The purpose of this alphorn gathering will be to experience playing alphorns in a group setting in the Lake Tahoe area. There will be an emphasis on playing musically and listening to the group for cohesion and timbre. We will be practicing playing in the traditional way with no conductor. You do not need to own an alphorn to participate in this event! There will be alphorns available for rental for a fee of $80. Thursday, October 3rd: 2:00pm-4:30pm -

Soft, bright sound. Light play in all positions. Play for a long time without getting tired. Inspired music-making. The course is aimed at all those who have already taken their first steps in alphorn playing and have mastered a (small) standard repertoire. We search for new worlds of sound in the instrument and also discover the potential that lies within us. Methodically correct practicing is just as important as the ability to listen to yourself. We improvise and cultivate group

The alphorn boot camp is a three-hour lesson for a small group. The topic is individually adapted to the course participants by the teacher. The individualized theoretical input and concentrated training guarantee a high level of learning success. But even if you have never played the alphorn before, you can take part and are guaranteed to join in the final concert. This bootcamp is particularly aimed at advanced learners. Teacher: Kumiko Jöhl-Sekiguchi

The alphorn also needs to be played lightly and easily! - This course is aimed at anyone with at least intermediate experience on the alphorn. We look at the technical features of our natural horns, also in comparison to brass instruments with valves and slides. Because the sheet music always tempts us to play in an unfavorable way, we start without notes and thus train our auditory skills. This is followed by free playing and improvisation before we turn to

The alphorn boot camp is a three-hour lesson for a small group. The topic is individually adapted to the course participants by the teacher. The individualized theoretical input and concentrated training guarantee a high level of learning success. But even if you have never played the alphorn before, you can take part and are guaranteed to join in the final concert. This boot camp is aimed particularly at advanced users. Teacher: Kumiko Jöhl-Sekiguchi

The inaugural workshop hosted by the German American Central Society will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the Lindenhof in Peoria, Illinois.

The 2025 Windy City Alphorn Workshop will take place May 14-17! Rehearsals and classes will be held at Lake Forest College on Chicago’s north shore. Our finale performance will be on May 17th. This year’s faculty includes Dr. Natalie Grana, Tony Brazelton, Laura Nelson, Brian Priebe, and Robert Brazelton. For more information on our faculty, follow the Team link at the top of the site menu. Standard registration is $375 and the cost to rent an alphorn is $25 for the duration of the workshop.

Join us on Memorial Day weekend, May 22-25 for a gathering of alphorn players in the beautiful Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth, WA.    Here are some highlights: The event will be held at a private river-front park with lots of open space and close to town. Players of all abilities welcome, with a "Beginners' Circle" offered. Professional instructional staff Opportunities for private lessons by professional players (subject to fee) Alphorn Market: opportunity to purchase horns, mouthpieces and music Rental horns