Save The Date: 2026 Montana Harp Retreat
September 18-20, 2026
Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
Missoula, MT
BSHS is hosting our Harp Retreat 2026 in Missoula, MT at the Grant Creek Inn. The presenter this year is Laura Zaerr,
We hope you can all come and join our Harp Community!
Location:
Grant Creek Inn, Missoula, Montana.
We have booked a courtesy room block at the hotel. Individuals can make their reservations at the discounted rate of $199.00/day plus tax until the cut-off date of August 29th, 2026. Individuals may make their reservations by calling the hotel directly or using the online link below.
Please reference that you are with the Big Sky Harp Society.
Phone number: 406-543-0700
5280 Grant Creek Road (Just off the Reserve St exit), Missoula, MT 59808
Alternative Hotel: Super 8 by Wyndham
Address: 4703 North Reserve Steet, Missoula MT.
Phone number is 833-311-9982 and ask for Kimberly.
Laura Zaerr: Featured Presenter
Website: www.laurazaerr.com
Biography:
Laura Zaerr continues to pursue her interest in Celtic music and jazz alongside her classical music. She taught both pedal harp and Celtic harp at the University of Oregon for 18 years, (2000-2018) where she had obtained her bachelor’s degree in music performance and composition back in the day. She holds a master’s degree in harp performance from the Eastman School of Music.
Over the past 25 years Laura has produced several solo CDs featuring original compositions and arrangements of Celtic tunes as well as recording collaboratively with various musical groups including The Oregon Renaissance Band, Village Green, Trilogy, and Chuva Boa, which plays Brazilian jazz. She is currently a founding member of Compass Rose, which plays world-beat folk music. She has gained national recognition for her Celtic Concerto, a suite for Celtic harp with orchestra featuring seven traditional Irish tunes. Her original and innovative harp arrangements meld together a rich heritage of classical technique with the buoyancy and charm of Celtic styling.
Laura also enjoys singing with Kitchen Ceilidh, an a-capella women’s Gaelic singing group based in Eugene. When not engaged in music she enjoys white-water kayaking, gardening, mountain biking and hiking.
2026 Retreat Schedule
Friday, September 18th (subject to minor changes)
Private lessons are not included with retreat registration.
4:00 - 5:00 pm Arrive, Check In, Tune up your harp
5:00 - 6:30 pm Dinner on your own
6:30 - 6:40 pm Welcome & Announcements
6:45 - 7:45 pm Workshop #1:
8:00 - 9:00 pm Harp Circle Fun! #1
Saturday, September 19th
9:15am Welcome & Announcements
9:30 - 10:30 am Workshop #2
10:45 – 11:45 am Workshop #3
12pm - 1:00 pm Lunch at the hotel (provided)
1:15 - 2:15 pm Workshop #4
2:30 - 3:30 pm Ensembles
3:45 - 5:00 pm Harp Circle
5:30 - 6:30 pm Free Time/ Dinner (provided)
7:00 - 8:00 pm Harp Concert
Sunday, September 21st
10:00 a.m. – 12pm Discussion, Ideas for next year
To register online, complete the form below and click "submit". To mail your registration form with a check, download the PDF above. You may use the PayPal button below to pay your registration fee, or mail a check to the address provided on the PDF registration form above.
Cancellations must be received by September 5th, 2026 to receive a refund.
Online Registration Form
After submitting your registration form; please also pay the $235.00 Harp Retreat Registration Cost via PayPal below: