BIO:
My husband, John Collison, surprised me with a harp for Christmas ’02 which launched my harp playing. I realized the sound of a harp seemed to relax and rejuvenate the listener and created an appropriate environment for prayer, healing and being touched by the Presence of God. My harp CD, entitled My Prayer for You, is the result of personal times of worship and prayer. As you read the CD liner, you catch a glimpse of the prayers and thoughts behind the original songs. There are no words or vocals in the music, just soothing, peaceful melodies.
The first harp to hit the Collison home was an unexpected purchase on EBay. John bid on an electric blue Camac harp on a whim of the moment and then had to purchase it as the highest bidder. This was all a Christmas surprise to me; I did not realize (or desire) I would become a harpist. I quickly realized lessons were needed. Since then, John has made a small lever harp that is easily transported and is perfect for hospital rooms and car trips. A Petite Lyon and Healy pedal harp was purchased 14 years ago at the factory in Chicago, along with a 36-string Ogden lever harp and a used Petite Grand pedal harp. Armed with 5 harps and amplification, I can play for most any occasion or situation and am invited to play at all sorts of events ranging from concerts, weddings, funerals, prayer services to hospice ministry. One of the more unusual gigs was playing for a Y yoga class; the ladies were stretching and straining to the beautiful melodies soaring over them.
The CD My Prayer for You was recorded over 4 days in April 2009, each session lasting 4 to 5 hours. It was recorded at Catamount Studio in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This studio was chosen because of the acoustical perfection of the recording room and apparent skill of the recording technician, Tom Tatman. The harp is a difficult instrument to record and the position of the numerous microphones is crucial. Tom did a magical job of capturing the rich sound and then editing out any extra finger noises using a program called ProTools. The CD has been used in a number of different situations. A local teacher used it as background music as her class practices cursive writing. Many people have used it to fall asleep or to combat ‘road rage’ while driving. One daughter used it to calm her mother who had Alzheimer’s. It is perfect to use during a prayer or communion service and is appropriate for any situation where peace and calm are desired. I received a letter from a woman who told me she used the CD to help her lose 130 pounds! I have one lady that has purchased 18 CDs, another who has purchased 14! These ladies gave them to people who needed peace and calm.
I moved to Marshalltown in 1980 for a job at Green Mountain as a K-12 Music Teacher, then transferred into the elementary schools in the Marshalltown School system. After teaching 11 years, I switched to the Music Director job at First United Methodist Church for 23 years. Presently, I am the conductor for the community Messiah presentation. In the past, I have directed Annie at the local Marshalltown Community Theater in 1987 and 2013. In 2012, along with 3 very best friends, I started Marshalltown’s chapter of “100 Women Who Care” which has raised $373,500 for the community.
My newest passion is weaving. I purchased an 8-shaft Schacht loom from the factory in Boulder, CO and have been designing and warping up interesting projects in my free time. I guess I have a ‘thing’ for taut strings...
I live with my husband John, a retired Dentist and excellent harp mover and English car restorer.. Our daughter Jane is married to Jeremy Anderberg, along with their children Graham and Willa and baby Anderberg on the way. They reside in Arvada, CO where she is a physical therapist. Our son Jack is living in CO doing fine woodworking and weaving commissions. John and I regularly see our children and grands in Estes Park, CO where we purchased a second home that overlooks the Continental Divide. My hobbies include hiking, cooking, gardening, reading, writing harp music and playing the accordion. Playing the accordion satisfies my father’s highest goal for me.
You may view my website and contact me at: www.harpandsoulministries.com.
Upcoming Events:
Tues., Nov. 5th, 1:00: Janet will give a harp program at Hawthorne Club in Marshalltown.
Sat. Nov. 23, 3:00: Janet is playing harp at the Holiday Stroll Concert at Elim Church in Marshalltown.
All are invited to this free event!
Dec. 8th at 3:00: Messiah Presentation at First Methodist Church, 202 W Main, in Marshalltown.
