The Alphorn Podcast

Dr. Jonathon Stillman

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter, Dr. Jonathon Stillman) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 19:45:00 +0000

We’re heading to the West Coast for this week’s episode! 🎙️🏔️

Sean sits down with Dr. Jonathon Stillman, a man whose expertise spans from the lecture hall to the Swiss Alps. Dr. Stillman is a Professor at San Francisco State University and U.C. Berkeley, but when he isn't teaching, he is a leading figure in the North American alphorn community.

A founding member of Alphorns San Francisco, Dr. Stillman also performs with Echo vom Birseck. Having lived in Switzerland for many years, he brings a wealth of authentic experience from competing and performing within the traditional Swiss Jodelerklubs.

Tune in to hear Dr. Stillman discuss his journey from Switzerland to the Bay Area and his dedication to preserving the traditional sounds of the alphorn.

🔗https://www.alpensong.com/ Alphornssf.org 🔗 Alphornassociation.org

#TheAlphornProject #DrJonathonStillman #AlphornsSF #SFSU #UCBerkeley #Alphorn #PodcastFriday #AANA

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Janet Mano and Kevin Rieke

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter, Janet Manor, Kevin Rieke) — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 17:30:00 +0000

We’re heading to the heart of Leavenworth this week as Sean chats with Janet Mano and Kevin Rieke.

Janet is a professional alphorn artist and the President of the Leavenworth Alphorns, while Kevin—a career entrepreneur and second-generation Leavenworth native—serves as an officer for the group. We dive into the rich culture of their community and what it takes to lead such a vibrant musical organization.

Speaking of leadership, the Leavenworth Alphorns were honored as AANA’s 2025 Organization of the Year! 🏆✨

Mark Your Calendars!📅

Don't miss the chance to see them in action at the Leavenworth Alphorn Festival, happening May 21-24, 2026.

🏔️ANNA https://www.alphornassociation.org/

🎼 Alpensong https://www.alpensong.com/

🏔️ Leavenworth Alphorns: https://leavenworthalphorns.org/

🎼 NW Alphorn Workshop: https://leavenworthalphorns.org/nw-alphorn-workshop

🪵 Local Craft: https://hatshopwoodshop.com/

#TheAlphornProject #LeavenworthAlphorns #LeavenworthWA #AlphornFestival #AANA #JanetMano #KevinRieke #GermanHeritage #MusicFestival #PodcastFriday

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Laura Nelson

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (laura nelson, Sean Slatter) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:25:00 +0000

Wait... is this thing on? 🎙️😅

We had a few technical gremlins jump into the studio this week! Please excuse the minor audio/upload issues with our latest episode. Thanks for sticking with us while we get things back in harmony! 🏔️✨

Despite the glitches, we are so excited for you to hear from our guest this week, Laura Nelson! Laura is a celebrated winner at both the North American Alphorn Festival and Switzerland’s Festival International de Cor des Alpes (FICA). 🏆

If you are looking to add her beautiful compositions to your own collection, you can find her full catalog online!

Connect with Laura and explore her music:
🎼 Shop Music: www.Alpenmuse.com
📧 Contact: AlpenMuse@yahoo.com
👥 Facebook: Laura Nelson Profile 1 | Laura Nelson Profile 2

Learn more about the community:
🔗 The Alphorn Association
🔗 Alpensong

#TheAlphornProject #LauraNelson #AlphornMusic #Composer #MusicEducation #AANA #AlpenMuse #PodcastUpdate

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

The Alphorn Project

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Stasia Forsythe Siena, Sean Slatter, sadie glass) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:30:00 +0000

60+ Alphorns. Major Universities. One Mission. 🏔️🎶

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about The Alphorn Project, developed by the amazing Stasia Siena. We’re highlighting Sadie Glass’ incredible program at the University of the Pacific and how she’s breaking new ground with her brass students.

Curious how your school can get involved with the AANA? We’ve got all the details in the episode!

