Grace Reichenau
Contributing Writer
Ansley Tillman (C’ 28) is a freshman from Spring Hill, Tennessee, and one of the harpists in the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra. Unlike many would-be musicians, Tillman didn’t find her love of music from her family. “My sister plays the drums, and my dad was in choir, but I’m the only one who studied an instrument intensively,” Tillman told The Purple. Instead, she was inspired by a Celtic harp performance and was compelled to try it for herself. Now, she’s been playing for five years, has participated in an honors orchestra, performed with an all-state ensemble, and is interested in being a professional musician and composer.
Oftentimes, there is only one harpist in an orchestra, which can be intimidating. However, Tillman is not new to the stage. She’s been dancing since she was three years old, so any performance anxiety she might’ve had has gradually evaporated. Now, she only becomes nervous when playing on her own. “I think playing the harp is much harder than dancing when nervous,”she claimed, “My hands can start shaking, and it’s harder to concentrate.”
Like many seasoned artists, Tillman loves experimenting with different techniques while playing. One of the perks of being alone in a vast orchestra is having the liberty to play as you like, without concern for matching with your fellow instrumentalists. This is part of the reason she claims her favorite piece is David Watkins’ Fire Dance, a contemporary piece that uses a variety of dynamics and sound effects. This includes brushing the strings, hitting the side of the instrument, and several unique harmonics. Her biggest inspiration is Henriette Renié, a harpist known for her promotion of chromatic harps during the early 20th century. “Her style of playing is so open,” she said. “I love every piece she’s ever written.”
When asked what she enjoyed about playing the harp, Tillman replied that “sharing the love of music”, especially for people who hadn’t heard a harp, always kept her going. “The instrument itself brings joy, and I look forward to sharing it with others,” Tillman said. “It helps me process my emotions and whatever happens in my life. I want to give that gift to someone else.”
Her final words to us were a reminder to see her and the rest of the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra on October 30. They will be playing music by composers such as Beethoven and Schubert, as well as a classic you may recognize: In the Hall of the Mountain King!