Tuning into the Orchestra

Mike Nelson, Principal French Horn

From the moment Mike first watched Star Wars as a child, he knew he wanted to play that heavenly instrument that was all over the soundtrack. It turns out that instrument was the horn, and many years later, Mike is the Horn Professor at Montana State University, Hornist with the Bobcat Brass Trio, and Third Horn for the Billings Symphony Orchestra. Prior to this year, he was the Principal Horn of the Great Falls Symphony and the Chinook Winds Quintet, with whom he toured extensively and recorded a full episode for Montana PBS's Emmy-awarded 11th and Grant with Eric Funk. Mike earned degrees from the University of Florida and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

In addition to modern horn, Mike is passionate about historical performance practice and performs across the country on instruments ranging from the Baroque period all the way to post-World War II France. These instruments include a Classical valveless natural horn that he built. Mike was honored to present at the 2015 International Horn Symposium about the natural horn and the evolving role of the horn in the wind quintet.

Originally from Florida, Mike is thrilled to live in Bozeman with all the mountains and open spaces. When not doing horn stuff, he loves the beach, cats, and cheering for his beloved UF Gators and LA Dodgers.

Photo Credit: Ali Spoon