Mon. Dec. 9, 1:00: Janet will be part of a Christmas Program given to the Marshalltown chapters
of PEO.
Sun. Dec. 15, 10:00: Janet will play harp with the Christmas Cantata at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown. All are invited!
Sun. June 22, 2025 at 10:30: Janet will play harp at the 150th Anniversary of Immanuel Lutheran Church at Lotts Creek, IA. All are invited to this celebration! Meal to follow.
Janet plays harp during worship at the Heart of Iowa House of Prayer in Laurel, Iowa.
This event happens various Thursdays. See the Facebook group for more info or message Janet.
This event happens various Thursdays. See the Facebook group for more info or message Janet.
Past Events:
Tues., Oct. 22, 12:30: Janet was part of a program for Tuesday Musical Club in Marshalltown.
Sun., Sept 22, 9:30: Janet played the Camac harp with the praise band at Rocky Church
in Estes Park, CO.
Sun., Sept. 8, 2024: Janet played harp at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA
Sat., Sept. 7, 2024: Janet played a funeral
Sunday, June 30, 2024: Janet gave a harp concert at the YMCA of the Rockies.
Sunday, March 10, 2024: Janet gave the Message (pulpit-fill) at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA. She included a special hand-woven wall hanging to share; the topic was Psalm 139.
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024: Janet played harp and spoke at Chapel Time at the Christian School here in Marshalltown, IA.
Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024: Janet played harp at Pastor Jennifer's Church in Grundy Center, IA.
Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023: Janet played a harp prelude at this very popular Christmas Eve Service
at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO.
Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023: Janet played harp with the choir cantata at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Ia.
Monday, Dec. 4, 2023: Janet was part of a program given by the Tuesday Musical club for all
local PEO groups.
Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023: Janet hosted Hawthorne and gave a harp program for the group.
Tuesday, Nov.14, 2023: Janet hosted Tuesday Musical and was a part of the program that day.
Sat. Oct. 21, 2023: Janet gave a presentation on composing for the harp at the Eastern Iowa Chapter
of the American Harp Society in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Sat. Oct. 7, 2023: Janet played harp for a friend's wedding in Estes Park, CO.
Sunday, August 20, 2023: Janet again preached at First Methodist in Marshalltown, Iowa. She
used her harp compositions and Psalm 23 to grace the service.
Wed., August 9, 2023: Janet gave a harp program at the Windcliff Social. This event was open to
members of the Windcliff HOA located in Estes Park, CO. The accordion was pulled out along with some
accordion jokes!
Sunday, July 16, 2023: Janet, using the harp and her own compositions, did 'pulpit fill'
at the Congregational Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Thursday, July 13, 2023: Harp music greeted attendees at the United Way
Fund-raiser located at the Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center.
Sun., July 9, 2023: Janet gave a kid friendly program at the YMCA of the Rockies in
Estes Park, CO.
Wed., June 14, 2023: Janet played harp at the Meet and Greet Party at the Midwest Weavers' Conference in Des Moines, Iowa.
Sun. June 4, 2023: Janet played her harp at First Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023: Janet played a musical program on the harp, piano, organ, and accordion for the
Hawthorne Club in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022: Janet played harp at the annual Windcliff Christmas Party in Estes Park, CO.
Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022: Janet played piano and harp at a funeral reception at the Marshalltown
Arts and Civic Center.
Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022: Janet played harp along with the combo at First United Methodist Church
which accompanied the choir singing their annual cantata.
Monday, Dec. 5, 2022: Janet was part of a Christmas program given to the local PEO chapters
in Marshalltown.
Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022: Janet was part of the praise band at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. George Wenk was featured on the song "We Believe." It was a rousing success!
Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022: Janet gave a program on the harp, highlighting the composition process. This
program was given to Tuesday Musical Club.
Friday, September 16, 2022: Janet played harp and piano at the new Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center. This event was a special opening celebration.
