Immerse Yourself in Music at Otterbein Granville

Posted on: November 9, 2022
Claggett sisters with an Otterbein Granville resident

Kathie H Resident Blogger

By Otterbein Granville resident Kathie H.

Almost heaven! (NOT West Virginia this time, although its claim is bona fide.) 

An evening of harp music, lilting and lively, filled the Amelia room at Otterbein Granville. The chairs were filled with appreciative listeners as the Claggett sisters, Olivia and Sophia, played both a pedal harp and lever harps in solos and duets.

The Claggett Sisters Perform at Otterbein Granville

The Claggett Sisters’ performance was a rich musical experience — from Mozart to the Happy Farmer and classic Siciliana to Irish ballad tunes. Olivia and Sophia also played rich technical solos and fun-loving duets on a single instrument. One sister's right hand and the other's left hand produced both a surprising method of learning a new piece and an accomplished performance.

Claggett sisters playing a harp togetherBoth Claggett sisters playing a harp

Both sisters learned to play at an early age by the Suzuki method, a tried and proven teaching style that produces confident musicians with exceptional tonal quality. 

Like learning to read by listening to words read to you, music can be learned by the ears as well as the eyes. It frees a developing musician from being tied to a written page of music and creates self-confidence and exceptional tone quality.  

Related: What is a Resident-Driven Community? >>

Music All Across the Otterbein Granville Campus

Otterbein Granville has its own full range of musicians – from harpist Karen T., whose suggestion brought the Claggett sisters to our performance space, to pianists, organists, flutists, violinists, cellists, guitarists, dulcimer players, and more.  

Whether retired performers, closet instrumentalists, or passionate listeners, music is heard regularly in the halls and from the cottages and villas. An hour of classic Swing and Jazz is a dependable sound from one first-floor apartment.  

Piano and organ duets have been an afternoon listening treat if you happen to be walking past the cottage of Amanda P.  She has recently extended her joy of music to include a growing audience of engaged listeners on Saturdays in the main lobby. She plays for an hour starting at 3:30 p.m., and all in attendance have come to love the chance to sing along.  

Related: Name That Tune at Otterbein Granville >>

There are several entertainment options on the calendar at Otterbein Granville, including a Chamber Music Series that began in October. Top performers are scheduled for Sunday afternoons monthly through next spring.  

On weekday evenings, there has been a variety of genres during the summer. A marching band gave a rousing performance. A country singer and guitarist offered an after-dinner session of favorites. An accordion player is on this week’s calendar. 

Additional Music Opportunities for Residents

There is a style that appeals to every taste.  Even our own Marketing Director Derik Kroeze made an appearance at a “Meet and Greet” event with a hoe-down theme. A multi-talented singer-guitarist-harmonica player, Derik has a fan club ready to welcome him back soon to the Amelia Room stage.

Of course, Otterbein Granville is within easy reach of many music venues and provides a bus to events nearby in Newark, the Village of Granville, and Denison University.  

Nelson Mandela once said, “Music is a great blessing. It has the power to elevate and liberate us. It sets people free to dream. It can unite us to seeing with one voice. Such is the value of music.”

Explore Lifelong Learning Opportunities at Otterbein Granville

In partnership with nearby Denison University, Otterbein Granville residents may attend on-campus lectures, concerts, plays, and athletic events. The Community Scholar Program allows residents to take courses at the school. Residents can also choose from book clubs, poetry groups, art workshops, and more.

Experience Lifelong Learning at Otterbein Granville