ArkansasHorn.org
Horn

From the Rep's Desk

Brent Shires, IHS Arkansas Area Representative

We have a number of changes to the "Horn Scene" in Arkansas this fall. Former principal hornist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Caroline Kinsey, has changed jobs, moving to Memphis to take on the Third Horn/ Utility Horn position in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, which is full-time. Filling the vacancy for principal horn in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is David Renfro, . Also open this spring was Fourth Horn in the ASO. The winner of that audition was Susan Polling of Shreveport, LA. Robin Dauer returned from his year-long absence while teaching at Mahidol University in Thailand, to resume positions both at Arkansas State University and as Second Horn in the ASO. Sherry Baker, who filled in for him last year, is grateful to have a new job teaching horn at Grand Valley State University in western Michigan.

As you can see, the Arkansas Symphony horn section has been a hard one to keep track of. It's strange sitting and watching all the changes, being the only "constant." Some other news includes the appointment of Jeffery Robinson, current graduate assistant at UCA, as the new adjunct trumpet and horn instructor for the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith. Dr. John David Smith is the new full-time horn teacher at University of Louisiana - Monroe, replacing Rebecca Dodson-Webster, who moved to Pennsylvania to take a new university job teaching horn and theory closer to her native home.

Along with these changes come some technology advances. I am planning some improvements to the website www.arkansashorn.org in the hopes of keeping it more current and useful, and to phase out the printed newsletter. I would like to add more interesting links that provide the Arkansas horn community with resources. But I need your help. As I compile information, I need to know a) what information you are interested in and b) what information you have to pass along. Your assistance in the development of a horn resource online will be invaluable, so please submit your ideas to me by e-mail or telephone.

I hope to see you around in the state--be sure to say hello!

Brent