Sunday, June 26, 2022: Janet played a harp program at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO.
Saturday, June 25 2022: Janet played harp at a joyous, one-of-a-kind wedding reception in Estes Park, CO.
Sunday, April 10, 2022: Janet played harp at the Congregational Church in Marshalltown, IA.
Prelude and four special music spots. Original compositions along with explanations of the music was played.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022: Janet gave a harp program in her home for the Hawthorne Club of Marshalltown, IA.
Sunday, March 27, 2022: Janet played harp at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA.
Friday, December 24, 2021: Janet played harp for all prelude music at the Christmas Eve service at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO.
Sunday, December 19, 2021: Janet played harp with the choir's cantata at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Wednesday, December 8, 2021: Janet played harp and gave a devotion for Chapel Time at the Christian School in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Monday, Dec. 6, 2021: Janet played harp with various performers in a Christmas concert for local chapters of PEO in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Sunday, August 22, 2021: Janet played the electric blue Camac harp with the praise band at
First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Monday, August 16, 2021: Janet played a funeral in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Friday, August 13, 2021: Janet played a casual harp concert in her driveway at 3409 Eaglecliff Circle Drive, Estes Park, CO.
Thursday, August 12, 2021: Janet played a harp concert at the YMCA of the Rockies at Estes
Park, CO. This concert was free and open to the public.
Saturday, June 12, 2021: Janet played a funeral in Des Moines, Iowa.
Friday, April 29, 2021: Janet played a funeral in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Sundays, Aug. 23, 30 and Sept. 13, 2020: Janet played harp at First United Methodist Church with the combo.
July 11, 2020: Driveway Concert (harp) for the folks on our mountain in Estes Park, CO.
July 10, 2020: Outdoor harp concert at the YMCA of the Rockies.
June 14, 21, 28, 2020: Janet played the Camac electric blue harp at church. To hear what harp sounds like with a combo, click on this youtube of the June 21 service... about 20 minutes in, you will hear a couple of praise songs into which harp was added.
April 16, 2020: Janet gave a porch concert on the harp here in Marshalltown. The neighborhood was
invited. fun!
March 8, 2020: Janet gave the message at First United Methodist Church, 202 W
Main in Marshalltown. The topic was 'Prayer."
Jan 9, 2020: Janet played harp during prayer and worship at Heart of Iowa House of
Prayer.
Dec. 24, 2019: Janet again played harp at Hyde Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO.
Tuesday, Dec. 10 and Monday, Dec. 16, 2019: Janet, on the harp, was part of the Tuesday
Musical Christmas Program.
Glenwood Place in Marshalltown. This was quite a festive event.
at First United Methodist Church, 202 W Main, in Marshalltown.
Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019: Janet played harp during a time of musical worship, praise and prayer at
Heart of Iowa House of Prayer in Laurel, Ia.
Sat., Nov. 16, 2019: Janet played harp with the Joyful Strings Harp Trio at the Holiday Stroll event.
Sept. 11 and 12, 2019: Janet played harp at the International Convention of PEO held in Des Moines,
Iowa. She played 5 Descendants' Teas spread out over 2 days.
Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019: Janet played a wedding and the cocktail hour that followed.
Sundays, July 28 and August 25, 2019: Janet played harp with Marketplace Band at First United
Methodist Church in Marshalltown, IA. It's fun to worship with a band like this.
year's event was cancelled due to a tornado. Janet played harp and accordion with the Jubilee
Accordion Trio at the acoustic stage. It was fun; a joyful event.
July 11, 2019: Janet played worship harp at the Heart of Iowa House of Prayer in Laurel, IA.July 3, 2019: Janet played an informative harp program at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO.
June 29-30, 2019: Janet played the Electric blue Camac harp with the Rocky Mountain Church band
in Estes Park, CO. What a blast! For her efforts, she received 6 blistered fingertips for the multitudes of
glissandos played.
