Masterclass: Robin Graham – Horn

Robin Graham, Principal horn of the Cincinnati Symphony for the last 15 years, presented a Master Class at the IWBC on Wednesday, June 28, 2000.

During the hour and a half class, Ms. Graham coached two horn players and expressed her thoughts and feelings about playing the horn. She also offered valuable advice about auditions, having been on both sides of the screen many times.

Ms. Graham studied with James Chambers at The Juilliard School and considers herself to be influenced toward the Conn 8D horn and a lush, dark sound. She spoke about acoustic alterations that were made to the Cincinnati Symphony Hall and the necessity to make adjustments in the equipment she uses. She expressed how through that experience she became more open-minded, and began to really appreciate what different horns can do.

In coaching the two players, Ms. Graham spoke about particular aspects of playing for which an audition committee listens. Correct and consistent pitch are critical. Good steady tempos, consistency of attacks, and good rhythm are also important. Yet above all, committees want to hear a player who plays beautifully and enjoys the piece.

In order to effectively do this in an audition, Ms. Graham recommended visualizing the audition beforehand in as much detail as possible, and arranging multiple mock auditions. “Experiencing” the audition many times beforehand will make the actual event seem much more manageable. She advocated having a specific plan for each piece. When a player sits down on-stage for her audition, she should remind herself of everything she plans to do with the excerpt before she starts to play. These things, along with thorough preparation will enable her to have the best possible audition experience.

Particularly striking was the fact that throughout all of the aspects of playing the horn that she addressed, the underlying message is that she really loves the horn and its capability of expressing a wide range of emotions, from strong and forceful to heartbreaking and sweet. She spoke about returning from injury and finding places to play that felt good in order to re-kindle her love of the horn.

Perhaps the most important point made was that we should strive to communicate our love of the instrument we have chosen, and play from the heart.

Submitted by Nancy Goodearl, Third Horn, Houston Symphony Orchestra