UD Horn Ensemble travels to the International Horn Symposium in Denver, CO

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Horn Ensemble

In July, The University of Delaware Horn Studio made its debut appearance at the 40th International Horn Society Symposium in Denver, Colorado.  Every year, this event brings together many of the world’s leading horn artists, students and educators for a week of performances, master classes, seminars and a chance to get to know one another better outside the concert hall.

Eleven of our horn students performed on a midday outdoor concert with a terrific view of the Rockies in the background.  Among the highlights of the performance was an arrangement of selections from Aaron Copland’s Billy the Kid, made especially for us by graduate composition student Kevin Cope, as well as Eric Ewazen’s Grand Canyon Octet, made even more special when the composer himself dropped in on one of our rehearsals to give the ensemble some pointers. Studio members took full advantage of the opportunity to rub shoulders with many luminaries of our horn world, all the while gathering technical and musical ideas to put into their own solo and ensemble playing back here on campus.

Assistant Professor of Music and Horn Studio Director John David Smith represented UD as a participant in a series of educational seminars new to the Symposium this year.  “Pedagogical Pearls” examined many of the issues facing the studio teacher and students in today’s university setting.  Professor Smith remarked “Throughout the week, myriad lectures and impromptu get-togethers with educators and artists from across the nation and the world gave us all special insights to develop over the next year.  Our students carried the UD banner well throughout the week, and we are all extremely grateful to Department Chair Paul Head and Dean Tom Apple, and the Office of Alumni Affairs for their generous support of this rewarding performance and educational experience.”

The Participants:
Amy Baker
Lauren Bond
Joshua Cushing
John Keister
Scott Lynch
Melanie Malusa
Brendan McDonnell
Jeremy Norris
Daniel Russakow
Jessica Santiago
Andrew Tremblay

For more details about their trip visit: http://music.udel.edu/faculty/smithjd/mainpages/ihstrip.html