by Jay Monroe

At five feet two inches in height, and seventeen years of age, lifelong Kernersville resident Taylor Ann Fleshman at first glance seems an unlikely world traveler and performer on one of the orchestra’s largest instruments, a Concert Grand Harp.  Taylor Ann started piano at age five, and began studying harp at age seven.  Graduating from the High School Harp Program at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in May 2014, Taylor Ann has summer plans that include rehearsals and concerts in Maryland, Virginia, Oregon and Sydney, Australia.

Taylor Ann has been selected to perform as a member of The American Youth Harp Ensemble, America’s Premiere Harp Ensemble located in Richmond, Virginia.  A select group of 10 harpists from this large ensemble have been invited to perform at The World Harp Congress, the most prestigious gathering of harpists in the world in Sydney, this July.  Taylor Ann describes this event as “the Olympics of the harp world” and is honored by the invitation.

This is not her first trip performing as she accompanied this group last summer for concerts in Austria and The Czech Republic.  Taylor Ann said, “It is exciting traveling to other countries, meeting the local people, and eating awesome foods.”  Performing in an ensemble like this gives Taylor Ann invaluable harp experience in some of the most spectacular venues you can imagine.  She will be traveling and performing from July 7th until early August.  Upon her return to the Richmond area she will work as an instructor for harp students leaving for a late August European Tour.  Taylor Ann has applied, auditioned, and been accepted at The Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the UNCG School of Music for a Harp Performance Degree and is awaiting scholarship offers to make a final decision.

Growing up in Kernersville has made Taylor Ann’s harp adventure particularly rewarding.  The community has been very supportive over these ten years with Kernersville residents enjoying Taylor’s “harping” at churches, corporate events, private functions, and schools all around town.  One of her favorite places to play was C&H Cafeteria where patrons seemed mesmerized by this young lady playing this huge harp.  Adults and kids alike followed Taylor’s growing up and accomplishments with her harp.  Many friends were made throughout Kernersville and Taylor Ann says she will always cherish and appreciate the people of her hometown.

Taylor Ann’s success in music is a result of a lot of hard work and focus.  She has spent years practicing her craft several hours a day.  Sometimes someone will comment, “Does she have a life outside music?”  Taylor smiles and explains she played basketball, was a cheerleader three years, attended church and youth activities, and sang in the choir, all things other kids experience. She has always been a straight-A student and says she finds the time to get everything accomplished by staying away from video games and the television.

Taylor Ann has been blessed with wonderful local music teachers.  Mrs. Darrell Cromer taught her piano and assisted her learning to play the flute.  Local harpists Julie Money and Jacqueline Bartlett have provide world class training on this, one of the most difficult instruments.  Taylor Ann’s harp has 47 strings and seven pedals, each with three positions.  Hand, foot, and mind coordination is quite challenging.

Taylor Ann has a website www.HarpsNThings.com and can be reached at 336-423-1860 for Weddings, Church Events, and Corporate Performances.  Having performed in UNCSA’s Orchestra in The Nutcracker, The Duke String School, two Youth Symphonies, Biltmore House Christmas, and being selected as Forsyth County Teen Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Ann is prepared to continue to excite Kernersville residents.  Taylor Ann is Kernersville’s “Home Grown Harpist.”