Student Horn Competitions at Horns on the Horizon: IHCA & IHS 56
by Inman Hebert
For student horn players, competitions can be our greatest fear but also our crowning achievements. While competing may (understandably) stress out many students, these events benefit all who participate, not just the winners. The preparation process and the experience of competing can prepare young horn players for that venture into the professional world in search of a job. Below, I have listed the horn competitions occurring this summer at and immediately before the International Horn Symposium. Each of these competitions offers unique opportunities for student horn players to develop their playing and gain valuable performance experience.
Having command of solo repertoire is important for any student horn player and is part of university auditions, recitals, job searches, and performances. For 2024, the International Horn Competition of America (IHCA) is hosting its biennial solo horn competition from July 26 to July 29, 2024, in conjunction with but preceding the International Horn Symposium at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.
This solo horn competition hosts both a professional and university division. For the student division, the competition is open to all nationalities, but students must be enrolled at a university, no older than 26 years of age, have never signed a full-time performance contract, and have not been a previous division winner. High school students may participate with legal permission from an adult. The registration fee increases after March 31, 2024.
The first round requires an in-person performance of the first movement of a Mozart Concerto, no. 2, 3, or 4, with one rehearsal allowed with an IHCA accompanist. Original piano scores must be provided, but use of your own accompanist is permitted for the first round only. In addition, students will also perform one of the listed works for unaccompanied horn. Performers are expected to wear concert attire and are encouraged to perform standing; however, memorization at this level is optional. The semi-final round includes a choice from a list of works for horn and piano, whereas the final round consists of one of four complete concerti. See the IHCA’s university division repertoire for a full list.
Judges may name finalists, award first and second, or choose a combination depending on the performances. Regardless of the results, the most important part of IHCA is that all contestants will be provided copies of the judges’ evaluation sheets and be allowed to consult with adjudicators. This means that students can gain live feedback from distinguished horn players across America. The manner in which students constructively work through their IHCA comments to develop will define the success of their IHCA experience, not the results themselves.
A reminder that the International Horn Society (IHS) has a tab under Programs for Awards and Performance Contests. One event featured here is the IHS Premier Soloist Competition held at the IHS Symposium from July 29 to August 2, 2024. Hornists under 28 years of age planning to attend the IHS symposium must apply before March 18, 2024, and submit a mp3-format recording of the three repertoire requirements. Judging is based on anonymized recordings, and up to five finalists will be invited to perform the same concerto submitted to the judges. Awards include cash prizes and a one-year IHS membership.
At the Symposium, the IHS also hosts Frizelle Orchestral Audition Contests for full-time students under 25 years old. For the High Horn and Low Horn categories, judges may choose winners who will receive an orchestral coaching session and a free one-year IHS membership. Online registration remains open until July 17, 2024. These contests provide students with an opportunity to simulate orchestral auditions. Also, students with a weaker horn register can prepare the excerpts for that category, which gives them pieces to structure the development of their range. Judges at the competitions provide feedback sheets that help students understand their mistakes in the audition, which can inform their future work on the excerpts. Through this process, students can become better prepared to join the professional world.
Students under the age of 24 seeking financial assistance to attend the IHS symposium may apply for the Jon Hawkins Memorial Award by March 20, 2024. The application requires three short essays describing your background, future goals, and financial situation related to your plans and a recording of two contrasting works. In addition to cash assistance to attend IHS, the winner receives a private lesson or masterclass at the Symposium, gives a solo performance, receives a copy of Werner Perlinka’s Concerto for Jon, and a one-year IHS membership. I cannot place enough stress on the importance of this award. Attending an IHS Symposium offers an invaluable chance for students to gain inspiration and compete in the mentioned competitions, which can help wonderfully in their development.
As horn students, we must embolden ourselves to face the mettle of competing. Even if the results do not go our way, the process of preparation will prove valuable. This summer, the International Horn Symposium offers a chance for students of all ages and classifications to participate in the competition experience. Fellow students, come to the IHS symposium and compete!
