2025 Utah Horn Days to Feature Nikolette Labonte

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University and the Utah Horn Club have announced the 2025 Utah Horn Days, a dynamic two-day event that will bring together horn players of all levels, from high school students to seasoned professionals. This year’s event will be March 7-8 at Utah State University.

The event will feature performances, masterclasses and a recital by world-class guest artist Nikolette LaBonte.

Nikolette LaBonte is currently the principal horn of the Calgary Philharmonic, a position she started last year after having served as the associate principal horn of the Rochester Philharmonic. She has also held positions such as the Hawaii Symphony and the Fort Worth Symphony. Additionally, LeBonte is a faculty member of the Kendall Betts Horn Camp, a two-week camp featuring many of the world’s greatest horn players and teachers all interacting directly with participants.

“Nikki is not terribly far removed in age from the students who are studying here at Utah State, yet she brings a wealth of professional experience on par with that of many professional horn players twice her age,” said Assistant Professor of Horn Joel Ockerman. “We are incredibly fortunate to have been able to convince her to come down and share her expert playing and the wisdom that has helped her succeed with the horn players of Utah who will be attending this event.”

In addition to the recital, there will be ensembles for all skill levels to practice with, from beginner to advanced. There will also be presentations on different types of horns, horn repair and a variety of vendors for those interested in shopping.

Ockerman will present a class demonstrating this instrument and showing attendees what the value is in learning how to play it as well as tips to get started.

“The point of an event like this is to provide inspiration to those who attend,” Ockerman said. “I certainly hope horn players who come for this event leave Logan with a sense of how to improve their horn playing, but more than that I hope that those people who love this instrument find their hearts filled being around joyful music making and getting to interact with horn players from across the state.”

The recital will take place at 7:30 p.m. on March 7 in the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall. All other activities will be on March 8. To register for the full Horn Days event, visit the website. To purchase tickets for the recital, visit the online calendar listing or the CCA box office located in the Chase Fine Arts Center.