The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) is an organization dedicated to players of the harmonica

Harmonica

The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...

. It was founded in October 1962 and officially incorporated on October 23, 1963. It is based in Troy

Troy, Michigan

Troy is a city in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan, and is a suburb of Detroit. The population was 80,980 at the 2010 census, making it the 11th-largest city in Michigan by population, and the largest city in Oakland County...

, Michigan

Michigan

Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

, and has members in the United States and around the world.

The society sponsors harmonica conventions.

Objectives

The objectives of the organization are to "cultivate, develop, improve, foster, promote, preserve and advance the harmonica and harmonica playing." SPAH also tries to lobby for the instrument's acceptance as a "bonafide musical instrument." The organization encourages members to form harmonica clubs and hold annual gatherings. SPAH sponsors an annual convention for the entire membership, which draws attendees from many countries. While many SPAH members do, or have played harmonica at an advanced level, playing skill on the instrument is not required.

Activities

The organization sponsors an annual five day International Harmonica Convention and publishes a quarterly magazine, Harmonica Happenings. As well, to promote harmonica pedagogy, it distributes information on teaching harmonica, and responds to questions about harmonica playing or teaching. The organization also recognizes and honors people--either players, historians, or writers--who "preserve and advance the harmonica." SPAH's website also contains information on harmonicas and harmonica playing.

External links

• The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica official site