CCPA Horn Studio

An exciting month ahead for our teachers Mr. Griffin and Dr. Almond: The CSO performed Ein Heldenleben this weekend, then embarked on a USA East Coast Tour performing the Strauss again, as well as Symphonie Fantastique and Beethoven 7th. After returning back to Chicago, the CSO will present the Rite of Spring this coming week, all under the direction of CSO Music Director Designate Klaus Makela. Mr Griffin then travels to Japan to perform the Gregson Horn Concerto with the Osakan Philharmonic Winds and do some teaching in Osaka and Tokyo!

Welcome to Spring 2026! The CCPA Horn Studio kicked off the semester with a breathtaking performance alongside the CCPA Chamber Orchestra. Our members took the stage at the magnificent Rockefeller Chapel for a program featuring Sibelius’s Swan of Tuonela (from the Lemminkäinen Suite), Saint-Saëns’s Cello Concerto, and the monumental Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 (“Organ Symphony”). Recordings are now available on the “CCPA - Roosevelt University” YouTube channel!

November Recap No. 4! The Roosevelt Horn Studio delivered an outstanding performance with the Symphony Orchestra on November 20th. The program featured Walton’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’s monumental Symphony No. 1, both conducted by Dr. Benjamin Firer. The studio’s exceptional playing was the result of dedicated rehearsals and focused sectionals—a true testament to our collective hard work and musicianship. Well done, everyone!

November Recap No. 3! On November 11th, Horn Studio Faculty Prof. David Griffin led another excellent masterclass, focusing on elevating our solo performances for the upcoming studio recital. Students are preparing a vibrant repertoire, including pieces by York Bowen, Dukas, Gounod, and Kvandal. The insights were invaluable, and we are excited to continue refining these works for our performance next Monday, December 8th!

Horn Studio Faculty Prof. Greg Flint delivered two remarkable performances of Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 as a soloist with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra on November 8-9. As a special preview for our students, he first presented this brilliant work in Roosevelt’s Brass Performance Class. Bravo to Prof. Flint on a spectacular series of concerts!

November Recap No. 1: On November 7th, the Roosevelt Horn Studio presented an extraordinary performance of Elena Kats-Chernin’s ”Purple Silence“ for horn quartet. Under the guidance of our faculty, Prof. Greg Flint, the ensemble brought this captivating and nuanced piece to life. What a fantastic showcase of our studio‘s collaborative artistry!

The studio successfully launched a masterclass with a session led by Artist Faculty Mr. David Griffin. The masterclass, titled “Creating a Good First Impression,” provided members with expert training on the critical factors that influence performance and auditions. Mr. Griffin’s workshop also focused on some practical techniques for establishing a commanding presence from the very first note. A huge thank you to pianist Weini Lo for accompanying us in this class! Many more to come!

The Almond Horn Studio in full steam!! An incredible first studio class was led by our Artist Faculty, the phenomenal Dr. Mark Almond. It was an inspiring session filled with brilliant music, energy, and fantastic collaboration from our studio members, Oscar Chung and Eduardo Negrin. Can’t wait to see what this talented group accomplishes this coming year. This is just the beginning!

Week 4 Recap #2! The Horn Studio participated in their latest performance with the CCPA Brass Ensemble! The program featured a stunning rendition of Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite and a variety of works by Gabrieli, Poulenc, Camphouse and Wagner, all under the baton of the fantastic Prof. Ignacio del Ray. Check it the live recording of the concert!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfIVIPykYpA&list=RDYfIVIPykYpA&start_radio=1&t=3s

CCPA Artist Faculty David Griffin (left) and Mark Almond (right) congratulate colleague Daniel Gingrich (center) on his retirement from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. During his 50 year tenure in the CSO, Dan served as acting principal horn, associate principal and third horn, fourth horn, and assistant first/utility horn. Dan also previously studied at Roosevelt University.

Week 4 Recap #1! A huge congratulations to our own Artist Faculty, David Griffin, on a magnificent recital in Ganz Hall this last week. The program featured stunning works by Anisimov, Büsser, Gregson (he’s going to perform this concerto again in Japan next semester!), and von Dohnányi—which was made even more special by performing with his wife and son!

It was a joy to see our community come together, including some familiar faces as alumni Loren, Emily, and Gustavo returned to campus for the occasion. We’re so grateful for Professor Griffin’s artistry and his dedication to our students. Bravo and congratulations!

Congratulations to Emma Brown, CCPA Class of 2025! Emma is graduating with a MM in Orchestral Studies. She plans to relocate to the Baltimore area and continue to freelance, teach, take auditions and work with the International Horn Society. Her favorite part of her time at CCPA was being able to hear so many great performances from so many different groups around the city.

… She has also been running this account this year! Thank you to everyone who helped me take photos, gather content and spread the word. I very thankful to have been able to highlight all of the great things about this horn studio. Stay tuned for more!