Faculty Friday with Kristina Finch
Happy Faculty Friday, everyone! Each Friday we will feature one of our many amazing faculty members at Luzerne Music Center. We asked all of our instructors to tell us a little bit about themselves, and to share their favorite things about LMC.
As you may or may not know, LMC is now offering a Harp program for Senior Session. Today it is our pleasure to introduce to you Kristina Finch, who joins us this year on harp faculty!
Share with us some of your professional accomplishments
Since moving to Miami 3 years ago (after finishing the course work for my DMA at Eastman) I have had the opportunity to perform with some of the worlds most preeminent performers. Besides serving as the Guest Principal harpist of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, I have performed regularly with multiple ensembles of varying size throughout South and Central Florida. As a chamber musician I have toured the country as a part of the Kontra Duo, an ensemble that was described as "energetic, sweet, sassy, graceful, and muscular."
I have performed as a recitalist and concerto soloist throughout the continental United States, and will premiere a new work for electrified Harp and Wind Orchestra by composer Kevin Wilt with the Florida Atlantic University Wind Ensemble in the Spring of 2017. I maintain an active private teaching studio, and perform for private and corporate events in South Florida. I serve as the creator and host of the Harp Column Podcast, and frequently blog and contribute to Harp Column Magazine (harpcolumn.com).
What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?
I am really excited to have an opportunity to work in depth with the students who attend the festival! As faculty we have so many opportunities to share our knowledge with the students, through side-by-side orchestra rehearsals (something I am really looking forward to!), chamber music coachings, sectionals, and private lessons. The all-inclusive, isolated nature of the campus lends itself to student growth, and I am super excited to be a part of that experience!
What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?
Campers can expect to learn a wide variety of skills while working with me this summer, depending on their personal interests, abilities, and investments. I specialize in many different styles of music, and have over 15 years of orchestral experience to offer students who attend this program. The repertoire this coming summer is very harp heavy, and I hope to guide students through these potentially scary orchestral experiences in a way that is productive, positive, and fun. In lessons, coachings, and sectionals, we will focus on a whole body approach to the instrument, insuring that the student is performing to the peak of their physical and musical capability through focus on strong technique, rhythmic skills, reading, arranging, performing, and mental focus.
Hear Kristina perform Stephen Paulus' Berceuse
