French Horn History

The French Horn is a member of the brass family. The French Horn is the one of the oldest instruments on record, and is related to the Hebrew shofar which dates back 6,000 years. It was also used as a hunting horn in the 15th century, and later became used in orchestras. Originally the pitches on the horn were created by lengthening and shortening the slides, and using your hand to create different pitches. Closer to the 20th Century, the valve horn that we know today was accepted as the standard French Horn. French Horns can be found in orchestras, bands, and woodwind quintets. Famous French Hornists include Philip Farkas, Philip Myers, and Stefan Dohr.

Mrs. Peterson demonstrating the French Horn.