HarpArts 2019 - June 2 - 9 in Des Moines. This was a challenging week-long retreat for harpists
with time given to playing in ensembles and master classes. Lynne Aspnes was the featured Instructor,
along with Rachel Brandwein and Kristen Maas.
April 21, 2019: Janet played harp at the Easter service at First United Methodist Church, Marshalltown.
April 17, 2019: Janet gave a short talk about the harp and played at Bobcat University. The 4-year-
olds were studying "Jack and the Beanstalk." All students played a glissando on the harp.
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| Janet played for the 4-year-olds. There were about 40 children total. They had some wonderful questions and we entranced by the beautiful sound of the harp. |
March 24, 2019: Janet played the electric blue harp with Marketplace Band at First United
Methodist Church in Marshalltown.
Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2018: Janet again played at the YMCA of the Rockies of Estes Park, CO, at Hyde
Chapel, for Christmas Eve. 2 services - prelude.
Monday, Dec. 17, 2018: The Jubilee Accordion Trio , minus Keith, played accordion at the entrance
of Hy-Vee for the Salvation Army red kettle. It was reported that $187 was donated during our time!
Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018: Janet played the electric Camac harp with Marketplace Band at First
United Methodist Church.
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018: Janet and the team again played the same concert for the local Tuesday Musical
Club. It was Guest Day.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018: Janet played harp at a tornado relief event. Jennifer Daniel,
Karyn Brinkmeyer and Donna Eakin, along with Jan and Bruce Randall and Billy Wilson were all
featured.
Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018: Janet played harp with the choir's cantata at First United Methodist Church.
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018: Janet played harp at an Open House event at Glenwood, here in Marshalltown.
Monday, Dec. 2, 2018: Janet was part of a musical team presenting Christmas music for a
special PEO holiday program.
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018: Janet played the electric Camac harp with Marketplace Band at First
United Methodist Church in Marshalltown.
Sunday, Oct. 21 at 6:00: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played 3 songs before the Hymn Sing at
the Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown. Polkas at church!Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018: a trio of harpists played together at the Marshalltown
Art Walk in the Hellberg Building, downtown: Maria Wiarda, Barb Duffy and Janet. Maria
is new to Marshalltown and plays a Paraguayan harp!
Friday, Oct. 12, 2018: Janet played harp at the Sunset, Wine, cheese and Auction fundraiser at
Grimes Farm.
Friday, Oct. 12, 2018: Music Director Jenn Pedersen asked Janet to play for MUGGS - a mom's
group who met at First United Methodist Church. Together they led worship as well as
solo works.
Sun. Sept. 30, 2018: Janet played the electric Camac with Marketplace Band at First
United Methodist church.
Wed., Oct.26, 2018: Janet played a funeral for a dear friend.
Aug. 26, 2018: The Jubilee Accordion Trio performed during the annual packaging event at
First United Methodist Church. by the way, 30,000 Mac and cheese meals were made; perhaps the
accordion music moved it all along a bit....
Aug. 25, 2018: Janet played a lovely local wedding at St. Henry's here in Marshalltown.
Aug. 2, 2018: "Songs of Nature" harp concert including history, structure, sound and any other
anecdotes that seem interesting. Judy Erion played flute on a couple of songs; dancers waltzed during
"A Waltz for Dreaming." The final song was an original written for the Camac electric blue harp in honor
of the tornado which passed close to Janet's home on July 19. 230 people were in attendance at this concert
held at the Leonard Grimes Amphitheater at the Grimes Farm Nature Center. To read blog, click here.
July 31, 2018: Janet Played harp at Bickford Cottage for their grand re-opening.
July 5, 2018: Janet gave a presentation on the harp including the history, the
structure, the sound and any other anecdotes that seem interesting at the YMCA of the Rockies
in Estes Park, CO.
June 10, 2018: Janet played the Camac electric blue harp with the combo at First United Methodist
Church
April 1 (Easter) 2018: Janet played harp with the combo at First United Methodist Church in
Marshalltown.