#thealphornproject

https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/sforsythe

@stasiasiena

https://www.pacific.edu/campus-directory/sadie-glass

https://www.alphornassociation.org/

https://www.alpensong.com/

Stasia Forsythe | Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Kate Axtell

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (kate axtell, Sean Slatter) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Kate Axtell is a professional alphorn artist and one of the original members of AANA’s 2026 Organization of the Year, the Sierra Alphorn Players. In 2026, Kate established the Imagine Alphorns You Tube Chanel and the 30-Day Alphorn Challenge. Kate’s alphorn journey is remarkable. She tells the inspirational story of how the alphorn saved her father’s life and set her on her own incredible path.

https://youtube.com/@thelongesthorn-alps
http://sierrahorns.org
axwoman@icloud.com

#thealphornproject

https://www.alphornassociation.org
https://www.alpensong.com

Imagine Alphorns

“Imagine Alphorns” is a Swiss Alphorn lifestyle channel. I discovered the alphorn during Covid. I made new friends and came to rehearsals every week at the foot of the Sierra mountain range, su...

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Daniel Fuertges

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter, daniel fuertges) — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 21:30:00 +0000

Daniel Fuertges is President of the Peoria Harmonie-Concordia, Music Club. Harmonie is the largest organization within the German American Central Society. The club traces its roots back to 1850. Daniel is also the Founder of the Peoria Mid-Winter Alphorn Workshop, the Manager and a performer of the Lindenhof Echoes, and the Manager and a performer of Al’s Pals Polka Band.

The 2027 Peoria Mid-Winter Alphorn Workshop will be held 18-22 February. Dr. Natalie Grana will lead the event.

Daniel Fuertges’ e-mail: dfuertges@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/9480169842007158

https://www.peoriagermans.net/

https://www.alphornassociation.org/

https://www.alpensong.com/

Facebook

See posts, photos and more on Facebook.

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Exploring the Alexander Technique & the Alphorn Project with Stasia Forsythe Siena

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Stasia Forsythe Siena, Sean Slatter) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Stasia Forsythe Siena is a leading subject matter expert in the Alexander Technique (AT), a method used by thousands of artists and athletes worldwide to enhance performance, prevent injury, and improve overall coordination. She is also a classically trained opera singer, author, and alphorn artist. She is the architect of the #AlphornProject.

https://www.roosevelt.edu/profile/sforsythe

https://horncamp.org/faculty/stasia-siena/https://

www.alphornassociation.org/atandthealphorn@stasiasiena

https://www.alphornassociation.org/

https://www.alpensong.com/

Note: Sean and Stasia incorrectly refer to the Indiana University Arnold Jacobs School of Music. In fact, the school was named the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music following a donation from Barbara B. and David H. Jacobs. Arnold Jacobs had no affiliation with the Jacobs School of Music. https://music.indiana.edu

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Brandi and Lindsey Jones of Silver and Brass Music

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter, lindsey jones, brandi jones) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:15:00 +0000

Brandi and Lindsey Jones are global alphorn thought leaders. They have manufactured over 200 alphorns in their shop located in Carson City Nevada. They have also written hundreds of alphorn pieces which are being performed all over the world. Their group, the Sierra Alphorn Players have recently been awarded the Alphorn Association of North America's 2026 Organization of the Year.

Silverandbrassmusic.com

Silverandbrassmusic@gmail.com

http://sierrahorns.org

#alphornjones

https://www.alphornassociation.org

https://www.alpensong.com

#thealphornproject

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Alphorn Association Of North America

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Sean, Robert and Sonja discuss the newly formed AANA which stands for the Alphorn Association Of North America. They discuss it's origins and the plans for the future.

If you are interested in getting involved with AANA, please reach out to sonja.reynolds@alpensong.com.

Alpensong.com

Alphorninstitue.com

AANA Webstie Coming Soon!

For information about the Tahoe Alphorn Seminar and to register, click here.

