The Alphorn Podcast: Recent Episodes
Robert Brazelton & Sean Slatter
The Alphorn is a unique and ancient art form that adorns mountains across the world with its sacred tune. In this show we explore the instrument, its history and seek to bring awareness to the tradition of the Alphorn so we can advance its legacy for future generations.
🎶 Dr. Natalie Grana! 🎶
Dr. Natalie Grana is a professional alphorn and French Horn artist, author, and educator. Dr. Grana is on faculty at DePaul University, Loyola University, Lake Forest College, Cormont Horn Camp, the Windy City Alphorn Retreat, the Alphorn Project, and the Alphorn Association of North America (AANA).
Dr. Grana is a global authority on inner hearing and solfege training. She is a Fullbright Scholar who studied at the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy of Music in Kecskemét, Hungary.
Dr. Grana is hornist with the Gaudete Brass, a Chicago-based brass quintet. She additionally performs regularly with the Alloy Horn Quartet, and the Rhinemaidens, also based in Chicago.
Dr. Grana holds a D.M.A. in Horn Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and an MM in Horn Performance and BME in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Her principal teachers include Randy Gardner, Bernhard Scully, Thomas Jostlein, and Kazimerz Machala. She studied solfege and voice under Agnes Gerges-Gal and Renata Darazs of the Liszt Academy of Music, Hungary.
📖 Buy Dr. Grana’s book:
"A Singing Approach to Horn Playing," which is available through Oxford University Press and Amazon.
Learn more about Dr. Natalie Grana and her work:
https://www.lakeforest.edu/academics/faculty/ndouglass
https://www.luc.edu/dfpa/facultyandstaffdirectory/profiles/nataliegranadma.shtml
https://www.gaudetebrass.com/bios
https://global.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780197603574/author/
https://horncamp.org/faculty/natalie-douglass-grana/
https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Approach-Horn-Playing-Training-ebook/dp/B0B5HJMN19
https://www.alphornassociation.org/team-3
🎺 Take a moment to learn more about Dr. Grana, explore her work, and check out her book, "A Singing Approach to Horn Playing"!
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
🎶 Meet Ann Ellsworth—an extraordinary musician whose passion for the French Horn, Alphorn, and Wagner Tuba has taken her to remarkable stages around the world!
Ann is a professional French Horn, Alphorn, and Wagner Tuba artist. The Huffington Post called her premiere of a piece for Alphorn (performed in a boxing ring in Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn) “meticulously planned and executed…as fresh and exalted as Alpine air.”
Ann is a Professor of Music at Lawrence University, an artist-in-residence for Lang College, a founding member of the New Music and Culture Symposium, the Lawrence Graduate Bayreuth Tuben Quintet, a member of Kristjan Järvi's Absolute Ensemble Manhattan Brass, founder of the Parallel Play Retreat in the Adirondack Mountains, a former member of the Phoenix Symphony, and an Alphorn Project Ambassador.
Ann is a graduate of the University of Rochester, the University of Maryland, Eastman School of Music, and the Juilliard School of Music, with further study in Oslo and St. Petersburg, Russia.
Learn more about Ann and explore her work:
• https://annellsworth.com/
• https://www.lawrence.edu/people/ann-ellsworth/
• https://www.hornsociety.org/marketplace/oms?view=article&id=1415:breathing-life-into-a-world-premiere&catid=295&utm
• https://www.youtube.com/@Sopranohorn
• https://open.spotify.com/artist/57ofxv0vWdTxFa3WruOuH7
You can find Ann's music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, and YouTube.
🎵 Be sure to follow Ann's incredible musical journey, listen to her recordings, and share this post with anyone who appreciates exceptional musicianship and the unique sound of the alphorn!
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Meet Kevin Rieke! 🏔️🎺
Kevin is an entrepreneur, a member of the Leavenworth Alphorns (AANA's 2025 Organization of the Year), and a student of Dr. Natalie Grana.
A native of Leavenworth, WA, Kevin owns The Hat Shop and The Wood Shop in downtown Leavenworth. When he’s not working, he enjoys outdoor activities—especially Nordic skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. ⛷️🚴♂️🥾
In addition to playing the alphorn, Kevin serves as a board member of:
• The Leavenworth Alphorns
• The Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce
• The City of Leavenworth Design Review Board
• The Downtown Steering Committee
He is also a past board member of the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club.
