University of Florida Gator Horn Studio takes Orlando

Over the weekend, I was able to accompany the University of Florida Gator Horn Studio under the direction of UF horn professor Paul Basler to Orlando for the 10th Annual Florida French Horn Festival. I am close to several of the horn players in the studio at UF, and I was very excited to tag along and see some of the inner workings of the french horn world. This festival took place at the Plaza Live Theatre and attracted over 100 participants from around Florida and even drew in professors from other states. Although I have to admit that I was a little on ease considering the massively heightened security at the theatre following the murder of Christina Grimmie...

Besides that tragically odd coincidence that occurred at the theatre last June, the Florida French Horn Festival turned out to be a successful and safe event. One of my friends from the University of Florida, David LaRussa, 19, reflected on the festival and said there was something particularly special about this year's gathering.

And this camp that David mentioned, Kendall Betts Horn Camp, seemed to be the theme of the day. The organizer of the horn festival, Caroline Blice, dedicated this year's festival to Kendall Betts, a renowned french hornist and founder of the Kendall Betts Horn Camp who passed away at the end of summer 2016 from cancer. I could sense the impact that Kendall Betts had on the great majority of the players in attendance at this festival. Rightfully so, David even said that it was very fitting for Caroline to bring back faculty members that were somehow linked to Kendall Betts.

All faculty members, students and visitors who have attended Kendall Betts Horn Camp in the past gathered for a photo on stage at the Plaza Live Theatre in Orlando.

The tightly-knit network of french horn players was evident even to me, a mere spectator at the festival. The day continued on after a brief introduction by Caroline, and the hornists in attendance were able to participate in guest lectures, masterclasses, horn choir rehearsals and an instrument maintenance breaks throughout the festival. It was a fast-paced day of music and learning, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and trying to absorb as much information as possible.

And of course, the virtuosity of the guest artist Bernhard Scully shined through in his several performances. However, what I liked most about Bernhard was his approachability and realistic teaching style.

Hornist Bernhard Scully performs solo works at the 10th Annual Florida Horn Festival at the Plaza Live Theatre.

Overall, the Florida Horn Festival was a great success and did a fine job honoring the legacy of the late Kendall Betts. I'm glad I was able to be a little fly on the wall that day to get a taste of this slice of the musical world that I otherwise would not have had the opportunity to observe in my lifetime.