Episode #11 - Julie Pilant

Episode #11 - Julie Pilant

Author: Bob Reeves Brass October 29, 2025 Duration: 1:33:20

The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world.  Today's episode features Julie Pilant, formerly of the Met, now with Utah Symphony.

 

About Julie:

Julia Pilant is currently the acting 3rd horn for the Utah Symphony/Utah Opera, and a regular guest with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra horn section and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Previously, she was the assistant principal horn for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for 14 years and a horn instructor for the Bard College Conservatory of Music for 16 years. Prior to holding those positions, she was the principal horn of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. Ms. Pilant also freelanced for several decades in New York City and performed regularly with Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke's, New York City Ballet, and numerous Broadway shows. She has played principal horn for the Saito Kinen/Ozawa and Tokyo Opera Nomori music festivals, the Mito Chamber Orchestra in Japan, and has participated in the Santa Fe Chamber, Affinis (Japan), Sarasota, Festival Napa Valley, Classical Tahoe, Strings, Mainly Mozart, and La Jolla Music Society Summerfest music festivals. In 1994 she won the American Horn Competition. As an equally enthusiastic music educator, she has given masterclasses in schools and festivals across the country, including The Juilliard School, USC, Interlochen Arts Camp, and the Boston University Tanglewood Institute, and is a founding member of the recently formed Coalition of Musicians for Ethical Change. Ms. Pilant received her Bachelor's degree from Eastman School of Music (student of Verne Reynolds), and her Master's and Doctoral degrees from The Juilliard School (student of Julie Landsman).


There’s a particular sound that cuts through an orchestra, capable of both profound warmth and heroic brilliance-the French horn. The Horn Signal is a space dedicated entirely to that voice and the people who master it. Hosted by Bob Reeves Brass, this podcast sits down with acclaimed horn players from across the globe, moving beyond just performance to uncover the real journeys behind the music. Conversations here get into the nitty-gritty: how to seek out those transformative teachers who change everything, what it truly takes to navigate the high-pressure world of college and graduate auditions, and the practicalities of building a lasting career. You’ll also hear candid stories about the unique challenges of studio recording sessions, where every note is captured forever. It’s not just for professionals or students, though; anyone with a love for the instrument’s rich character will find something here. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair in a quiet room after a rehearsal, listening as seasoned players share hard-won insights and personal anecdotes. The focus is always on the lived experience, offering a blend of practical advice and deeper reflection you won’t find in a practice room. Tune in to hear the stories behind the sound.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 15

The Horn Signal
Podcast Episodes
Episode #15 - John Little [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features John Little, horn soloist, and teacher. A…
Episode #14 - Kaylet Torrez [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:42
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Kaylet Torrez, of the Pacific Symphony, a…
Episode #13 - Preston Shepard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:12:38
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass and the Colburn School Summer Brass Institute. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode feat…
Episode #12 - Audrey Flores [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:26
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Audrey Flores, NYC freelancer and Broadwa…
Episode #10 - Phil Yao [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:04
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Phil Yao, Hollywood studio hornist. About…
Episode #9 - David Everson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:48
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Dave Everson, formerly of Detroit Symphon…
Episode #8 - Gina Gillie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:29
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Gina Gillie, hornist, composer and travel…
Episode #7 - Julie Landsman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:04
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Julie Landsman, former Principal Horn of…
Episode #6 - Bob Watt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53:58
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Robert Watt, former Assistant Principal H…
Episode #5 - Kate Caliendo [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:38
The Horn Signal is proudly brought to you by Bob Reeves Brass. Join hosts John Snell and Preston Shepard as they interview horn players around the world. Today's episode features Kate Caliendo, 2nd horn of the Jacksonvil…