FIRST ANNUAL KENDALL BETTS HORN CAMP

A report from Kenneth Graupner

(Kenneth Graupner, M.D. is a Psychiatrist and avid amateur horn player in Beaver Dam, WI)

Kendall Betts' dream of an intensive seminar/retreat for horn players was inaugurated June 25 - July 2, 1995 at the White Mountain School near Littleton, NH. Twenty-eight horn players, aged 16-71 (students, aspiring professionals, and amateurs of widely varying abilities and training) came together for an intensive week of learning and performing under the generous tutelage of Kendall Betts, Principal Horn of the Minnesota Orchestra, David Ohanian, hornist with the Canadian Brass, and Abby Mayer, formerly of the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point and the Indianapolis Symphony. Faculty collaborative pianist was Patti Wolf.

Utilizing his own edition of the Kopprasch Studies, Kendall focused on a few fundamental concepts each day; these were reinforced with personal coaching and individual practice.

Daily solo and orchestral repertoire master classes gave every participant the opportunity to perform several times. An atmosphere of expectation, patience, tact and humor was appreciated by the younger hot-shots and older amateurs, alike. Having comments and suggestions from three professionals contributed a broad perspective.

Walter Lawson and Bob Osmun came one day to share their expertise on horn design, maintenance, and mouthpieces.

The White Mountains and the White Mountain School provided a beautiful, relaxed setting for the camp. Most participants stayed at the school and enjoyed the good food and the opportunity to get to know each other socially as well as musically. One afternoon was free for recreation (hiking, biking, golf, tennis, sightseeing, etc.). Cost was modest.

Abby Mayer started the faculty recital with a historical survey of horns, including the alphorn, complete with lederhosen. Kendall Betts played the Beethoven Sonata's first movement on the natural horn, David Ohanian played the R. Strauss Concerto No. 1, Kendall the Strauss No. 2, and Kendall's student, Bernhard Scully (now a freshman at Northwestern with Dale Clevenger) joined the faculty for a rousing performance of the Schumann Konzertstueck. The participants concert featured soloists, quartets, octets and horn choir.

Everyone had a great time and made noticeable progress in their horn playing and musicianship during the week.