A native of Toledo, Ohio, Julia Burtscher served as Executive Director of the International Horn Society from 2019-2023. In addition to her work with the IHS, Julia built her career with the North American railroad industry. Her diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to the “customer experience” translated directly into her role with the IHS. A self-described “horn convert,” Julia started on trumpet at age 10 and decided to switch to the horn in junior high school. She went on to study with Mary Kihslinger at the University of Toledo.
As Executive Director of the IHS, Julia worked tirelessly behind the scenes: paying bills, working with accountants for tax filing and financial reporting, scrubbing and sending mailing lists to the printer for The Horn Call mailing, facilitating Advisory Council elections, preparing materials for Advisory Council meetings, and a great deal more. During her time as Executive Director, she worked extensively with the IHS Advisory Council and Executive Committee to assess available tools and resources to implement the IHS’s mission. Julia has said that her position as Executive Director allowed her to “work with truly amazing people who make me better just by knowing them,” and the same can be said of her.
As an amateur player with a career completely outside of music, Julia epitomizes many of the ideals of the IHS – fostering a community and connecting with others over a shared love for the horn.
Julia was awarded the Service Medal of Honor in 2024.
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