Officers and Board Members
2021 - 2023 Officers
Gretchen Van Hoesen is President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society and has been the Principal Harpist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1977. She has appeared as soloist with the orchestra on numerous occasions, both on the subscription series and on tour. As a concerto soloist she has played the gamut of the harp repertoire throughout the U.S. Her CD’s have garnered critical raves from around the country. Miss Van Hoesen is a faculty member of Carnegie Mellon University and Duquesne University and also teaches harp privately.
Marissa Knaub Avon has an exciting career as a harp performer and teacher. Her vast experience has given her the opportunity to perform and be featured with ensembles throughout the country. At home she performs with the Pittsburgh Festival Opera, Civic Light Opera, Resonance Works, Wheeling Symphony, Edgewood Symphony, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and the Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh to name a few. She recorded a solo album, “Worship from the Harp,” consisting of hymns she arranged for the harp. Marissa teaches harp to students in grades 6-12 at the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) magnet school located in the Cultural District. She also maintains a private harp teaching studio. She is the vice president of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society. Marissa studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music, Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, and Berklee College of Music. She currently resides in Franklin Park with her husband and two sons.
Melanie Sandrock is a public school music teacher. She teaches choir, guitar, Celtic harp, show choir, string band and orchestra. She also directs the school musical. She is a music education graduate of Bethany College and attended Duquesne University, California University of Pennsylvania, Colorado State University and CCAC/South Campus. She is a recent graduate of the “Harp for Healing” program with a certificate as a Certified Clinical Musician in harp therapy. She is past president of the Scottish Harp Society of America. She was named top educator in Washington County in 2017. She is also the harp chair for the Ligonier Highland Games.
Jeanie Jho has been the Membership Secretary and Treasurer of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Harp Society since 2019 and a chapter member since 2015. She is a lawyer who currently serves as in-house counsel for a Boston-based biotechnology company and who previously practiced corporate law at various law firms. She holds degrees from Yale University and Northwestern University School of Law. She has served as piano/organ accompanist for churches, schools, and theater organizations.