by Lisa Bontrager, IHS Advisory Council Member
This afternoon, I enjoyed the faculty horn recital of Dr. Sarah Schouten at the Penn State School of Music. Sarah is both my former student and my successor. She played beautifully and boldly. A favorite piece was When I’m Older, by Shanyse Strickland (vol. 6 no. 1, vol. 6 no. 4, vol. 8 no. 12). It allured me into a reflection on my career and what may be ahead for me. After two horn degrees at University of Michigan, I spent two years freelancing in the Cincinnati area, then 37 years teaching and performing at Penn State. And now, I’ve been retired from that job for 3 semesters. I chose to retire on the early side, after a long stint with aging parents and their exhausting care. So now…I am still playing and traveling and teaching, and I am so grateful.
The best things about a horn career are music and people. Playing in a horn section, or in my case, playing tons of chamber music, is a great way to make deep and lasting friendships. Horn players know how to “lean in” and support one another, and I love that! Teaching scores of students has been unbelievably rewarding and that, certainly, is really all about the people. I am going to have the opportunity to keep it going with my ’23-24 position at the University of Kentucky with a Recurring Guest Artist Residency where I will augment the work of Dr. Melanie Kjellsen. I head to Lexington next week and I can’t wait. (If anyone needs a sabbatical or short-term replacement, please give me a call!)
Another recent highpoint was attending the 55th annual IHS Symposium in Montréal. Again, the music and horn playing were inspiring, and seeing old friends was energizing. My weeks are filled with just enough performing as I continue to play in the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra (moving down to second horn has been awesome), Penns Woods Music Festival, Masterworks Festival, and in my position as third horn in the Punta Gorda (Florida) Symphony. I even have a “reunion” gig with the Millennium Brass coming up later this month.
These playing and teaching opportunities keep me moving forward, practicing, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones. I am grateful to be exhausted by three darling grandbabies, ages 3 and under. I am blessed, and “when I’m older,” I hope to continue to enjoy both music and friends.
I made a CD in honor of my aging father who loved hymns. Please enjoy his favorite, It is Well With My Soul.
