EDWIN THAYER

EDWIN C. THAYER, whose more familiar name is Ted, is a native of Weymouth, MA where he began his musical career on piano at an early age.  He studied horn with Willem Valkenier and James Stagliano of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.  Ted earned his bachelor of music degree cum laude and a master of music degree with performance honors at the University of Illinois where he studied with Thomas Holden.  Whilst a student, Ted attended Tanglewood Music Center for two seasons, performed with the Springfield, OH, Symphnony and taught and performed for three seasons at the Brevard Music Festival in NC.

After a three year stint in the U.S. Army Band at Fort Myer, VA from 1958 to 1961, Mr. Thayer moved to Richmond, VA to become the principal hornist with the Richmond Symphony Orchestra and the Richmond Symphonietta.  Ted also performed with the Richmond Woodwind Quintet and as principal horn of the Norfolk Symphony and served as an associate professor of music at Virginia Commonwealth University.  After joining the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, DC as principal horn in 1972, he performed as a soloist on many occasions and was a member of the NSO Brass Principals Quintet from 1988 to 1999.  He also represented the NSO at the World Philharmonic Concert in Rio de Janiero, Brazil in 1986.  Ted served as the hornist with the Euterpe Chamber Ensemble from 1981 to 1989 and is the hornist of the 20th Century Consort.  He spent the summers from 1995 to 2001 at the Highlands Music Festival in NC.  Mr. Thayer moved to fourth horn of the NSO in 2000, receiving the title of Principal Horn Emeritus until his retirement in 2003.  He maintains his piano skills and was occasionally seen at the keyboard with the NSO.

Ted is far from "retired" as he still serves on the faculties of George Mason and Catholic Universities and at Columbia Union College.  His teaching style reflects his personality: hard working, patient and analytical.  His many students have gone on to full-time playing and teaching careers and are found in major symphonies, universities, opera orchestras and service bands.  He is still active as a recitalist and clinician throughout the US.

Mr. Thayer joined the KBHC faculty in 2005 and returned in 2006. It is a distinct privilege to welcome him again in 2007!