On March 7th, Norma Penaranda participated in the High School Fine Arts Competition sponsored by the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools where she won a rating of “Excellent” for her judged performance on the harp. Norma is the daughter of Maryjean Zarick (Penaranda), professional harpist and owner of Paradise Harp Music.

A junior at Altamonte Christian School in Altamonte Springs, Florida and a member of St. Stephen the Protomartyr OCA in Longwood, Florida, Norma has been taking harp lessons for only 5 months. In fact, her motivation to begin the harp came from her desire to enter the competition. From the beginning she knew she would be participating along side students who had been studying their instruments for years, but she was determined to give it a try. With the help of her mom, Maryjean, a professional harpist herself, Norma put in the required effort and discovered a hidden talent for this enchanting instrument

The competition was held at Trinity Baptist Academy in Jacksonville, Florida. About 400 high school students from around north central Florida had the opportunity to compete in piano, voice, strings, brass, woodwinds and percussion, but Norma is the first harp entry they have ever had.

Maryjean is hoping that Norma’s performance at the competition will cause more high school students to be interested in learning to play the harp. Maryjean teaches a Beginning Harp Class at Sweetwater Fine Arts Academy in Longwood and is also available for private instruction.

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