🎥 Watch these videos to learn more about the Leavenworth Alphorns:
▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/zVY6mDdqU0g
▶️ Instagram Reel: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DZk5t45JS7O/
Explore more links & info:
• The Hat Shop & The Wood Shop: https://hatshopwoodshop.com/ | https://hatshopwoodshop.com/about/
• Leavenworth & Local Alphorns: https://leavenworth.org/ | https://leavenworthalphorns.org/ | https://leavenworth.org/business/leavenworth-alphorns/ | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wy5hZFBs3M
• Alphorn Association & Music: https://www.alpensong.com/ | https://www.alphornassociation.org/ | https://www.alphornassociation.org/contact-8
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Bernhard Scully is one of the world's most accomplished horn artists. He is an international soloist and pedagogue, Professor of Horn at the University of Illinois, a former member of the Canadian Brass, Principal Horn of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Solo Horn of the North Country Chamber Players, and Principal Horn of ROCO.
https://music.illinois.edu/people/profiles/bernhard-scully/
🏔️ANNA https://www.alphornassociation.org/
🎼 Alpensong https://www.alpensong.com/
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
With Sean out of the country, the Alphorn Project team at Cormont Horn Camp—Sadie Glass, Stasia Siena, and Natalie Grana—sat down to recap Week Two of camp. They were joined by one adult camper and one high school camper, who shared thoughtful insights and firsthand alphorn experiences from the week. You won't want to miss this episode!
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Alphorns at Cormont Horn Camp!
Sean sat down with Stasia Siena to recap the first week of alphorn activities at Cormont Horn Camp, currently underway at Cardigan Mountain School in Canaan, New Hampshire.
From classes, coaching sessions and rehearsals to the unique experience of playing in New Hampshire's beautiful landscape, Week One has been packed with learning, camaraderie and plenty of alphorn magic. Listen in for highlights from the camp and a look ahead to what’s coming next. Week Two of camp runs June 21–28.
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
It’s been a while! 👋
But we are BACK with another Friday podcast episode! 🎙️✨
This week, Sean sits down with James Downs from the Sierra Alphorn Players to talk all things alphorn, music, and community. You won't want to miss this conversation!
🎧 Listen now
https://www.alpensong.com/
https://www.alphornassociation.org/
TheAlphornProject #Alphorn #SierraAlphornPlayers #PodcastFriday #NewEpisode #MusicPodcast
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Hazel is a professional French horn artist and a founding member of The Alphorn Project. She is a faculty member at the Boston University School of Music and the Longy School of Music. Hazel spends her summers as a faculty artist and teacher at the Brevard Music Center in North Carolina and Cormont Horn Camp in New Hampshire; she also maintains a private horn studio in Arlington, MA.
Originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, Hazel graduated from Harvard University in 2003 with a BA in Biological and Social Anthropology. At Harvard, she studied horn with James Sommerville and was highly active in the chamber and orchestral music scene, receiving both the David McCord Prize for Music and the Louis Sudler Top Senior Prize in the Arts.
Hazel studied with Caroline Lemen and Kendall Betts in St. Paul, and with Julie Landsman at The Juilliard School, where she received a Graduate Performance Diploma in 2004. She spent two summers as a Tanglewood fellow, and she has also enjoyed summers performing at the Marlboro Chamber Music Festival, the Pacific Music Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival.
Resources & Links:Official Website: hazeldeandavis.com
YouTube Channel: Hazel Dean Davis on YouTube
Faculty Profiles:
Hazel Dean Davis | Boston University College of Fine Arts (or direct link)
Hazel Dean Davis | Longy School of Music (or direct link)
Hazel Dean Davis | Cormont Horn Camp (or direct link)
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Dr. Molly Gebrian is a professional violist with a background in neuroscience. She is the author of Learn Faster, Perform Better: A Musician’s Guide to the Neuroscience of Practicing. Holding degrees in both music and neuroscience from Oberlin College and Conservatory, New England Conservatory of Music, and Rice University, her area of expertise is applying the science of learning and memory to practicing and performing. Previously, Dr. Gebrian was the viola professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Arizona. After a decade of teaching viola at the collegiate level, she joined the faculty at New England Conservatory of Music in Fall 2024 as the inaugural Teaching Artistry Scholar-in-Residence to teach about the science of practicing.
https://www.mollygebrian.com/
https://www.mollygebrian.com/music-and-the-brain
https://www.amazon.com/Learn-Faster-Perform-Better-Neuroscience/dp/0197680070/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1419D…
https://www.youtube.com/@DrMollyGebrian
https://youtu.be/uN9TsKNAPeU
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
This week, we are thrilled to sit down with one of today’s leading natural horn artists, Sadie Glass!
