Schreiner University student, Emily Jumes, recently performed at the Governor Greg Abbott’s pre-inaugural VIP reception and dinner. It was held on Monday evening, Jan 14, at the Fairmont Hotel in Austin, TX. Keynote addresses were given by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and newly elected Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen.

Jumes is a junior at Schreiner University and is majoring in music. She has been playing the harp for nineteen years. Jumes first met Gov. Abbott during his gubernatorial campaign in 2014. “Someone mentioned to his staff that I played harp,” said Jumes. “To my surprise, they followed up and invited me to play the campaign Christmas party and the Inaugural Dinner in Jan. 2015.” Since then, Jumes has been asked to perform four different times at the Governor’s Mansion, and most recently at the 2019 Inaugural Dinner.

After seeing a symphony when she was 5 years old, Jumes told her parents that she wanted to play the harp. “I never saw myself pursuing harp professionally until a few years ago,” said Jumes. “My family moved to the Hill Country, and I began lessons with Dr. Charlotte Marrow. Marrow was a graduate of the Julliard School of Music, and had studied with Marcel Grandjany, founder of one of the two major schools of harp.” Marrow was a Professor of Music at Schreiner University, and first Conductor of the Symphony of the Hills.

After studying under Marrow for only about six weeks, Marrow announced her retirement and that she was moving out of state. She gave Jumes her gold 1927 Lyon & Healy harp. “Ever since, the harp has been in my care,” said Jumes. “I have received extraordinary support from the community. They helped me restore it to playable condition and have encouraged me to carry on its legacy.”

Because of Marrow and the harp’s history there, Schreiner University was her first choice of school when she decided to pursue her degree in music. Jumes added, “Schreiner has opened the door for me to perform with the Symphony of the Hills and also get experience as a work-study of the symphony administrator.”

Dr. Marrow’s 1927 Lyon & Healy harp has made it full-circle. “I am proud to be a part of my teacher’s ‘golden legacy’ as I become better equipped to fulfill it, performing and teaching.”

For more information on Emily Jumes and her music go to www.fbgharpest.com.