2008 Northeast Horn Workshop Report
by Alan Parshley
The 2008 Northeast Horn Workshop was held on March 14, 15, and 16 on the campus of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Workshop host Patrice Malatestinic did an excellent job bringing together an amazing array of master classes, concerts, and presentations. The large number of performers, clinicians, and artists who gave presentations during the course of the three day workshop are too numerous to mention in this short report, but special mention should be made of Peter Kurau, Eli Epstein, and Alex Shuhan, who gave memorable performances and presentations at several points during the weekend. Informative Master Classes were given by Mr. Kurau and Julie Landsman.
David Amram brought energy, a nurturing attitude, and lots of good humor to his offerings both during the workshop and in the after-hours jazz sessions. He was joined by John Clark in a spirited session on improvisation, where participants were encouraged to try out their skills. Hornist/composer/arranger Morris Kliphuis was a hit with his after-hours jazz performances at Chez Sophie in downtown Saratoga Springs. Honoring two people who have dedicated their lives to the horn, NHW Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to Ginger Culpepper (teaching), and to Brooks Tillostson (performance).
The Friday evening concert featured regional artists in a program of music by living composers. Performers included Rebecca Webster-Dodson, Susan La Fever, Lydia Busler-Blais, Christine Mortensen, Alan Parshley, Patrick Smith, and Alex Shuhan, who premiered La Douceur de la Vie ( The Sweetness of Life) by David Gluck.
In the solo competitions, Cheryl Hadeka (Eastman School) won the university division, while Jordan James (Kansas City) won the high school division. Horn choir performances were given by the Ithaca Horn Choir, the Skidmore Horn Choir, the Green Mountain Horn Club, and the Purchase Horn Studio.