Awards & Competitions

Before completing any application, read this information; it applies to all IHS Awards and Contest Programs.

Applications for IHS awards and contests are available online or by contacting the IHS Executive Director. Send completed applications to the IHS Executive Director, by email at exec-director@hornsociety.org, or by completing an online application.

The preferred language for applications is English; however, applicants whose native language is not English may submit applications in their native language, with an English translation. Outside assistance in completing this translation is acceptable. Versions in both languages must be submitted.

Recorded materials must be in MP3 Audio. Other formats may be converted for transmission to the judges but may lose quality in the process.

First prize winners of IHS awards and performance contests are not eligible to participate in the same award or contest again. All awards must be used in the year they are awarded. If an award includes IHS membership and the winner is already a member, the membership is extended.

The International Horn Society reserves the right to cancel competitions or withhold one or more awards if, in the opinion of the judges, conditions warrant such action.

Barry Tuckwell Award

The Barry Tuckwell Award was established in 1997 to honor the IHS Founding President and is designed to encourage and support worthy horn students as they pursue education and performance opportunities by attending and participating in masterclasses and workshops throughout the world. Application deadline January 26, 2025.

IHS Premier Soloist Competition

The purpose of this competition is to nurture and develop the great horn soloists of the future. All finalists are expected to pay for travel to the Symposium and register as a participant. Application deadline March 18, 2025.

Frizelle Orchestral Audition Contests

The Dorothy Frizelle Memorial Fund (biography here) was established in her memory to support the study of orchestral horn playing at IHS workshops.

The Jon Hawkins Memorial Award

Jon Hawkins (biography here) was a Life Member of the IHS, just starting his career as a professional musician when he met his death in a traffic accident. His parents, Neil and Runa Hawkins, established this award as a memorial to their son. A biography of Jon Hawkins appears on page 108 in the October 1992 issue of The Horn Call.

This award encourages the attendance of deserving, highly motivated horn students at the annual IHS symposiums, where they can be intensely exposed to state-of-the-art levels of performance, pedagogy, equipment, and resources. Application deadline March 20, 2025.

Paul Mansur Award

This award, named for the longtime Editor of The Horn Call, Emeritus Dean, and IHS Honorary Member, Paul Mansur, provides opportunities for full-time music education students to receive five mentorship calls from a mutually agreed-upon mentor. Application deadline March 20, 2025.

Michael Hatfield Service Award

This award was created in 2024 in memoriam of Honorary Member Michael Hatfield, who was recognized as a dedicated teacher and distinguished performer. A humble person, Michael Hatfield quietly served others in the music world and his community in many ways. Service to others was central in his life. The Michael Hatfield Service Award is awarded to a high school or undergraduate student who has contributed in service to the horn community or to their community-at-large. Application deadline: March 20, 2025.