California Autoharp Gathering

Hal Weeks

Hal Weeks has been a professional singer, storyteller and autoharpist for over fifteen years. He is mainly active in the area of folk music, ranging from Popular and Gospel music of the early 1900's to blues and the music of Ireland. He has appeared at folk and bluegrass festivals, retirement communities, elementary schools, preschools, libraries, churches, and summer camps. In 1996 he won the National Autoharp Championship in Avoca, Iowa. He has also appeared on television and radio.

Hal has had a wide range of experiences leading from classical beginnings to the folk music present. Educated in Composition and Music Theory at such places as the University of Colorado and The Aspen Music Festival, Hal's understanding of music gives him the theoretical base to make him adept at educating young and old in the ABC's of music.

He has taught elementary school music and early childhood music for 14 years. He's also taught drumming and songwriting workshops in schools, libraries, summer camps, and festivals since 1990. He was a regular favorite for 4 years at the Denver Children's Museum. In 1993 and 1994 he was a judge for the National Autoharp Championship at the Old Time Country Music Festival in Avoca, Iowa, returning in 1996 to compete and win the title of 1996 National Autoharp Champion. Hal has been instrumental in assisting with the development of the autoharp community in Phoenix, Arizona.

One of his specialties is the use of “right hand” techniques of the autoharp. Some other highlights include:

Developed and coordinated a children's choir/performance group called Hullabaloo! for the Boulder County Community Music School
Colorado Autoharp Gathering 1992 taught workshops alongside Bonnie Phipps, Julie Davis, Roz Brown
Appeared for 3 years with the Imagination Makers Theater Company, appearing in hundreds of schools
Recordings:
Roar Like a Dinosaur 1992
Stalking the Wild Autoharp 1997
Buggin Out!/Rainforest Rendezvous 1997

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
"Hal Weeks won the title of 1996 National Autoharp Champion...that in itself ought to serve as an indication of the depth of his talent and ability....Hal's award at Avoca was no fluke...I, for one, look forward to hearing more from Hal Weeks ”Autoharp” Clearinghouse Magazine

"Here's my advice to anyone thinking of using Hal Weeks' services as a musician or song leader: DO IT!" Lori Ventola, St John's Lutheran Church, Denver CO "...the Pied Piper of the Autoharp..." Darlene Lorrain, Director, Alaya School, Boulder CO

Hal returns for his fourth visit to the California Autoharp Gathering. He brings his enthusiasm and goodwill to both the adults and youth participants. We look forward to seeing the “Pied Piper” again!

Other Featured CAG Resources
ARC-Fresno CAG Helping the Community | Lifetime Achievement Awards

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