Assistant Professor of Horn and Brass-Percussion Program Director at the Conservatory of Music at the University of the Pacific, Sadie is also one of the four inaugural university faculty ambassadors for The Alphorn Project. Through her innovative work with historical instruments and modern pedagogy, she has become an influential voice in the growing alphorn community.
Sadie performs with many of North America’s leading period-instrument ensembles, including Portland Baroque Orchestra, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, and American Bach Soloists. In California, she is a member of the Monterey Symphony and performs regularly throughout the Bay Area with ensembles including the San Francisco Symphony and Santa Rosa Symphony.
In addition to her university teaching and performing career, Sadie serves on the faculty of Cormont Horn Camp and has appeared as a guest artist, clinician, and performer at alphorn and horn festivals throughout the United States, including many regional and national International Horn Society Symposiums, the Northwest Alphorn Festival, Santa Fe Alphorn Festival, and the Northern California Alphorn Festival.
You can find her sharing her expertise at several upcoming festivals!
Upcoming Opportunities to Connect:
Northern California Alphorn Festival: Stockton, CA | August 6–9, 2026
Santa Fe Alphorn Festival: Santa Fe, NM | November 5–9, 2026
Explore Sadie's work here:
Official Website: sadieglasshorn.com
Instagram: @ive_got_no_valves
YouTube: @sadieglass3831
University Profile: Pacific.edu Directory
Horn Camp: horncamp.org
Horn Camp Faculty Bio: Sadie Glass
Leavenworth Workshop: leavenworthalphorns.org
AANA- The Alphorn Association or North America 🔗 The Alphorn Association
🔗 Alpensong
SadieGlass #TheAlphornProject #NaturalHorn #Alphorn #BrassEducation #UniversityOfThePacific #HornPlayer #ClassicalMusic #AlphornFestival
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible contributions of Dr. Peggy DeMers to the alphorn community! 🏔️🎶
Dr. DeMers is a renowned professional alphorn artist, composer, author, and a celebrated Champion of the Festival International de Cor des Alpes (FICA) de Nendaz. As the founder of the Midwest Alphorn Retreat, she has been instrumental in growing our community and passion for this unique instrument.
In 2023, Dr. DeMers gave a monumental gift to the alphorn world: she translated, edited, and published the English edition of Alfred Leonz Gassmann’s "The Little Alphorn Book." It is an essential resource for players everywhere!
Learn more about her work and workshops here: ✨ https://midwestalphornretreat.us/ ✨ https://leavenworthalphorns.org/nw-alphorn-workshop
Find her music and book here: 📚 https://www.treblecmusic.com/peggy-demers 📖 https://www.treblecmusic.com/product-page/the-little-alphorn-book-blow-the-alphorn-again-for-me
Support ANNA here: https://www.alphornassociation.org/
Alpensong.com
Alphorn #DrPeggyDeMers #FICA #AlphornMusic #MidwestAlphornRetreat #SwissTradition #MusicEducation
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
We are thrilled to welcome back the incredible Laura Nelson! 🎙️✨
In this week’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on Laura’s CREATIVE PROCESS. As one of the most prolific composers in the alphorn world, Laura shares what she does to get the creativity flowing and gives us a sneak peek into the exciting projects she’s currently working on. Whether you're a musician, an artist, or just a fan of the creative spark, you won’t want to miss this!
Laura is a celebrated winner at both the North American Alphorn Festival and Switzerland’s Festival International de Cor des Alpes (FICA), and her influence on the alphorn repertoire is unmatched. 🏔️🏆
Connect with Laura and explore her music:
🎼 Shop Music: www.Alpenmuse.com
📧 Contact: AlpenMuse@yahoo.com
👥 Facebook: Laura Nelson Profile 1 | Laura Nelson Profile 2
Join the community:
AANA- The Alphorn Association or North America
🔗 The Alphorn Association
🔗 Alpensong
TheAlphornProject #LauraNelson #CreativeProcess #AlphornComposer #AANA #MusicInspiration #PodcastFriday #AlpenMuse
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Michael Gelb is an award-winning author of 18 books. He is a practitioner of the Alexander Technique (AT), a subject matter expert on creativity, genius thinking, and human potential. His bestselling books include: Body Learning: An Introduction to the Alexander Technique, How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci, and Discover Your Genius. Michael has performed with the Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. He is an expert juggler and a fifth-degree black belt in the martial art of Aikido.
