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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

  • 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.

Past Guest Artists

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 Alumni

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

Past Performances

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