In addition to the usual juries and final exam grading next week, I’ll also be getting geared up for the 44th International Horn Symposium, which will be held on the campus of the University of North Texas in Denton, May 15-19. As usual, there is a great line-up of guest artists and exhibitors, as well as an attempt to set a record for the world’s largest horn ensemble. Symposium host (and Editor of The Horn Call) Bill Scharnberg has done an excellent job coordinating everything. Although early registration has ended, attendees can still register on site for either the full symposium or on a per day basis.  If you play the horn and live anywhere near Denton, you don’t want to miss this event. Although I regularly attend regional horn workshops, it’s been several years since I attended an international symposium.  For horn players in the south, Denton, TX is the closest an IHS symposium may ever come to your area (the site for IHS 45 has not been officially announced).  I’m especially looking forward to catching up with several colleagues, as well as perusing the numerous exhibits.

I’ll also be performing as a contributing artist on one of the Wednesday recitals, playing Jan Koetsier‘s Sonata for Horn and Harp, Op. 94.   My collaborator for this performance, as well as an upcoming recording project, is Dr. Jaymee Haefner, a member of the faculty at UNT.  She is a fabulous musician, and I’m very excited about working with her. If you aren’t familiar with this work, consider checking out our performance at the symposium.   For a taste of this music, here’s an excerpt of the third movement from a recording with Sören Hermansson, horn and Erica Goodman, harp. Wishing everyone safe travels to and from Denton!