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Peggy DeMers

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Sean, Robert and Sonja Reynolds meet with Peggy DeMers. They discuss Peggys most recent accomplishment of her English translation of the A. L. Gassmann’s s’Alphornbüechli, Blast mir das Alphorn noch einmal! Commonly known as the bible of the alphorn.

Links mentioned in the episode.

The Little Alphorn Book

Peggy Demers

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Nendaz Recap

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Sean & Robert discuss their experiences performing for the international alphorn competition in Nendaz Switzerland and also discuss recent alphorn events, including The North American Alphorn Retreat.

The North American Alphorn Retreat

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Windy City Alphorn Workshop

Fri, 3 Jun 2022 18:00:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Windy City event! It was great to see all of you. If you missed out on this event, but want to catch us later this year, visit our website to learn more about upcoming events!

Catch us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates!

Links mentioned in the episode:

A Singing Approach to Horn Playing: Pitch, Rhythm, and Harmony Training for Horn by Dr. Natalie Grana

TonalEnergy App

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Jim Esswein

Tue, 3 May 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Following his graduation from the Ohio State University, Jim worked as a band director with Columbus Public Schools from 1969 until his retirement in 2004. Jim bought his first alphorn while he was on tour in Austria with a German choir. After playing solo alphorn for several years, he started playing trios with a group in 2008 which has transformed into the group Alphorn Gruezie. Jim also works along side Angela Buckley and Dave Sabatka in the Ohio Alphorn Band. In addition to his schedule of live performances, Jim focuses his energy on continuing to educate aspiring musicians and owns several alphorns for the purpose of running master classes and making them available to people who are interested in learning to play the alphorn

Learn more about Jim:

https://news.wosu.org/show/classical-music-with-jennifer-hambrick/2017-12-14/ohio-alphorn-ensemble-to-open-35th-anniversary-of-merry-tubachristmas-columbus

https://theohioalphornband.com/gallery-1

https://alphorngruezie.wordpress.com/about/

Visit the Alphorn Institute website here!

Find us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter! @alphorninstitute

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Annette Cox

Fri, 8 Apr 2022 19:00:00 +0000

From her bio: "Annette was born in Cardiff and at the age of 8 decided she wanted to play the trombone but was told that her arms were too short. She is eternally grateful for that teacher’s wisdom and began playing the horn instead, rapidly progressing through the local youth ensembles and eventually going on to become principal horn of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales.

Annette studied BMus at Manchester University and Masters at Trinity College of Music. Whilst living in London she worked with various UK orchestras and gained a place on the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment’s experience scheme on the natural horn. In 2013 She moved to Zürich to study at the Zürcher Hochschule der Künste. During her studies she played with the Zürich Opera Orchestra and was the horn Academist of Bern Sinfonieorchester for the 2014-2015 season.

In 2016 Annette played for 3 Months as principal horn of the Bulgarian State Opera, Stara Zagora before returning to Zürich where she currently works as a freelance horn and alphorn player, manages The Alpine Sisters and is studying a Master of Advanced Studies in clinical music therapy."

Learn more about Annette and her sisters at http://thealpinesisters.org/.

Come play with other Alpornists at our series of events this year! Check out the dates and locations at https://www.alphorninstitute.com/events.

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Bill Rose

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 18:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Bill discusses how he discovered his love for the alphorn, the McNeese Alphorn group, how he gets young adults and kids interested in playing the alphorn, points of inflection, and his process for composing alphorn music.

Visit the Alphorn Institute website here!

Find Bill's publishers: TAP Music, Kagarice Brass Editions, Gulfwind Music Press, Treble C Music, Fred Bock Music, Editions BIM, Warwick Press and GIA Music.

Read Bill's biography HERE.

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Season 2: Sean & Robert

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter, Robert Brazelton) — Thu, 3 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

We are excited to be launching season two of the Alphorn podcast. In this episode we discuss everything listed above, but fun digressions include: the Wasatch mountain peaks, Robert and Tony's adventures with creating mouth pieces, Sean's endeavors to create composite alphorns, plans to play the alphorn in Greenland, and debate on when Robert had his first paid alphorn performance.

Visit our website here.

Learn more about the different alphorn events happening by visiting this link!

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Alexandre Jous

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (The North American Alphorn Retreat) — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Alexandre Jous is an accomplished alphorn player as well as an ardent explorer. Alexandre's passion is taking the alphorn to new heights, quite literally by climbing some of the largest mountains in the world and playing his alphorn atop of those peaks. In this episode we learn about his journey that led him to the alphorn and also learn about his film, Each Mountain Has The Right To Its Own Music.

http://www.alexandrejous.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Alexandrejousalexcor

https://www.instagram.com/alexandrejous/

https://www.youtube.com/c/alexandrejous

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Hubert Hense

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (The North American Alphorn Retreat) — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:06:38 +0000

Hubert Hense is a world renowned maker of exceptional Alphorns and he has been crafting these expertly made Alphorns since 2003. In this episode, Sean and Robert explore his story of why he decided to start making Alphorns and also discover what makes these unique instruments so special.

Hubert's Website

http://www.alphornbauhense.de/

Hubert's Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/AlphornbauHense

Hubert's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/alphornbau/

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Brian Priebe

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Robert & Sean meet again with Brian Priebe and discuss with him about his experience's of being an instructor at the North American Alphorn Retreat both this year and in previous years.

https://www.alphornretreat.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Monica Hambrick & Jim Hopson

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Sean & Robert meet with Monica Hambrick and Jim Hopson during the North American Alphorn Retreat. In this episode, they talk about their experiences as being instructors at the North American Alphorn retreat over the years and what kind of projects they might have in the future.

The North American Alphorn Retreat

https://www.alphornretreat.com

The Appalachian Alphorn Adventure

https://www.alphornadventure.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Brandi & Lindsey Jones

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Brandi & Lindsey Jones are the owners of Silver & Brass Music Shop in Carson City NV, an instrument shop that specializes in restoring and selling vintage brass instruments. They both are very talented musicians and began their alphorn journey just a few years ago. In this episode, we learn about what lead them to owning a small business and the in's and out's of not only playing the alphorn but building one as well.

sierrahorns.org

silverandbrassmusic.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Tony Brazelton

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Sean & Robert meet with Tony Brazelton during The North American Alphorn Retreat and discuss all things alphorn. Tony has been a shepherd of the alphorn for many years, not only in playing the instrument itself but also in collecting and selling some of the best made instrument's in the world. In this episode, we learn about Tonys history with the alphorn and how the Alphorn retreat came to be. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Sean & Robert

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Wed, 4 Aug 2021 19:04:35 +0000

Sean & Robert reflect on past interviews and discuss the topics that they found particularly interesting. They also talk about the upcoming North American Alphorn Retreat and forecast the vision of future alphorn events in North America.

For more information on The North American Alphorn Retreat please visit - https://www.alphornretreat.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Arkady Shilkloper

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 01:06:38 +0000

Arkady Shilkloper is a world renowned horn player and multi-instrumentalist. The list of groups he has performed with is extensive but to name a few, we have the Orchestra of the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow Art Trio, and Pago Libre. The list goes on. In this episode we learn about Arkady's story of becoming one of the most well known horn players in the world.

Arkady's Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sHsB4wKJyNLZx22bg86rA

Arkady's Facebook Page

https://www.facebook.com/shilkloper1956/

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Jake Martin

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 00:13:27 +0000

Jake Martin is a talented composer, producer and songwriter. He graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2020, earning a bachelors degree in composition and songwriting. He has written music for multiple different podcasts, business's and artists in including his own act as a singer/songwriter. In this episode, we learn about how Jake has been introduced to the Alphorn and his process in writing new music for the instrument.

