We are pleased to announce that J. D. Jones has two more pieces published in Folk Harp Journal. The Winter 2019 edition No. 185 included two pieces arranged especially for 26 string Celtic harp.
Christmas is a favorite time for harpists and the winter issue of Folk Harp Journal often includes several Christmas pieces. One chosen this year was “Il Est Ne’ le Divin Enfant (He is Born, the Divine Christ Child),” a beautiful French carol which JoAnne arranged for harp in 2011. The moving rhythms of the piece combine with the lilting melody and light harmonies to make a very pleasing harp arrangement which climaxes very naturally in a pleasing glissando.
Mrs. Jones plays regularly at nursing homes. One of the favorite arrangements there and wherever she plays, “This is My Father’s World,” has also been included in the Winter 2019 edition of Folk Harp Journal. Using a variety of accompaniment ideas in this 2014 arrangement, JoAnne effectively keeps a familiar tune both interesting and beautiful.
J. D. Jones earned her BA in music at Houghton College, studying composition under Dr. William T. Allen. After many years at the keyboards, she took up harp. Mrs. Deette Bunn of Syracuse Symphony was her teacher and adviser as JoAnne began to compose for her 26 string Dusty Strings folk harp. From the beginning, JoAnne learned to play using many of her own arrangements.