Classical III – Jill Whitman, harp
Harpist Jill Whitman received degrees in both harp performance and German language from the University of Washington, studying with Pamela Vokolek and Lynne Wainwright Palmer, and a master of music degree from Western Washington University. She toured for more than fifteen years with the Community Concerts division of Columbia Artists throughout Canada and the United States with the trio Harps International and Winterharp. She won the American Harp Society Concert Artist competition in 1992, and she has performed in Norway, Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Japan, and Chile. She is currently principal harpist with the Bellingham and Yakima Symphonies. Jill is professor of harp at Western Washington University and is one of the pioneers in teaching the Suzuki method for harp to children, in addition to selecting and editing the harp repertoire. Jill loves to arrange Celtic music and Christmas carols and directs the Noel Ensemble, featured in performances during the holiday season in the Northwest. She and her husband Mitch reside in Bellingham, have two daughters, and are new grandparents! [Photo by Katrina Whitman]