But, first, what is the role of the horn section???

•to be the chameleons of any ensemble

•sometimes with the brass, sometimes with the woodwinds, often with the strings

•sometimes the leading line

•sound good blending with everyone

•to play in tune with everyone, sometimes leading the pitch center, sometimes supporting the pitch center (wait, what’s the pitch center?!)

So, what is your job in the section?

•1st horn – lead, tune to 1st trumpet and tuba/ tune to 1st clarinet, oboe, flute; establish style such as dynamics, articulation, breaths

•must establish all fundamental “core” sound of the section

•2nd horn – play in tune with 1st player, match everything, support volume (sometimes plays up dynamic to support)

•continues the style, articulation and sound concept of the 1st horn player to pass along to 3rd and 4th

•3rd horn – play in tune with 1st player, match everything, lead higher lines when 1st isn’t playing

•is often considered the “1st horn” of the bottom two horns (i.e. solo in Brahms and traditionally has higher parts that 2/4)

•4th horn – play in tune with 3rd, match EVERYTHING, support volume of 3rd

•Must provide a solid and in-tune fundamental matching all other low voices in the ensemble

•Must balance out sections and sometimes play a little louder than the others because low notes inherently don’t sound as loud as high notes