Feb. 14, 2018: Janet played the Camac harp with the combo at church.
Feb 6, 2018: Home concert on the harp for the Hawthorne Club in Marshalltown.
Jan. 7, 2018: Harp music during a special Covenant Service at First United Methodist Church
in Marshalltown.
Dec. 24, 2017: Janet played harp for the 2 Christmas Eve services at Hyde Chapel at the
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO.
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| I played harp for the prelude at both Christmas Eve services at Hyde Chapel at YMCA of the Rockies. It was a marvelous opportunity to serve a different group of worshippers... |
Dec. 18, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio again played at the doorway of the M'town
Hy-Vee for Salvation Army. Then on to the Retired Teachers' Christmas Party. This was a big
afternoon!
Oct. 29, 2017: Janet played at some community thing... at the Orpheum Black Box.
October, 2017: Janet gave school assemblies in the Marshalltown elementary schools for Arts and
Children Together. 11 presentations were made explaining the harp, it's history, many demonstrations
and how Janet got started. This was great fun!
Sept. 16, 2017: Janet played her electric blue Camac harp for Moonlight Yaga in the Park. The
mosquitoes were so think they almost carried everyone away!
Sept. 9, 2017: Janet played harp for a wedding in Marshalltown.
Sept. 10, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at First United Methodist's annual packaging
event.
Aug. 23, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at the Garwin park for the town's weekly music event.
Aug. 6-9, 2017: Janet attended Harps in the Glen - a retreat with Kim Robertson and Sunita.
July 27-31, 2017: Janet attended the Harp in Worship Conference in Littleton, CO. Kolackny Music
in Denver has picked up Janet's music to sell.
July 15, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at the Linn Creek Art Festival.
May 21, 2017: Janet played harp for the 120th Anniversary of PEO Chapter BB.
April 22, 2017: Janet played harp for a funeral at First United Methodist Church.
March 30, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at Bickford Assisted Living.
March 19, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played a concert at Garwin Methodist Church.
March 13, 2017: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at Southridge.
Dec. 24, 2016: Janet played harp at this special late night Christmas Eve service.
Dec. 8, 2016: Christmas by Candlelight at First United Methodist Church. The evening featured desserts,
a speaker: Deb Nuss, a craft presentation and a couple of songs on the harp by Janet.
Dec. 2, 2016: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at Creative Retirement here in Marshalltown.
Sept. 12, 2016: The Jubilee Accordion Trio gave a program at Bickford Assisted Living.
We included jokes and trivia and anything to brighten their day.
Sept. 17, 2016: Janet played harp for a wedding at Okoboji, Iowa. She wrote composition to play at the wedding for the special couple.
Sept.4, 2016: Janet played harp during communion at first United Methodist Church.
Aug. 28, 2016: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at the annual First United Methodist Church's
Packaging Day. We crank out polkas and jolly tunes to keep the workers moving and happy. This year, no one paid us to quit!
Aug. 15, 2016: The Jubilee Accordion Trio gave a rousing program at a local PEO chapter.
July 16, 2016: Janet played harp at the Linn Creek Art Fair at 9:00 and the Jubilee Accordion Trio played at 10:00. It truly was the most beautiful day of the year!
June 22, 2016: The Jubilee Accordion Trio played at the Hospital for a Volunteer Recognition. Let the polkas roll...
June 18, 2016: Janet played a wedding at Grimes Nature Center, just outside of Marshalltown. This was a stunningly beautiful outdoor wedding.
May 18, 2016: Janet played a concert at Bickford Assisted Living.
March 16, 2016: Janet played harp for the annual memorial service at Gladbrook's nursing home.
March 13, 2016: Janet played with the Jubilee Accordion Trio at Garwin Methodist Church.
Feb. 11, 2016: Janet played harp at the home of Paul and Carrie Barr for the Community Foundation fundraiser.
