by Jeff Bowman

For many high school horn playing seniors, the highlight of the year can be getting accepted into a school’s music program. For me, this was because so much work had been put into preparing for the audition. I know this is the case for at least some horn players, as they have applied to multiple schools of music in the hope that they will get in to at least one of them. But once that day comes, it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Now, the question becomes, “what should I do to prepare for all of the music classes I will be taking?” The answer depends on whether or not you have any background or previous experience with music theory, ear training, or piano.

by Kyle Hayes

Practicing is something that a serious music student should be doing daily – this is something we all know. Understanding HOW and WHAT to practice is where many (including myself) run into trouble. Some things that help are to make a schedule to follow, rate the things that you need to work on by what is important, and to make sure you touch everything so that you have a well rounded practice session.

by Riley P.

Scales. Some hate them, some love them. I wish to discover why do musicians despise these evil things so much? I think we think they are boring and useless. But they are not useless. After all the scales are learned, musicians can play in different keys much faster and easier. This is why when trying out for a band or another ensemble, the judge wants to hear scales so they know you can read music faster. This year scales became very useful. I made the top regional honor band this year partly because I knew every one of my scales after memorizing them in my private lessons.

By knowing the twelve major scales, your note recognition will improve. Hitting notes while playing music will be easier because of knowing the scales. Also in music, there are little parts of scales put in the music.

Scales, scales, scales. They ARE useful. They are NOT pointless. I would recommend to everyone to learn their scales. Later you will not regret it, even if you do while practicing the scales.

Riley is an 8th grade horn student in west Tennessee

Teaching the Right Hand Position For Hornists
by Dr. Howard Hilliard

What's so difficult about putting the right hand in the horn bell? Plenty, if you are starting a young student. Playing with the wrong hand position in the bell is endemic among young horn players. Of course there are degrees of wrong. After having taught hundreds of beginners as well as having seen various degrees of success and approaches by many band directors, I consider myself in a privileged position to offer suggestions on this topic. There are two main considerations that must be addressed in approaching the right hand in the bell. First, what is the correct position, and second, how best to achieve this for young students?

Chamber music provides enormous benefits for horn players. I have recently discovered this truth from participating in a brass quintet at the university level. Benefits include flexibility in playing that carries over into playing in larger ensembles, social networking, career and business experience, financial management, physical and mental endurance, and fun.

Chamber music is a form of musical communication for smaller ensembles in an intimate setting. Ideally, chamber music is enjoyed in a room that holds fewer than 50 listeners, all of whom are seated relatively close to the performers.