Mission Statement

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Hats + Heels is a quirky duo of bassoon and harp that focuses on storytelling. Our innovative performances are infused with a variety of art forms and technology that help us weave colorful tales ranging from comedic to heart-wrenching, educational to ludicrous, and exploratory to enlightening. Some pieces are original works for bassoon, harp and narration/theatrics, while others we have arranged and thoughtfully paired with words, images, fashion, or movement. We aim to engage our audiences through the universal intrigue of an entertaining story, while allowing space for individual interpretation and emotional expression.

 

As teaching artists, we present hands-on workshops to students, of all ages and arts backgrounds, by designing interdisciplinary and engaging performances. We coach students through the process of developing a balanced and diverse story from the ideation phase to the final details of stage presence and bowing. 

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Hoping to expand the musical repertoire, we aim to commission new works for the ensemble, encouraging composers to incorporate elements beyond the musical realm. In addition, we love to collaborate with other artists and work to think outside the box when parroting poetry, acquiring artwork, highlighting history, teaching theatrics, and venturing in vogue. 

 

We have performed recitals for the Eastman Community Music School, Eastman Performing Arts Medicine, female chamber society Morning Musicale, and plan on recording our first album in winter of 2020. 

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