Challenged by a boy who told her she was not original, freshman Emily Mellor said she decided to change that by learning how to play the harp.

“I play percussion in band, piano, French horn, a little violin, and I play recorder when I do harmonies and stuff like that,” Mellor said.

After two and a half years of playing, Mellor said she taught herself the basics of harp playing in her first year. She said she now goes to lessons twice a month.

“Starting out, it’s really hard, but once you get the techniques down it’s all about reading the music,” Mellor said.

Mellor said she owns two harps. The smaller of the two harps cost $800, while the larger of two harps, which is 5”3’ and about 30 years old, cost $14,000.

“I do a lot of Adele. I do a lot of stuff for weddings like ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ ‘Amazing Grace’ and simple stuff like that,” Mellor said.

She said she has played at three weddings and a couple of banquets.

Mellor said playing the harp could make her eligible for scholarships for college. She said she hopes to continue to do weddings in the future too.

“I’m really glad it happened because I love playing harp and it’s probably my favorite instrument,” Mellor said.