The International Horn Society (IHS) was formed in June 1970 at the Second International Horn Workshop in Tallahassee, Florida, USA. We are an organization dedicated to performance, teaching, composition, research, and the preservation and promotion of the horn as a musical instrument.
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Artists and hosts at the First International Horn Workshop in 1969. From left to right: Joseph White, Wendell Hoss,
Arthur Berv, James Chambers, Anton Horner, Carl Geyer, Max Pottag, Barry Tuckwell, Philip Farkas and William Robinson. |
The First Annual French Horn Workshop was held at Florida State University in 1969. At the opening General Session prominent horn personalities present included Arthur Berv, James Chambers, Philip Farkas, Carl Geyer, Anton Horner, Wendell Hoss, Max Pottag, and Barry Tuckwell (John Barrows arrived later in the week.).

The IHS has over 3500 members from 55 countries around the globe, including internationally renowned touring artists, symphony musicians, university teachers, students, horn designers/builders, composers, music libraries, music publishers, and amateur players of all ages and walks of life. The society has something to offer every horn player and enthusiast.
Our aims and goals
The purpose of this society shall be to promote musical education with particular reference to the horn. In pursuit of its aims and purposes, the Society and its members:
- Hold and encourage workshops, lectures, and seminars open to the public.
- Publish a Journal consisting of materials appropriate to the horn, as well as periodic newsletters and membership lists.
- Encourage the awarding of grants and scholarships to competition winners.
- Encourage composers and arrangers to write music featuring the horn.
- Foster competitions for and the commissioning of new repertoire featuring the Horn.
- Establish and foster an Archives/Research Facility pertaining to the IHS.
- Establish close working relationships with music teachers.
- Present honors and recognition for distinctive service relating to the horn.
The International Horn Society recommends that HORN be recognized as the correct name for our instrument in the English language. [From the Minutes of the First General Meeting, June 15, 1971, Tallahassee, Florida USA]