The Arcona Reel Band
Band Members
(Photos by Steve Lock)
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ALANNA BERGER Although Alanna has played piano, recorder, guitar, and harmonica
for many years, it wasn't until she acquired a hammered dulcimer that her lifelong love
of Celtic music really took shape. The sweet tones of the dulcimer lend a haunting
quality to the slower airs and waltzes, while the sharp percussion on faster tunes adds
drive. Her beautiful and wide-ranging style is an important feature of Arcona's music.
Alanna also adds her concertina and vocal talents to the band.
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CLAUDIA HARRISON HALL Proud to be the newbie of the band, Claudia was classically trained
in violin from the age of four. While a student at Millersville University, she performed with the orchestra
as well as playing marimba in the marching band and mallet ensemble. In addition to Arcona, Claudia
somehow finds time to perform with Philadelphia-based Gypsophilia, playing folk music from the
Middle East and Eastern Europe.
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DONNA HOSKINS-HELM Donna, like many other Arconites, comes from a long line of family
musicians, both instrumental and vocal. Her love for music goes back to childhood, and
her past experience in a cappella and barbershop quartet singing comes in handy for the
strong vocals that she adds to the band. Her musical instrument of expertise is the
piano - and unfortunately (or perhaps forunately for the band), she hasn't yet found a
way to carry one to gigs. She has therefore joined the rhythm section of the band. Her
motto has become: if it makes sound when you hit it or shake it, do it - so you will
most often hear her on tambourine or sistrum.
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PHIL HOSKINS-HELM Although Phil's love of music is lifelong (playing trumpet and
singing in choirs and quartets), he wasn't exposed to Irish & folk music
until his college days in the Pittsburgh area. After moving to Harrisburg, he was drafted
(draughted?) as a guest vocalist by ARB & Clannamore to provide baritone lead vocals and
boisterous bass harmonies. Upon officially joining the band, he has also proved to be a
skillful bones player and percussionist.
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BRIAN KAHLER Brian's lifelong interest in Celtic music drew him to the Arcona
Reel Band. His expressive bodhran (Irish frame drum) is the heartbeat of the Arcona
sound. His enthusiasm is infectious, not only for the band, but for the audience as
well. Before joining the band, Brian had performed as a singer/guitarist in coffeehouses
and folk festivals. In addition, Brian has an appealing tenor voice and can be heard
singing lead or adding harmony.
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BLAISE LIFFICK Blaise's interest in traditional music grew out of listening to
his father sing as a professional square dance caller. He began his own musical experience
on the folk-music scene as a singer, guitarist, and occasional songwriter. With Arcona,
his steady guitar rhythms keep the music true to its Celtic roots. His fingerstyle
playing fills out the slower tunes with great warmth. Since joining the band, he has added
the octave mandolin (bouzouki) and pennywhistle to his talents. Blaise lends his strong
baritone voice to both harmonies and leads. He is also the composer of some of the band's newest songs.
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SPARKIE RADCLIFFE Sparkie adds the bottom to the group with her upright bass.
In addition, she can be heard playing her grandfather's Martin mandolin.
She also adds strong vocal harmonies. She is Arcona's musical director and general manager, and
takes an active hand in arranging much of Arcona's music. In addition to her
position with Arcona, Sparkie is an accomplished pianist, from a family of pianists.
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BOB SMITH Bob has been a professional musician for most of his life. He is
comfortable with many forms of music, including jazz, rock, and classical. Bob's first
introduction to folk music was as a child in Philadelphia, listening to his uncle play
banjo. Bob's guitar adds sweetness and sensitivity to ballads as well as unique rhythms
to the faster pieces. Bob musical influences help define our music as American Celtic.
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