https://michaelgelb.com/
https://michaelgelb.com/books
https://michaelgelb.com/blog
https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQWDfMYeT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
thealphornproject
https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/sforsythe
@stasiasiena
https://www.alphornassociation.org
https://www.alpensong.com/
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
We’re heading to the West Coast for this week’s episode! 🎙️🏔️
Sean sits down with Dr. Jonathon Stillman, a man whose expertise spans from the lecture hall to the Swiss Alps. Dr. Stillman is a Professor at San Francisco State University and U.C. Berkeley, but when he isn't teaching, he is a leading figure in the North American alphorn community.
A founding member of Alphorns San Francisco, Dr. Stillman also performs with Echo vom Birseck. Having lived in Switzerland for many years, he brings a wealth of authentic experience from competing and performing within the traditional Swiss Jodelerklubs.
Tune in to hear Dr. Stillman discuss his journey from Switzerland to the Bay Area and his dedication to preserving the traditional sounds of the alphorn.
🔗https://www.alpensong.com/ Alphornssf.org 🔗 Alphornassociation.org
TheAlphornProject #DrJonathonStillman #AlphornsSF #SFSU #UCBerkeley #Alphorn #PodcastFriday #AANA
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
We’re heading to the heart of Leavenworth this week as Sean chats with Janet Mano and Kevin Rieke.
Janet is a professional alphorn artist and the President of the Leavenworth Alphorns, while Kevin—a career entrepreneur and second-generation Leavenworth native—serves as an officer for the group. We dive into the rich culture of their community and what it takes to lead such a vibrant musical organization.
Speaking of leadership, the Leavenworth Alphorns were honored as AANA’s 2025 Organization of the Year! 🏆✨
Mark Your Calendars!📅
Don't miss the chance to see them in action at the Leavenworth Alphorn Festival, happening May 21-24, 2026.
🏔️ANNA https://www.alphornassociation.org/
🎼 Alpensong https://www.alpensong.com/
🏔️ Leavenworth Alphorns: https://leavenworthalphorns.org/
🎼 NW Alphorn Workshop: https://leavenworthalphorns.org/nw-alphorn-workshop
🪵 Local Craft: https://hatshopwoodshop.com/
TheAlphornProject #LeavenworthAlphorns #LeavenworthWA #AlphornFestival #AANA #JanetMano #KevinRieke #GermanHeritage #MusicFestival #PodcastFriday
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Wait... is this thing on? 🎙️😅
We had a few technical gremlins jump into the studio this week! Please excuse the minor audio/upload issues with our latest episode. Thanks for sticking with us while we get things back in harmony! 🏔️✨
Despite the glitches, we are so excited for you to hear from our guest this week, Laura Nelson! Laura is a celebrated winner at both the North American Alphorn Festival and Switzerland’s Festival International de Cor des Alpes (FICA). 🏆
If you are looking to add her beautiful compositions to your own collection, you can find her full catalog online!
Connect with Laura and explore her music:
🎼 Shop Music: www.Alpenmuse.com
📧 Contact: AlpenMuse@yahoo.com
👥 Facebook: Laura Nelson Profile 1 | Laura Nelson Profile 2
Learn more about the community:
🔗 The Alphorn Association
🔗 Alpensong
#TheAlphornProject #LauraNelson #AlphornMusic #Composer #MusicEducation #AANA #AlpenMuse #PodcastUpdate
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
60+ Alphorns. Major Universities. One Mission. 🏔️🎶
This week on the podcast, we’re talking about The Alphorn Project, developed by the amazing Stasia Siena. We’re highlighting Sadie Glass’ incredible program at the University of the Pacific and how she’s breaking new ground with her brass students.
