Silver & Brass

08/29/2026

🎶 THIS WEEK ON THE ALPHORN PODCAST: JIM HOPSON! 🎶

Get ready for an incredible conversation with Jim Hopson—a professional alphorn, trombone, and tuba artist, world-renowned composer, and educator from Vancouver, British Columbia! 🇨🇦🎺

Jim is currently on faculty at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches a myriad of classes including Jazz, Brass, and Percussion. Throughout his career, Jim has conducted thousands of workshops, clinics, and masterclasses for students of all ages and abilities.

But Jim’s impact on the alphorn world goes even further. He is one of the world’s most prolific alphorn recording artists, with Alphorn Generations and en plein air standing out as two of the best alphorn recordings of all time. 🎶🏔️

His Master’s thesis, “en plein air: Holistic post-digital Alphorn artistry and pedagogy in the Pacific Northwest,” is based on his 2024 album and explores the artistic and pedagogical foundations behind his work—offering a blueprint for musicians and educators seeking “eco-musical self-realization through song, wind, and groove in the post-digital age.”

This is a conversation you DON’T want to miss! Jim’s unique perspective on alphorn artistry, education, composition, recording, and the future of the instrument makes this week’s episode a fascinating listen for alphorn players, musicians, educators, and music lovers alike. ❤️🎶

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode and discover more about Jim Hopson! https://north-american-alphorn-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/jim-hopson-C4OxAS05

🎵 Listen to Jim’s recordings and download his compositions on Bandcamp:Jim Hopson on Bandcamp

Learn more about Jim and his work:

Jim Hopson MusicPhonos MusicUniversity of British Columbia – Jim HopsonJim Hopson on FacebookAlphorn.ca – Jim Hopson

ANNA https://www.alphornassociation.org/

Alpensong https://www.alpensong.com/

08/24/2026

🎶🇨🇭 From the University of the Pacific to the Swiss Alps… this is an alphorn journey you won’t want to miss! 🇨🇭🎶

On this episode of The Alphorn Podcast, we’re excited to feature Ciera Alkhoury!

Ciera Alklhoury is a student at the University of the Pacific where she is studying horn performance and music history. She has spent the past year studying the alphorn as part of AANA's Alphorn Project at the University of the Pacific.

Ciera won a research grant to study the history of the Alphorn in Switzerland during the summer of 2026. Her project thesis was "Swiss Alphorn Traditions: Informing Modern Horn Playing and Pedagogy.” During her study in Switzerland, Ciera also competed at the 2026 International Alphorn Festival in Nendaz! 🇨🇭

Ciera is giving a lecture and an alphorn recital titled "Reflections from the Alps" on 30 September 2026 at 7:30 p.m. PDT at the University of the Pacific.

🎧 Tune in to hear about Ciera’s experience studying the alphorn, researching its rich history in Switzerland, competing in Nendaz, and bringing her experiences from the Alps back to her work as a modern horn player and educator!

Be sure to listen to this inspiring episode of The Alphorn Podcast! 🎶📯🇨🇭 https://north-american-alphorn-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/ciera-alkhoury

✨ Follow Ciera and check out more of her alphorn journey:

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciera_alkhoury/

🎶 Alphorn Recital — “Reflections from the Alps”: https://www.pacific.edu/event/alphorn-recital-reflections-alps

🇨🇭 Alphorn Showcase at Yummy German Guys, Lodi: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-zJr5XfgJj8

📯 Watch more from Ciera: https://youtube.com/watch?v=z4nsTLnQ6X0&is=HbSGenPZWYLjoNva

06/26/2026

06/25/2026

Registration is now open for the First Annual Northern California Alphorn Festival at the Conservatory of Music at University of the Pacific in Stockton, CA. Join faculty Sadie Glass, Dr. Natalie Grana, and Stasia Forsythe Siena for a weekend of learning, music making, and Alexander Technique fundamentals. Whether you are an experienced player of picking up the alphorn for the first time, all are welcome. Click below to register. https://www.alphornassociation.org/event-details/northern-california-alphorn-festival-3

06/15/2026

A grand tradition! Join us!

06/15/2026

Progress on the alphorn bell

06/15/2026

We have now built over 200 alphorns, testing new methods of construction. We now feel that we understand what makes a good alphorn, so we are tackling building a traditional horn by hand.

06/15/2026

It’s been a while! 👋

But we are BACK with another Friday podcast episode! 🎙️✨

This week, Sean sits down with James Downs from the Sierra Alphorn Players to talk all things alphorn, music, and community. You won't want to miss this conversation!

🎧 Listen now: https://north-american-alphorn-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/james-downs

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

05/29/2026

04/14/2026

This Saturday! There will be one stop on the tour near and dear to our hearts!

We have a concert coming up! Mark your calendars!