Jake's Website

https://jakemartinmusic.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Monica Hambrick

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 23:53:12 +0000

Monica Hambrick is an accomplished freelance Alphorn player and teacher. She is also the founder of the Appalachian Alphorn Adventure located in the beautiful New River Gorge of West Virginia. In this episode we learn about Monicas teaching history and how curating Alphorn events are helpful in growing the Alphorn community in North America.

https://www.alphornadventure.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Dr. Peggy DeMers

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 6 Jul 2021 17:54:53 +0000

Peggy DeMers is a professor of Horn at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She studied music and horn at the Cincinnati Conservatory, earning her M.M, and at the University of Wisconsin earning both her B.M and D.M.A. In this episode we learn about her journey of becoming an acclaimed teacher of the Alphorn and her vision of education for the art form. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Thomas Tilton pt. 2

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 03:58:38 +0000

In this episode, we interviewed Mr. Thomas Tilton during the Leavenworth Alphorn Gathering in Leavenworth Washington. We talked about the performances of the event and future plans for upcoming alphorn gatherings. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Eliana Burki

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 1 Jun 2021 14:46:46 +0000

Eliana Burki is one of the most well known Alphorn players in the world. She has broken down the barriers of genre with the Alphorn and incorporates jazz, funk and folk in her vast discography of music. In this episode, we learn about her beginnings on the Alphorn and her desire to always push the envelope of the instrument.

Eliana's Website

http://eliana-burki.com

Eliana's Youtube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEcdkPaI6S2n7yn6DCH2Ig

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Bill Hopson

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Fri, 21 May 2021 20:27:56 +0000

Bill is not only an accomplished Alphorn player but is also a skilled maker of some of the finest and most sought after Alphorns in the world. His professional career has seen over 35 years of playing French horn in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. In this episode, we learn a little bit about Bills history and his philosophy on the art of playing the Alphorn. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Thomas Tilton

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (The North American Alphorn Retreat) — Wed, 19 May 2021 15:57:12 +0000

Thomas Tilton is the organizer of the Northwest Alphorn Retreat in Leavenworth Washington. He is the singer and accordion player in the authentic Bavarian & Austrian folk band called Alpenfolk. In this episode, we learn about his work with Alpenfolk and his efforts with the Leavenworth Alphorn Association.

https://leavenworthalphorns.org

https://www.alphornretreat.com

We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Brian Priebe

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:16:44 +0000

Brian Priebe is an accomplished freelance Trombone and Alphorn player. He is a former member of the Utah Chamber Orchestra and his acute Alphorn capabilities have garnered him some success in the International Alphorn Competition in Nendaz, Switzerland. In this episode we learn about Brians history of playing the alphorn and his experiences in the Alphorn community throughout the world. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Jim Hopson

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Tue, 11 May 2021 21:57:51 +0000

Jim Hopson is a freelance composer and musician. His multi instrumentalist capabilities allow him to be an accomplished teacher of all things brass. In this episode we learn about his musical upbringing and a little bit about the evolution of composing songs for the Alphorn. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Dr. Natalie Grana

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Sat, 8 May 2021 06:03:52 +0000

Dr. Natalie Grana is a classically trained French Horn player and a forward thinking academic when it comes to teaching about the Alphorn. In this episode we learn about her techniques in ear training and how the use of solfege has helped her students learn to play the Alphorn with a more focused ear. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Maureen Kelly

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (Sean Slatter) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 03:25:41 +0000

Robert & Sean meet with Maureen Kelly who just completed a masters program where the bulk of her research was on the Alphorn. In this episode we discuss Muareens research and explore the continued growth of the alphorn in North America. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong

Sean & Robert

erik.schaelling@lsiwins.com (North American Alphorn Retreat) — Fri, 9 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the North American Alphorn Podcast. In this episode we introduce ourselves, our mission and set the stage for what is to come in future episodes. We want to thank our sponsors ANNA and Alpensong