Nov. 1, 2015: Janet played harp at First United Methodist Church's 10:00 worship service.
Nov. 1, 2015: The Accordion Trio played at Elim Lutheran Church for their annual German Supper. It was polka time!
Dec. 19, 2015: The Accordion Trio played at the Albion Library Open House.
Dec. 21, 2015: The Accordion Trio played at Hyvee to ring the bell for Salvation Army. You can hear us all through the store; people were gigging down the aisles!
Sept 20, 2015: The Accordion Trio played at First United Methodist Church during the annual Packaging
Event. The sound of accordion polkas helped the workers work faster!
Sept. 5, 2015: Janet played harp at a wedding in Golden, Colorado. The wedding was beautiful - on top of a mountain!
July 18, 2015: Janet played harp and the Trio played accordion at the Lynn Creek Art Fair.
What a hoot!
June, 2015: Janet attended the National Worship Leaders' Conference in Leawood, KS.
June 27, 2015: Janet played harp for the funeral of Blanche McKinstry
June 6, 2015 Janet played harp at the Memorial service for Leonard Grimes.
March 28, 2015: The Marshalltown Community Theater hosted a fund-raiser at the Fisher Community Center in Marshalltown. Janet played harp during the silent auction.
March 15, 2015: The Accordion trio played prelude and postlude music at First United
Methodist Church with Bill Wilson, drums and Bruce Randall, bass. We brought down the house.
Feb. 14, 2015: The Anderson Funeral Home hosted a Valentine Luncheon for Widows and Widowers
at the Tremont, downtown Marshalltown. Janet was called upon to play. It was a lovely affair and the
harp was perfect.
Dec. 24, 2014: Janet played harp for the Christmas Eve services at First United Methodist Church.
Dec. 2014: Janet played harp for the funeral of Vera Peglow - a good friend.
Dec. 13, 2014: Janet gave a harp program at the nursing home in Dysart, Iowa. This was fun! Lots of
people and food and celebration!
Marshalltown. This is the one place we are totally appropriate!
Nov. 2, 2014: Janet played harp during communion at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown. The sound of the harp during times of prayer and meditation is wonderful and people seem to feel the Presence of God. It's a real honor to play during communion.
Oct. 11, 2014: Janet played harp for Rita Clark's wedding - out in a field! I was truly outstanding in my field...
Oct. 2, 2014: Janet played harp at the Sheep's Stockings (a yarn shop downtown Marshalltown.)
Sept. 28: The Accordion Trio played at First United Methodist Church for their Packaging Event. Only one person made a donation to make them quit...
Sept. 29, 2014: A first! Janet played harp, piano and accordion for a funeral in Dixon, Illinois.
July 19, 2014: Janet played accordion at the Lynn Creek Art Fair - on stage!
June 27, 2014: Janet played harp at the library. The event was a reception for Mary Giese's retirement from the Arts and culture Alliance. What a great event with a great turn-out!
June 5-8, 2014: Janet sang at the Gala - on stage at the Martha Ellen Tye Theater. She sang "Do-Re-Mi' with 5 of the orphan girls from "Annie." What fun to get the girls together again!
April 25, 2014: The Accordion Trio played at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Algona, Iowa. Janet's mother lives there! Mom thought this was a dream come true!
April 18, 2014: Janet played harp before and during the Good Friday service at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown.
April 16, 2014: Janet gave a harp program at the Marshalltown Christian School. She gave her testimony and shared her favorite scripture and blogs. The children seemed fascinated with the harp and program.
March 26, 2014: The Accordion Trio played a program at the Iowa River Church of the Brethren. The ladies' group was enjoying a salad luncheon. We had them singing and clapping and having a
grand time. Our light-hearted program was enjoyed by all.
March 20, 2014: Janet presented a program at the Albion Library for their "Live at the Library" music event. There were not many people there, but those that were were totally entertained and purchased CDs!
