling, which can be very complex and more difficult than what the hands do.

How many strings are on your harp and how much does it weigh?

The harp I will play today is a concert grand (the largest size) built in 1970. It has 47 strings and weighs 81 pounds. The price of a new concert grand harp ranges from about $20,000 to $50,000 depending on the model.

What are some of the songs you’ll play during Talent Tuesday?

I plan to play two contrasting compositions that were written by harpists for the harp. I also will play one or two adaptations for the harp and end with a couple of holiday selections (per request). I hope to show off the variety of music that is possible on the harp.