TRADITIONAL IRISH MELODIES DRIFT FROM POCAHONTAS

Who would have thought that tiny Pocahontas, Mo., would produce a world-class musician?

Even more astounding is that the musician in question has established herself as a top performer of Irish music.

Although Pocahontas is as quiet and peaceful as any hamlet in Ireland, the cultural roots of the area are more reflective of the Germanic than the Celtic.

Sophonisba Gathman, a 16-year-old Jackson High School student, is changing that.

Gathman, who plays the Celtic harp, competed in the world championship of Irish music late last month in Enniscorthy, Ireland. In the annual event, which is attended by more than 200,000 devotees of traditional Celtic music, Gathman placed second in the 16- to 18-year-old division.

That earns her accolades as one of the best teen-age players of the instrument in the world.

Gathman, who goes by Sophie, took up the 40-pound maple and spruce instrument after tiring of piano lessons. Her younger sister, 13-year-old Hannah, is also proficient performer of Irish music, having placed first in a regional Irish piano competition this year.

Although Sophie doesn't plan to pursue a career playing Irish music, she has accomplished something unique among her Southeast Missouri peers.

Pocahontas can be very proud.