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The Hunt: French Horn Part(s)

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The Hunt Cover Image
The Hunt: French Horn Part(s)

The Hunt: French Horn Part(s)

By James D. Ployhar

Grade: (II)

Item: 00-BWI00392
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Description
A Federation Festivals 2020-2024 selection. This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, The Hunt: French Horn Part(s) comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

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Additional Details
Series: Belwin Instrumental Solos
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 6
UPC: 029156187595
SKU: 00-BWI00392

More about this title

About the Composer: James D. Ployhar

James D. Ployhar

James D. Ployhar has established himself as a prolific voice in music education with more than 800 published compositions to his name. His pedagogical reach extends across continents through the Contemporary Band Course, an influential curriculum now published by Alfred Music and adopted throughout Norway in both its English and translated versions. Ployhar's training in orchestration came through direct study with Knud Havalde of the Danish Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and his academic credentials include degrees from Valley City State University and Northern Colorado University, with advanced composition study at California State University-Long Beach.

Beyond the page, Ployhar has spent nearly two decades in public school music instruction while simultaneously building a distinguished career as a clinician and conductor across the United States, Canada, Norway, Germany, and England. His compositions have been broadcast on network television and performed internationally from Europe to Japan and the Pacific Rim. Recognition of his contributions includes the National Band Association Citation of Excellence and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater, along with membership in the American Bandmasters Association.

Why we love this

Ployhar wrote "The Hunt" with young horn players in mind, balancing musical interest with realistic technical demands at Grade 2 level. Its selection as a Federation Festivals 2020-2024 piece confirms it meets rigorous contest standards while remaining genuinely rewarding to perform. This is the kind of repertoire that keeps students engaged in solo development without overwhelming them.

What to expect

The Hunt evokes the dignity and focus of its subject matter without resorting to bombast. The writing lies comfortably for the instrument, allowing the player to concentrate on musicality rather than wrestling with extreme ranges or awkward passagework.

Who it's for

This solo works for Grade 2 horn players preparing for festival competition or building confidence in solo performance. Whether you're teaching a student their first solo or assigning repertoire for a solo recital, this piece sits at the sweet spot between technical accessibility and musical substance.

How to get the most out of it

  • Shape the melodic phrases with consistent air support; avoid letting the middle register fall flat or breathy
  • Map out the dynamic arc before rehearsal so you understand where the piece builds and releases tension
  • Balance tone quality across register shifts, particularly in transitions between the upper and lower staves
  • Listen to the recorded accompaniment at performance tempo several times before playing along to internalize the harmonic context

How to use it

Program this as a solo feature on a wind ensemble or concert band concert where it can stand alongside other Grade 2 contest selections. At 6 pages, it's substantial enough to anchor a solo spot without consuming excessive program time, making it ideal for a mixed solo/ensemble concert format.

Skills your students will build

  • Maintaining tone consistency across register transitions in the middle and upper range
  • Shaping musical phrases with dynamic control and air support
  • Reading and performing with a written accompaniment
  • Preparing repertoire for festival adjudication and performance in a formal setting

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