Utah State University and the Utah Horn Club are gearing up to host the 2025 Utah Horn Days, a must-visit for horn enthusiasts across all proficiency levels. Slated for March 7-8, this event promises to fuse education with performance, featuring none other than the exceptional horn player, Nikolette LaBonte. "Nikki is not terribly far removed in age from the students who are studying here at Utah State, yet she brings a wealth of professional experience on par with that of many professional horn players twice her age," Joel Ockerman, Assistant Professor of Horn, applauded LaBonte, as obtained by USU Today.
Held at Utah State University, the event will quickly become a platform where budding and veteran horn players can learn and perform alongside their peers and idols. The spotlight is rightly on LaBonte, whose resume boasts roles such as the principal horn of the Calgary Philharmonic and associate principal horn with the Rochester Philharmonic, not to mention tenures with the Hawaii Symphony and the Fort Worth Symphony. Her teaching aptitude is also well-noted, serving on the faculty of the Kendall Betts Horn Camp.
LaBonte's performances and masterclasses are the tip of the iceberg, with the event stretching to encompass ensembles suitable for every skillset, and insightful presentations on different horn types and maintenance. Those with an eye for gear will find the vendor offerings particularly interesting. Additionally, Joel Ockerman will lead a class offering both foundational understanding and practical advice for those eager to refine their skills. "I certainly hope horn players who come for this event leave Logan with a sense of how to improve their horn playing, but more than that I hope that those people who love this instrument find their hearts filled being around joyful music making and getting to interact with horn players from across the state," said Ockerman, as per USU Today.
