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Articles by Bruce Hembd

Indexed in reverse chronological order.



Existentialism and the Paradigm of Trolls, Musicians and Union Labor

PUBLISHED: March 27, 2013, Bruce Hembd
trollHM

As regular readers might know, I am an avid follower of internet culture, especially meme humor. What I find most fascinating is how some meme-based concepts evolve and take root into the broader, popular culture. Internet trolling (or just trolling) is one such phenomena. While there is nothing new or novel about playing pranks, trolling has evolved into [...]

Question from the Mailbag: What Level of Horn Should an Adult Amateur Buy?

PUBLISHED: March 25, 2013, Bruce Hembd
supercar

Ryan asks: I am in the market for a new horn and I’ve noticed intermediate horns seem to have the same specs, but are typically $1000 less than professional horns. Seeing as I am an amateur player, mostly for fun and the community band, would an intermediate horn be a good choice for me or [...]

Random Wednesday: Playing Catch-up, Memes and Plastic Brains

PUBLISHED: March 20, 2013, Bruce Hembd
pimp-hornPimp

Wish granted Through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, a Chicago area teenager with Ewing Sarcoma had her wish granted to play with the Chicago Symphony horn section. That dream came true Thursday afternoon when Hanna performed with the members of the CSO’s French horn section. She also will attend a regular rehearsal, receive a backstage pass and get tickets [...]

Ouch! My Finger Hurts (and I Don’t Know Why!?)

PUBLISHED: February 6, 2013, Bruce Hembd
Infected finger

About five days ago the index finger on my left hand became extremely irritated. Over the course of a few days this irritation swelled to dramatic proportions and over the weekend, I was incapable of using that finger during practice sessions. I have absolutely no idea how this happened, other than having done some front-yard [...]

Five Easy Ways to Pimp Your Horn without Breaking the Bank

PUBLISHED: January 25, 2013, Bruce Hembd
pimp-hornPimp

Whether it be a new mouthpiece or leadpipe, upgrading a horn can be a fun and worthwhile investment.  For someone on a budget especially, customization and updating can improve your playing without having to invest in a new instrument. I have upgraded several horns myself, all with great satisfaction. I also have played professionally on [...]

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Humor: On the Dynamic between a Conductor and Horn Player

PUBLISHED: January 21, 2013, Bruce Hembd
Archibald Noodlefish Horn Matters

Our dubious colleague Mr. Archibald Noodlefish* returns for further commentary, sharing his odd take on a well-known quote from Sir Simon Rattle about orchestral horn players. *Mr. Noodlefish performs exclusively on the quintuple Corno Ultimo.

Friday Funny: 12 of the Most Irritating Sounds on the Planet

PUBLISHED: January 17, 2013, Bruce Hembd
Annoying Sounds - Horn Matters

Being a musician I am perhaps a bit too overly sensitive to the sounds and noises of modern life when I am out in public. That being said it is time to vent some of those irritants … all in good fun. 12 of the Most Irritating Sounds on the Planet