Horn Section
Photo Credit: Algis Kaupas
I started playing the horn as a junior in high school when I fell in love with its sound. This was about the same time I fell in love with my wife, Feather. There are many reasons to love my wife, but with the exception of its beautiful sound, there are few reasons to want to play the horn, since everything a horn is asked to do some other instrument can do more easily.
In the summer of 1963 I started playing with the Hartford Symphony as an extra/substitute hornist while a student at Hartt College. I became a regular member in 1971.
I am grateful for my wonderful and patient horn teachers who include Catherine Wade, Jim Jacobs, and Willem Valkenier, and for all those who helped me along the way.
Attaining a position in a fine orchestra such as the Hartford Symphony requires talent, an enormous amount of hard work, and incredible luck. My advice to anyone who wants to win a position with a fine orchestra: don’t depend on the luck part!
I have taught horn at Wesleyan University, the Hartford Conservatory, Loomis-Chaffee School, and the Hartt Community Division. Presently I am on the part-time faculty of the Hartt School at the University of Hartford.
We in the Hartford Symphony are fortunate to be able to perform the works of the great composers of the past and present. This, in part, makes up for the large discrepancy between a musician’s salary and that of an equally skilled person in most other professions.
When not playing or teaching, my wife and I love to travel throughout the world.