Editor’s note: This is the last in a series profiling four local harpists.

Years playing harp: SevenTeacher says: “Kathleen Murphy has been a student of mine for a year. She has played harp in her school orchestra and volunteers harping in the community. Kathleen has good grades, and her mother (Karen Murphy) is an educator. … She really is a great kid.. … She plays pedal harp like an angel!”Endeavors: Plays Irish harp and a semigrand concert harp; played in middle school and elementary school orchestras; hopes to play in Coronado’s orchestra next year (the schedule overlaps with her core classes this year); played at her cousin’s wedding this month.Q&AHow do you like high school so far?“It’s really big and really confusing, but I really like it.”How did you get involved with the harp?“When I was little, my mom would take me to this symphony thing for kids, and I saw the harp and I knew that I wanted to play it. My second-grade teacher just happened to be a harpist, so she gave me some lessons.”Which do you prefer to play: lever or pedal harp?“Well, I actually prefer the pedal harp because it’s easier to do key changes on it. And it just has a bigger, fuller sound.Do you have a favorite piece?“I don’t really have a favorite song, but I have a favorite style. It’s French style. All the songs are really pretty, and they just have great dynamics.”Where have you played around town?“I’ve played for my grandma’s retirement home. And when my grandpa was in the hospital, I went and played for him. And I also have played for some churches.”What are your other hobbies?“I love to read, and I’m a Girl Scout. And I like to do volunteer work.”What are your favorite books?“I really like Gail Carson Levine books. She writes good fantasies.”

Kathleen is a freshman at Coronado High School. Photo by COURTESY OF MURPHY FAMILY