Horn
Overview
The Illinois State Horn Studio, a community of mutual support and respect, is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students majoring in performance, music education, music business, and music therapy, as well as music minors. Dr. Rachel Hockenberry teaches all horn students majoring in music. The mission of the Horn Studio at Illinois State University is to empower and inspire students in their lifelong pursuit of excellence in performance, teaching, learning, research, and creative activities, to enhance campus life, to complete degrees, and to become employed in their chosen field.
- Studio Details
- Audition Information
- Ensembles & Performance Opportunities
- Past Guest Artists
- Notable Alumni
Private Lessons
Illinois State horn students receive 15 weekly one-hour lessons each semester.
Horn Choir
The Illinois State Horn Choir is comprised of all undergraduate and graduate horn students. This unique ensemble prepares literature together, is lead by the professor, and performs multiple times each semester. This ensemble is required as a member of the horn studio.
Chamber Music
Chamber music is a great opportunity for undergraduate and graduate horn players to meet other musicians and perform in small ensembles (trio, quartet, quintets, etc.) These groups may be chosen by students or arranged by the music faculty.
The following suggestions are representative of acceptable repertoire for undergraduate admission auditions. You are NOT limited to what is listed. Students should not hesitate to use music similar in nature and difficulty.
Undergraduate
- Two contrasting solo pieces or movements; OR one solo and a contrasting etude
- All major scales (two octaves)
- Performance majors should also prepare three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- Students may be asked to sight-read
Graduate
- Two contrasting solo works
- One etude
- Three contrasting orchestral excerpts
- All major, melodic minor, and harmonic minor scales (two octaves)
- Students may be asked to sight-read
On Campus
- Wind Symphony
- Symphonic Winds
- Symphonic Band
- University Band
- Symphony Orchestra
- Chamber Winds
- Horn Choir
Off Campus
- Peoria Symphony Orchestra
Each year we strive to bring at least one guest artist to campus for a masterclass and recital in order to enhance the learning experience in the School of Music. Past artists have included:
- Dale Clevenger, former Solo Horn of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
- Luca Benucci, Solo Horn of the Florence Opera House
- Robert Johnson, 3rd Horn of the Lyric Opera of Chicago
- David Wetherill, former co-principal horn of the Philadelphia Orchestra
- Thomas Bacon, former principal horn of the Detroit and Houston Symphonies
- Jason Ayoub, principal horn of the U. S. Navy Band
Notable ISU alumni include:
- Victor Pesavento, orchestrator/arranger/copyist for the Academy Awards, American Idol (season 11), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical , and the third Hobbit film.
- Nancy O’Neill, Fulbright Scholar who studied in Finland researching at a music school for individuals with disabilities.