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Northern California Alphorn Festival

Thursday, August 06 - Sunday, August 09, 2026
02:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Add to Calendar 2026-08-06 14:00:00 2026-08-09 12:30:00 Northern California Alphorn Festival In partnership with the Alphorn Association of North America, University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music is proud to host the inaugural Northern California Alphorn Festival, August 6–9, 2026.This unique four-day event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the artistry and tradition of the alphorn while strengthening musicianship, refining fundamental playing skills and connecting with a welcoming community of performers and educators.The festival is also an outstanding professional development opportunity for music educators interested in strengthening their general brass pedagogy, teaching fundamentals and developing aural skills in a fun, collaborative and low-pressure environment.Whether you are an experienced alphorn player, curious to learn for the first time, a music educator or simply looking for a unique musical experience, you are welcome!Register via the Alphorn Association's website:REGISTER TODAYAlphorns are available to rent; student rates and on-campus housing are available.FESTIVAL FACULTYSadie GlassAssistant professor of horn and program director for brass and percussion at University of the Pacific; ambassador for The Alphorn Project; and an active performer on modern horn, natural horn and alphorn.Dr. Natalie GranaInternationally recognized horn pedagogue, Fulbright Scholar and author of A Singing Approach to Horn Playing. She has transformed music performers around the world with her expertise in singing, inner hearing and Kodály-inspired musicianship.Stasia SienaInternationally respected teacher of the Alexander Technique, she specializes in helping musicians perform with greater ease, efficiency and freedom through healthy movement and body awareness.FESTIVAL SCHEDULEThursday, August 6 | 2–7:30 pmCheck-inWelcome sessionGroup rehearsal5:30 pm, group dinner and informal performance at Bob’s at the Marina, StocktonFriday, August 7 | 9:30 am–8 pmBreakfast, warm-up and ensemble rehearsalMettler Family Vineyards excursion and tasting2 pm, public alphorn performance at Mettler Family Vineyards, Lodi6 pm, group dinner and informal performance at German Guys, StocktonSaturday, August 8 | 9:30 am–6 pmBreakfastWarm-up and educational sessionsAlexander Technique workshopAural skills workshopGroup rehearsal5 pm, Faculty & Friends Alphorn Recital at Faye Spanos Concert Hall (free)Sunday, August 9 | 10 am–12:30 pm10 am, public performance at Old Sacramento State Historic Park (free)Closing brunch aboard the Delta King (festival participants only) 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA 95211, USA Conservatory of Music Conservatory of Music America/Los_Angeles public

In partnership with the Alphorn Association of North America, University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music is proud to host the inaugural Northern California Alphorn Festival, August 6–9, 2026.

This unique four-day event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the artistry and tradition of the alphorn while strengthening musicianship, refining fundamental playing skills and connecting with a welcoming community of performers and educators.

The festival is also an outstanding professional development opportunity for music educators interested in strengthening their general brass pedagogy, teaching fundamentals and developing aural skills in a fun, collaborative and low-pressure environment.

Whether you are an experienced alphorn player, curious to learn for the first time, a music educator or simply looking for a unique musical experience, you are welcome!

REGISTER TODAY

Alphorns are available to rent; student rates and on-campus housing are available.

FESTIVAL FACULTY

Sadie Glass
Assistant professor of horn and program director for brass and percussion at University of the Pacific; ambassador for The Alphorn Project; and an active performer on modern horn, natural horn and alphorn.

Dr. Natalie Grana
Internationally recognized horn pedagogue, Fulbright Scholar and author of A Singing Approach to Horn Playing. She has transformed music performers around the world with her expertise in singing, inner hearing and Kodály-inspired musicianship.

Stasia Siena
Internationally respected teacher of the Alexander Technique, she specializes in helping musicians perform with greater ease, efficiency and freedom through healthy movement and body awareness.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

Thursday, August 6 | 2–7:30 pm