On Saturday, April 11, the Stetson University Horn studio went to the University of Central Florida to perform at the Florida Horn Festival. Hosted at the University of Central Florida, the Florida French Horn Festival brought together high school, collegiate and community horn players from across Florida for a day centered on performance, education and collaboration. Organized by UCF’s School of Performing Arts and led by Benjamin Lieser, the annual event is designed to provide a space where musicians of all levels can engage in clinics, ensemble experiences and professional development.

The festival featured a full schedule of activities that guided participants through both individual and group-based learning experiences, including a large group warm-up session, a masterclass led by featured guest artist Kate Warren and a recital highlighting university horn studios from across the state. During the masterclass, Carlissa Gudiño, a junior music major at Stetson University, was among the selected performers, receiving individualized feedback in a professional setting. The program also included a special-topics lecture and a horn ensemble reading session, which featured different genres of music.

During the recital portion of the day, students from multiple universities performed, including a horn octet that brought together musicians from Stetson University and Rollins College. This combined ensemble demonstrated a high level of musical cohesion and balance, showcasing the ability of performers from different programs to come together as a unified group. The Stetson horn studio also performed in front of all of the guests, performing “Anthem” from the musical Chess.

In addition to performances and instructional sessions, the festival included opportunities for attendees to connect with peers, faculty and professional musicians, as well as explore vendor booths and resources relevant to horn players. Designed for students, educators and enthusiasts alike, the event encouraged active participation throughout the day, further strengthening the sense of community.