100-year-old DPS harp program continues to thrive

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) marked the 100th anniversary of the Cass Technical High School Harp Program with two major public events: a Benefit Concert and Harp Day, both held this past weekend.

The events honored a century of musical excellence, education and community impact in Detroit.

Founded in the early 1920s by Clarence Byrne, then head of Cass Tech’s Music Department, the Harp Program gave Detroit students access to one of the world’s most complex and beautiful instruments.

What began as a bold educational experiment has since evolved into an internationally recognized symbol of creativity, discipline and opportunity and remains the longest-running public-school harp program in the nation.

“At DPSCD, we view music as an essential part of student development, a foundation for creativity, confidence and connection,” said DPSCD Assistant Superintendent of Communications and Marketing Chrystal Wilson.

“From choir and orchestra to jazz, band and modern production, we are committed to ensuring every student has the chance to discover their voice and experience the joy of performing.

Shining example of commitment to performing

The Cass Tech Harp Program is a shining example of that commitment, having opened doors, nurtured talent and carried Detroit’s sound to stages near and far for 100 years.”

The 100th Anniversary Benefit Concert will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 24, at Saint Andrew’s Memorial Episcopal Church, located at 5105 Anthony Wayne Drive in Detroit.

The concert featured guest artist Elizabeth Steiner, performances by the Cass Tech Harp Ensemble, and a special tribute to legendary alumna Dorothy Ashby, including Stevie Wonder’s “If It’s Magic.”

“When I look at our students, I see the heart of Detroit reflected in every note they play,” said Cass Technical High School Harp Department Director Lydia Cleaver.

Life-changing program

“This program has changed lives for a century, showing that talent and dedication can flourish anywhere when the community believes in its young people. As we celebrate 100 years, we are not just honoring the past, we are investing in the future.”

Established in the 1920s, the Cass Tech Harp Program remains the longest continuously running public-school harp program in the United States.

Over its century-long history, it has shaped Detroit’s musical landscape, opened doors to higher education, and inspired generations of students through discipline, collaboration and artistry.

Harp program still thriving

Today, under the leadership of Lydia Cleaver, only the third full-time director in the program’s 100-year history, the Harp Program continues to thrive.

A Cass Tech alumna herself, Cleaver is committed to ensuring that students of all backgrounds can experience the transformative power of music.

Although the Harp Program has had an extraordinary impact, it operates on a modest annual budget, making community support vital to maintaining instruments, purchasing strings and keeping the program accessible to Detroit students.

Donations can be made by sending contributions directly to the Cass Tech Harp Department, c/o Cass Technical High School, 2501 2nd Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 or click here,
https://casstechharp.ludus.com/fundraiser.php

For more information about the Cass Tech Harp Program or to learn how you can support, contact Lydia Cleaver at Lydia.cleaver@detroit12.org.