Feb. 7, 2014: The Accordion Trio played at Bickford House. This was quite jolly and everyone seemed to enjoy our little program.
Jan. 25, 2014: Janet played harp at the Bestmann funeral at First United Methodist Church
in Marshalltown, Iowa.
Dec. 24, 2013: Janet played harp during communion time at the Christmas Eve Service at
First United Methodist Church, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Dec. 19, 1:00 - 3:00: The Accordion Trio strikes again! We played and rang the bell for
the Salvation Army bucket collections at Hy-vee in Marshalltown.
Dec. 14, 2013: The Marshalltown Public Library hosted a celebration and open house.
Janet played harp from 1:00 - 2:00.
The girls from "Annie" will sang Christmas carols as well as 3 songs from the musical
"Annie." The Sanctuary Singers finished the program with songs from the cantata with
the girls. This was an awesome program!
Dec. 3, 2013: Janet hosted a women's group at her home and played a harp program.
Sept. 6, 2013: Janet played harp for her niece's wedding in Kansas City. To read a blog
written about her near 'stop-the-wedding' episode, click here!
Marshalltown Community Theater presented "Annie" July 26, 27, 28, Aug. 2 and 3, 2013. This was a thrill to direct! The cast was fantastic and capable of everything thrown at them. Sold out crowds! $3035 was collected and given to Child Abuse Prevention Services! This was a big deal!
May 4, 2013: Janet played harp during communion at First United Methodist Church
(202 W. Main) in Marshalltown. This is probably one of her favorite things to do.
April 21, 2013: The accordion trio played for the 'Hymn Sing' at the First
Presbyterian Church in Marshalltown. We told jokes, played polkas and packed the house!
April 7, 2013: The accordion trio strikes again! We astounded the congregation at First United Methodist
in Marshalltown as we played the postlude. We played a medley of hymns about heaven! The pastors said
several little old ladies tried to polka in the greeting line. HA! Accordions in church! Double HA!
Feb. 20, 2013: Janet played harp and read a couple of blogs at the church's Lenten Breakfast.
There were lots of laughs (was that appropriate???). Prayer closed the event.
Feb. 14, 2013: The Video Broadcasting Class at Marshalltown community College videoed
several harp songs.
Feb. 1, 2013: Played accordion and piano at the Algona, Iowa Good Samaritan Care Center where my mom lives. My joy was seeing mom chuckle...
Dec. 24, 2012: The Christmas Eve Services at First United Methodist Church in Marshalltown were
graced with harp music during communion time.
Dec. 16, 2012: The Sanctuary Singers and Band at First United Methodist Church in
Marshalltown, Iowa presented "Hope Arriving". Also, the Alleluia Ringers played 2 songs, one of them
being "Still, Still, Still" which Janet accompanied on the harp.
Dec. 7, 2012: Janet presented a harp and accordion program for the residents at Good Samaritan in
Algona, Iowa. Janet's mother lives there! As an added feature, Janet brought her vast collection of
percussion instruments and even told Christmas jokes. A good time was had by all!
Dec. 2, 2012: Janet played "Beautiful Savior" and "Silent Night" for the
annual Community Choir Event under the direction of Pamela Grundstad. Location: Grace
Community Church, 625 South Division, Boone, Iowa. This event was a fund-raiser for Habitat for
Humanity.
Nov. 6, 2012: Janet presented a harp program for Marshalltown's Hawthorne Club.
October 23, 2012: Janet was part of a program for the annual Tuesday
Musical Guest Day at First United Methodist Church, 202 W. Main in Marshalltown.
October 21, 2012: Janet was part of a program for the annual Harvest Tea at
First United Methodist Church. Janet played harp songs from Israel, arranged by Sunita
Stanslow.
Sept. 15, 2012: Janet played harp at a local wedding.
Aug. 10, 2012: Janet played harp at a special memorial service for Zolene Melvin,
a long-time Marshalltonian. 2 new arrangements were premiered for this service:
"Beautiful Savior" and "St. James' Aire."