Curious how your school can get involved with the AANA? We’ve got all the details in the episode!
thealphornproject
https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/sforsythe
@stasiasiena
https://www.pacific.edu/campus-directory/sadie-glass
https://www.alphornassociation.org/
https://www.alpensong.com/
Stasia Forsythe | Roosevelt University
Roosevelt University
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Kate Axtell is a professional alphorn artist and one of the original members of AANA’s 2026 Organization of the Year, the Sierra Alphorn Players. In 2026, Kate established the Imagine Alphorns You Tube Chanel and the 30-Day Alphorn Challenge. Kate’s alphorn journey is remarkable. She tells the inspirational story of how the alphorn saved her father’s life and set her on her own incredible path.
https://youtube.com/@thelongesthorn-alps
http://sierrahorns.org
axwoman@icloud.com
thealphornproject
https://www.alphornassociation.org
https://www.alpensong.com
Imagine Alphorns
“Imagine Alphorns” is a Swiss Alphorn lifestyle channel. I discovered the alphorn during Covid. I made new friends and came to rehearsals every week at the foot of the Sierra mountain range, su...
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Daniel Fuertges is President of the Peoria Harmonie-Concordia, Music Club. Harmonie is the largest organization within the German American Central Society. The club traces its roots back to 1850. Daniel is also the Founder of the Peoria Mid-Winter Alphorn Workshop, the Manager and a performer of the Lindenhof Echoes, and the Manager and a performer of Al’s Pals Polka Band.
The 2027 Peoria Mid-Winter Alphorn Workshop will be held 18-22 February. Dr. Natalie Grana will lead the event.
Daniel Fuertges’ e-mail: dfuertges@yahoo.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/9480169842007158
https://www.peoriagermans.net/
https://www.alphornassociation.org/
https://www.alpensong.com/
See posts, photos and more on Facebook.
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Stasia Forsythe Siena is a leading subject matter expert in the Alexander Technique (AT), a method used by thousands of artists and athletes worldwide to enhance performance, prevent injury, and improve overall coordination. She is also a classically trained opera singer, author, and alphorn artist. She is the architect of the #AlphornProject.
https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/sforsythe
https://horncamp.org/faculty/stasia-siena/https://
www.alphornassociation.org/atandthealphorn@stasiasiena
https://www.alphornassociation.org/
https://www.alpensong.com/
Note: Sean and Stasia incorrectly refer to the Indiana University Arnold Jacobs School of Music. In fact, the school was named the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music following a donation from Barbara B. and David H. Jacobs. Arnold Jacobs had no affiliation with the Jacobs School of Music. https://music.indiana.edu
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Brandi and Lindsey Jones are global alphorn thought leaders. They have manufactured over 200 alphorns in their shop located in Carson City Nevada. They have also written hundreds of alphorn pieces which are being performed all over the world. Their group, the Sierra Alphorn Players have recently been awarded the Alphorn Association of North America's 2026 Organization of the Year.
Silverandbrassmusic.com
Silverandbrassmusic@gmail.com
http://sierrahorns.org
alphornjones
https://www.alphornassociation.org
https://www.alpensong.com
thealphornproject
We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong
Sean, Robert and Sonja discuss the newly formed AANA which stands for the Alphorn Association Of North America. They discuss it's origins and the plans for the future.
If you are interested in getting involved with AANA, please reach out to sonja.reynolds@alpensong.com.
Alpensong.com
Alphorninstitue.com
AANA Webstie Coming Soon!
For information about the Tahoe Alphorn Seminar and to register, click here.
Sean, Robert and Sonja Reynolds meet with Peggy DeMers. They discuss Peggys most recent accomplishment of her English translation of the A. L. Gassmann’s s’Alphornbüechli, Blast mir das Alphorn noch einmal! Commonly known as the bible of the alphorn.
Links mentioned in the episode.
The Little Alphorn Book
Peggy Demers
Sean & Robert discuss their experiences performing for the international alphorn competition in Nendaz Switzerland and also discuss recent alphorn events, including The North American Alphorn Retreat.
The North American Alphorn Retreat
Thank you to everyone who came out to our Windy City event! It was great to see all of you. If you missed out on this event, but want to catch us later this year, visit our website to learn more about upcoming events!
Catch us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates!
