by Elaine Braun, with Clare Gibson
My journey with the horn began in my second year at the University at Buffalo. Initially pursuing a piano major and voice minor, I later switched to the harp as a minor and eventually made the horn my major, studying under the guidance of Lowell Shaw. Throughout my musical pursuits, I never let go of my passion for singing, actively participating in choruses, and taking on leading roles in musical productions. After completing my studies in music education, I embarked on a career teaching both vocal and instrumental music in local schools.
It was in 1972 that I had my first encounter with the International Horn Society at the Indiana Symposium, and I was hooked! Witnessing the exceptional talent of the best players and engaging in conversations with them made a profound impact on me. The following year, I began teaching at Western University in Ontario. There, I instructed private students, taught an education course for non-players (which taught me valuable lessons about introducing beginners to the horn), and led the horn ensemble, performing music that Lowell Shaw had graciously shared with me. It was during my time at the Avignon Symposium that I became the Representative for Canada to the IHS. A few years later, I was honored to be elected to the Advisory Council where I served as Secretary/Treasurer for several years.
During this period, I also had the opportunity to be an exhibitor at the Hornists' Nest table, either alongside Mr. Shaw or independently. It was a delightful experience as it provided me with the chance to meet horn players from all corners of the world, many of whom were eager to acquire Fripperies. In 1999, I began working at the Buffalo Philharmonic where I held various positions, and after three years of working in the library and serving as a copyist for Doc Severinsen, I moved again to the United States, accepting the position of General Manager of the Maryland Symphony in Hagerstown, Maryland. During my tenure there, I organized a Horn Weekend which included a memorable trip to Walter Lawson's horn-building shop in Boonesboro and performing a prelude to the symphony concert that weekend.
Following my time in Maryland, I moved to Erie, Pennsylvania, assuming the same position with the Erie Philharmonic while also directing the Erie Philharmonic Chorus. Eventually, the time came for retirement, and I decided to settle in Nashville to be a helpful grandmother.
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Nashville Horn Hang
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In 2016, I was re-elected to the Advisory Council, but an exciting opportunity arose when the new position of Membership Coordinator was created. Without hesitation, I applied, and in November 2017, I received a call from Jeff Snedeker offering me the position which I began in 2018. In 2019, I was honored to receive the IHS Medal of Honor Service Award which I cherish. Presently, I engage in various musical endeavors, playing in the Nashville Community Concert Band, singing in the Vanderbilt Community Chorus, and conducting the Nashville Horn Hang. I am proud to have been a member of the International Horn Society since 1972 and eagerly anticipate attending my 45th Symposium in Montréal.
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Nashville Community Concert Band horn section
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