Aug. 21, 2012: Janet delighted the residents at Villa Del Sol to a special harp program.
Aug. 5, 2012: Janet played during communion at First United Methodist Church
(202 W. Main, Marshalltown, Iowa.)
May 22, 2012: Janet delighted residents with a harp program at Villa Del Sol.
June 15, 2012: Janet played keyboard and harp for a local wedding.
March 14, 2012: Janet and Jan Randall, a good friend and excellent organist, played
piano/organ duets for the Founders' Day Brunch at Hope Methodist Church in
Marshalltown. In-between songs, Janet told jokes! There was a lot of laughter and
enjoyment.
March 22-25, 2012: Janet, along with her husband John, attended "Beginning in the
Middle" - a national harp conference in Williamsburg, VA. She attended as many
classes and concerts as possible and gained many ideas for writing compositions and
performing.
March 17, 2012: Irish music was performed at the home of Ken and Maureen Lyons.
Ken played recorder and banjo.
March 11, 2012: Janet played the piano and harp, gave a Lenten devotion and led
prayer at The Ember Evening Vespers Service.
December 4, 2011: Janet enhanced worship time at First United Methodist Church
(202 W. Main) in Marshaltown. This is her home church where she serves as worship
leader and choir director.
May 10, 2011: Mother's Day Tea at the Conrad Nursing Home. Janet presented a
harp program.
May 7, 2011: Appreciation Concert in honor of Audrey Hafar at St. Paul's Episcopal
Church, Marshalltown, Iowa. Janet and other musicians from the community gave a
concert.
April 16, 2011: Elmwood Country Club, Marshalltown, Iowa. Janet performed on
harp in the program "Hurray for Harps and Heritage" at the annual P.E.O. Founders
Day Brunch.
April 12, 2011: Westbrook Nursing Home, Gladbrook, Iowa. Janet gave a program
to recognize volunteers.
March 20, 2011: Vespers Service at the Embers, Marshalltown, Iowa. Janet played
the harp, gave a Lenten devotion, and played hymns on the piano for a very
appreciative audience.
February 26, 2011: Southridge Nursing Home, Marshalltown, Iowa. Janet treated the
residents to harp music during a special Valentine's Day dinner.
Sunday, December 12. 2010: Community Carol Sing, First Presbyterian Church on
Center Street, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Thursday, December 2, 2010: Janet gave a harp program for the First Presbyterian
Church, annual ladies' Christmas Celebration. Her new harp arrangements of The
Holly and the Ivy and Silent Night had their maiden voyage...and were well received.
Saturday, November 27. 2010: Flickinger/Luttrell Wedding at First United
Methodist Church, Marshalltown, Iowa.
Sunday, November 7. 2010: Harp program at Grinnell, Iowa Methodist Church.
Janet was featured a guest artist for their U M Women's annual fund-raiser.
Sunday, October 17. 2010: Harp program at the Community Church, Liscomb,
Iowa. Various harp tunes and testimony. This was a shared program with Joan
Greufe.
Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010: Clay County Fair Worship Service in the 4-H Auditorium.
This special worship service combined harp scriptures and harp tunes, along with a
look at Revelations 19's vision of heaven. Hymns about heaven were sung. A
rousing chorus of I'll Fly Away closed the service.
August 22, 2010: Okoboji, Iowa, Boat-in Service. I have never played harp on the
back end of a boat! It's quite a different feeling with the waves and all. I'm glad to
announce the harp and I did not go for a swim...
August 11-15, 2010: St Louis, MO: Attended the International Society of Folk
Harpers and Craftsmen HarpCon 2010 Convention in St. Louis, MO. I played a
couple of my original tunes during a lunch time open mic session and was warmly
received.
April 10, 2010 - Marshalltown, IA - Arts and Children Together harp presentations in
elementary school