Links mentioned in the episode:
A Singing Approach to Horn Playing: Pitch, Rhythm, and Harmony Training for Horn by Dr. Natalie Grana
TonalEnergy App
Following his graduation from the Ohio State University, Jim worked as a band director with Columbus Public Schools from 1969 until his retirement in 2004. Jim bought his first alphorn while he was on tour in Austria with a German choir. After playing solo alphorn for several years, he started playing trios with a group in 2008 which has transformed into the group Alphorn Gruezie. Jim also works along side Angela Buckley and Dave Sabatka in the Ohio Alphorn Band. In addition to his schedule of live performances, Jim focuses his energy on continuing to educate aspiring musicians and owns several alphorns for the purpose of running master classes and making them available to people who are interested in learning to play the alphorn
Learn more about Jim:
https://news.wosu.org/show/classical-music-with-jennifer-hambrick/2017-12-14/ohio-alphorn-ensemble-to-open-35th-anniversary-of-merry-tubachristmas-columbus
https://theohioalphornband.com/gallery-1
https://alphorngruezie.wordpress.com/about/
Visit the Alphorn Institute website here!
Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! @alphorninstitute
From her bio: "Annette was born in Cardiff and at the age of 8 decided she wanted to play the trombone but was told that her arms were too short. She is eternally grateful for that teacher’s wisdom and began playing the horn instead, rapidly progressing through the local youth ensembles and eventually going on to become principal horn of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.
Annette studied BMus at Manchester University and Masters at Trinity College of Music. Whilst living in London she worked with various UK orchestras and gained a place on the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s experience scheme on the natural horn. In 2013 She moved to Zürich to study at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste. During her studies she played with the Zürich Opera Orchestra and was the horn Academist of Bern Sinfonieorchester for the 2014-2015 season.
In 2016 Annette played for 3 Months as principal horn of the Bulgarian State Opera, Stara Zagora before returning to Zürich where she currently works as a freelance horn and alphorn player, manages The Alpine Sisters and is studying a Master of Advanced Studies in clinical music therapy."
Learn more about Annette and her sisters at http://thealpinesisters.org/.
Come play with other Alpornists at our series of events this year! Check out the dates and locations at https://www.alphorninstitute.com/events.
In this episode, Bill discusses how he discovered his love for the alphorn, the McNeese Alphorn group, how he gets young adults and kids interested in playing the alphorn, points of inflection, and his process for composing alphorn music.
Visit the Alphorn Institute website here!
Find Bill's publishers: TAP Music, Kagarice Brass Editions, Gulfwind Music Press, Treble C Music, Fred Bock Music, Editions BIM, Warwick Press and GIA Music.
Read Bill's biography HERE.
We are excited to be launching season two of the Alphorn podcast. In this episode we discuss everything listed above, but fun digressions include: the Wasatch mountain peaks, Robert and Tony's adventures with creating mouth pieces, Sean's endeavors to create composite alphorns, plans to play the alphorn in Greenland, and debate on when Robert had his first paid alphorn performance.
Visit our website here.
Learn more about the different alphorn events happening by visiting this link!
Alexandre Jous is an accomplished alphorn player as well as an ardent explorer. Alexandre's passion is taking the alphorn to new heights, quite literally by climbing some of the largest mountains in the world and playing his alphorn atop of those peaks. In this episode we learn about his journey that led him to the alphorn and also learn about his film, Each Mountain Has The Right To Its Own Music.
http://www.alexandrejous.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Alexandrejousalexcor
https://www.instagram.com/alexandrejous/
https://www.youtube.com/c/alexandrejous
Hubert Hense is a world renowned maker of exceptional Alphorns and he has been crafting these expertly made Alphorns since 2003. In this episode, Sean and Robert explore his story of why he decided to start making Alphorns and also discover what makes these unique instruments so special.
Hubert's Website
http://www.alphornbauhense.de/
Hubert's Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/AlphornbauHense
Hubert's Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/alphornbau/
In this episode, Robert & Sean meet again with Brian Priebe and discuss with him about his experience's of being an instructor at the North American Alphorn Retreat both this year and in previous years.
https://www.alphornretreat.com
Sean & Robert meet with Monica Hambrick and Jim Hopson during the North American Alphorn Retreat. In this episode, they talk about their experiences as being instructors at the North American Alphorn retreat over the years and what kind of projects they might have in the future.
