February 24, 2009 by John Ericson

Archived under: General   |   Inspiring horn teachers

Mason Jones


The great American hornist Mason Jones passed on last week at age 89. I did not know him or study with him or study with any of his students. I have in fact only been in Philadelphia, where he was Principal Horn for many years, one time. However, I do feel I have some connection to him. The two main connections for me are

1. As a listener. When I was in high school I started listening to Classical recordings and I was given if I recall correctly as a Christmas present by my Sunday school teacher (!) the boxed set Philadelphia Orchestra recording of Tchaik 4, 5, and 6. I still have the LP in my office, and it says right there “Mason Jones, Horn Solo.” And I heard him on many other great recordings. Great playing worth emulating.

2. As a user of his publications. The very first solo collection I owned was his collection Solos for the Horn Player, published by G. Schirmer. It remains to this day a very nice collection and a good one to suggest to a late high school student. I also made use of his excerpt book, 20th Century Orchestra Studies, also published by G. Schirmer. This also remains a good resource as a number of the works in this collection remain under copyright.

Mason Jones will be missed but made a lasting impact that will be remembered.

JOHN ERICSON has wide-ranging experience as an orchestral player, soloist, and teacher.» About John Ericson » More articles » Horn Notes Edition » Contact

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Mason Jones
Published on February 24, 2009 by John Ericson

Archived under: General   |   Inspiring horn teachers
John Ericson & Bruce Hembd
on the French horn, brass related topics, and the field of classical music.