Standing Committee member serves St. Christopher’s and the larger community with her harp

By Norman Vickers, Coastline Communicator
St. Christopher’s, Pensacola

The harp is not a particularly common instrument when compared to the guitar or piano or a school band instrument. But the work that can be done through a harp’s peaceful music can be widespread.  Harpist Cynthia Tappan, a member of the Standing Committee of our diocese, and a vestry member of St. Christopher’s, serves her parish and community through her musical talent.  The Rev. Eric Long, Rector of St. Christopher’s Church said,” As a Vestry member, Cynthia Tappan demonstrates how one can use one’s gifts for ministry in a multitude of settings.  She is a model and a blessing to many of us.”

St. Christopher’s parishioner Norman Vickers and one of Cynthia’s many fans, said, “The harp is a wonderful aid to worship.  We remember that the harp has been used thus from Biblical times and for many centuries before the invention of the organ and piano.”

Cynthia’s musical journey started initially with piano.  Then after college she studied harp in Mobile and in Birmingham.  She has completed study of a course entitled “Music for Healing and Transition.” She plays harp on a regular basis for inpatients at Haven of Peace in Pensacola, a facility which is cooperative effort of Catholic and Methodist Churches.

Cynthia’s musical contributions to the larger community include membership and performance with the Gulf Coast Harp Ensemble, an organization comprised of fifteen harpists. The group periodically gives free performances in the area.

Everyone is invited to hear Cynthia give a program on the use of the harp as a solo instrument and in ensemble for the Pensacola Music Study Club on Wednesday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 500 N. Palafox St. in downtown Pensacola.  Sharing the program with Cynthia will be Bill Warren, harpist for First Baptist Church. The program is free and the public is cordially invited.