The North American Alphorn Retreat
https://www.alphornretreat.com
The Appalachian Alphorn Adventure
https://www.alphornadventure.com
Brandi & Lindsey Jones are the owners of Silver & Brass Music Shop in Carson City NV, an instrument shop that specializes in restoring and selling vintage brass instruments. They both are very talented musicians and began their alphorn journey just a few years ago. In this episode, we learn about what lead them to owning a small business and the in's and out's of not only playing the alphorn but building one as well.
sierrahorns.org
silverandbrassmusic.com
Sean & Robert meet with Tony Brazelton during The North American Alphorn Retreat and discuss all things alphorn. Tony has been a shepherd of the alphorn for many years, not only in playing the instrument itself but also in collecting and selling some of the best made instrument's in the world. In this episode, we learn about Tonys history with the alphorn and how the Alphorn retreat came to be.
Sean & Robert reflect on past interviews and discuss the topics that they found particularly interesting. They also talk about the upcoming North American Alphorn Retreat and forecast the vision of future alphorn events in North America.
For more information on The North American Alphorn Retreat please visit - https://www.alphornretreat.com
Arkady Shilkloper is a world renowned horn player and multi-instrumentalist. The list of groups he has performed with is extensive but to name a few, we have the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow Art Trio, and Pago Libre. The list goes on. In this episode we learn about Arkady's story of becoming one of the most well known horn players in the world.
Arkady's Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sHsB4wKJyNLZx22bg86rA
Arkady's Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/shilkloper1956/
Jake Martin is a talented composer, producer and songwriter. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2020, earning a bachelors degree in composition and songwriting. He has written music for multiple different podcasts, business's and artists in including his own act as a singer/songwriter. In this episode, we learn about how Jake has been introduced to the Alphorn and his process in writing new music for the instrument.
Jake's Website
https://jakemartinmusic.com
Monica Hambrick is an accomplished freelance Alphorn player and teacher. She is also the founder of the Appalachian Alphorn Adventure located in the beautiful New River Gorge of West Virginia. In this episode we learn about Monicas teaching history and how curating Alphorn events are helpful in growing the Alphorn community in North America.
https://www.alphornadventure.com
Peggy DeMers is a professor of Horn at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She studied music and horn at the Cincinnati Conservatory, earning her M.M, and at the University of Wisconsin earning both her B.M and D.M.A. In this episode we learn about her journey of becoming an acclaimed teacher of the Alphorn and her vision of education for the art form.
In this episode, we interviewed Mr. Thomas Tilton during the Leavenworth Alphorn Gathering in Leavenworth Washington. We talked about the performances of the event and future plans for upcoming alphorn gatherings.
Eliana Burki is one of the most well known Alphorn players in the world. She has broken down the barriers of genre with the Alphorn and incorporates jazz, funk and folk in her vast discography of music. In this episode, we learn about her beginnings on the Alphorn and her desire to always push the envelope of the instrument.
Eliana's Website
http://eliana-burki.com
Eliana's Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEcdkPaI6S2n7yn6DCH2Ig
Bill is not only an accomplished Alphorn player but is also a skilled maker of some of the finest and most sought after Alphorns in the world. His professional career has seen over 35 years of playing French horn in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. In this episode, we learn a little bit about Bills history and his philosophy on the art of playing the Alphorn.
Thomas Tilton is the organizer of the Northwest Alphorn Retreat in Leavenworth Washington. He is the singer and accordion player in the authentic Bavarian & Austrian folk band called Alpenfolk. In this episode, we learn about his work with Alpenfolk and his efforts with the Leavenworth Alphorn Association.
https://leavenworthalphorns.org
https://www.alphornretreat.com
Brian Priebe is an accomplished freelance Trombone and Alphorn player. He is a former member of the Utah Chamber Orchestra and his acute Alphorn capabilities have garnered him some success in the International Alphorn Competition in Nendaz, Switzerland. In this episode we learn about Brians history of playing the alphorn and his experiences in the Alphorn community throughout the world.
Jim Hopson is a freelance composer and musician. His multi instrumentalist capabilities allow him to be an accomplished teacher of all things brass. In this episode we learn about his musical upbringing and a little bit about the evolution of composing songs for the Alphorn.
Dr. Natalie Grana is a classically trained French Horn player and a forward thinking academic when it comes to teaching about the Alphorn. In this episode we learn about her techniques in ear training and how the use of solfege has helped her students learn to play the Alphorn with a more focused ear.
Robert & Sean meet with Maureen Kelly who just completed a masters program where the bulk of her research was on the Alphorn. In this episode we discuss Muareens research and explore the continued growth of the alphorn in North America.
Welcome to the North American Alphorn Podcast. In this episode we introduce ourselves, our mission and set the stage for what is to come in future episodes.