How to String a Rotary Valve

Bravery, heroism and no clams.* George Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851) by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze A historic moment in American history is captured on canvas; General George Washington leads the American revolutionary troops across the Delaware River in order to surprise the English and Hessian troops in the Battle of Trenton the day after Christmas [...]

One thing I have been thinking about lately is the topic of equipment and fingering choices in relation to orchestral and solo horn playing. Most horn players in the USA are essentially orchestral players in their equipment and outlook. Which is fine, but it does lead to a type of set-up that is tonally oriented [...]

Every concert we play there could be some famous or well known hornist in attendance. I know there was one at the concert I played tonight, the retired Principal Hornist of a couple different major orchestras. Speaking to him afterwards was a highlight of my holiday season to be sure, it was great to know [...]

A friend posted a link (I saw it on Facebook) to a most interesting post in a new blog by David Finlayson, second trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Finlayson comments on a topic close to the heart of every orchestral player, the topic of bad conductors. I have played a lot of concerts, as [...]

Up and down the overtone series. With many beginning and intermediate players, they start playing a piece of music beginning on the wrong note, and continue on their merry way without even knowing that their entire performance is off. As soon as possible, I try to teach students about the harmonic series. It seems that [...]

I am back with the Salt River Brass this weekend for their holiday concerts, so the release of this promotional video on YouTube for the group is especially timely. I am in the group in the video, which was filmed last year, with several views of me to be seen! Check out the video, this [...]