Meet Barbara Lepke-Sims
Degrees and Experience
- M.M., Harp Performance (Juilliard School of Music)
- MBA, Marketing (University of Colorado, Boulder)
- BME, Bachelor of Music Education (University of Colorado, Boulder)
- Certificate of Theology (Denver Seminary)
Biography and Professional Achievements
Barbara W. Lepke-Sims is an active and well-known professional harpist and educator in the Denver area since she earned her Master of Music at The Juilliard School in 1978 studying under Susann McDonald.
Lepke-Sims is currently an Affiliate Professor of Applied Harp at Colorado Christian University, Regis University, and maintains a private studio. Previously, Barbara taught music in Jefferson County Schools for over 25 years.
Lepke-Sims performs in many capacities as a soloist, with chamber ensembles, and as a regular member or guest of many orchestras and choirs in Colorado. President George H. W. Bush called Barbara the Harpist of the Presidents because of her vast experience playing for Presidents, Dignitaries, and VIPs. She has also played over several thousand performances of the musical, The Fantasticks, at various venues including at the original Sullivan Street Theatre in NYC, New Jersey, Colorado, and a tour to Osaka, Japan.
In 2017, Lepke-Sims received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Harp Society for her 30-plus years of service, including as Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the 1988 National AHS Conference in Denver, and in any other roles.
Since 2019, Lepke-Sims has served on the Board of Directors of the USA International Harp Competition as Vice-President and Chair of the Development Committee. She has been instrumental in their rebranding/refresh project, among other responsibilities.
In 2000, Barbara and her husband established the Weiger Lepke-Sims Family Sacred Music Award through the American Harp Society. The purpose of the award is to expand the harp repertoire (pedal or lever) in a traditional church or synagogue setting.
Lepke-Sims' passion for playing the harp has evolved to serve others in a healthcare setting. Since 2009, when Barbara graduated from the Music for Healing and Transition Program as a Certified Music Practitioner, she has
played for patients, families and staff at many local healthcare facilities including Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Lepke-Sims earned her MBA in 1986. Currently, she is the Healing Arts Program Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Region AdventHealth Hospitals, managing all aspects of the program. In 2020, the Healing Arts program was chosen to become the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts Honoree for bringing therapeutic music into the healthcare setting as an aspect of whole person care.
Lepke-Sims latest CD, Music for the Heart...from the Heart...Soothing Melodies to Comfort Your Soul, features solo therapeutic harp music.
Published Articles
- "The Confluence of Three Major Influences in the Field of Music and the Delivery of Medicare Care," The American Harp Journal, (Vo. 24, No. 3 Summer 2014).
- Music and the Delivery of Medicare Care," The American Harp Journal, (Vo. 24, No. 3 Summer 2014).