Midwest Alphorn Retreat (USA) with Peggy DeMers

The purpose of the Midwest Alphorn Retreat (MAR) is to provide an opportunity for alphorn enthusiasts from all over the United States to gather for five days of „total immersion“ in the alphorn. Attendees have private and group lessons with Dr. Peggy DeMers and play in several large and small ensembles. Players share music and fellowship as well as learn about the alphorn, its history, playing techniques and available music. 

The annual event is organized and managed by John and Christine Griffith from Kalamazoo, MI.  Spouses are welcome to join in the event, space available, and a public performance is held during each retreat.

It is truly a unique experience and a very good time is had by all!

Focus is on tone development, breath control, clean articulation, range development, flexibility and styles to fit both the folk idiom and contemporary to Classical styles. All instructional materials will be provided to attendees.

Our artistic director and educator, Dr. Peggy DeMers is Professor of Horn at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. Peggy’s musical and horn studies were at the Cincinnati Conservatory (M.M.) and the University of Wisconsin at Madison (B.M., D.M.A), with Douglas Hill and Michael Hatfield. Her extensive teaching, orchestral, and other ensemble experience includes principal horn with the Minnesota Opera Orchestra and with orchestras in Wisconsin, Minnesota and New York. Currently she is principal horn of the Lake Charles, Louisiana Symphony. She recently won second place in solo at the Valais Drink Pure Festival Cor des Alpes in Nendaz, Switzerland while performing Searching and Finding by Doug Hill. This is the first time this honor has been awarded to an American.

Dr. DeMers is assisted by Vicki Wheeler during the retreat.  

Course fee USD 500; course fee including full board on campus USD 800.