A Christmas surprise, the ornate harp Ashley Nelson received as a teenager is the same one she performs on today.
Her troubador lever-style harp sustained a crack only a few years into her study. Nelson didn't expect the costly replacement.
But from her Christmas stocking 18 years ago, she pulled a gold-embossed card announcing the Concert Grand Harp was on its way.
"My heart stopped; I freaked out," Nelson said.
Although she teaches strings in the Jefferson City Public Schools, Nelson enjoys any opportunity to play the unique instrument. And she's passing on the skill to interested students.