Episode #13 - Preston Shepard

Episode #13 - Preston Shepard

Author: Bob Reeves Brass January 28, 2026 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 features Preston Shepard, Los Angeles freelance horn player and podcast host.

 

About Preston Shepard:

Preston Shepard is an active free-lance hornist in the Los Angeles area. A student of Joseph Meyer, he studied at Cal State University Northridge and Azusa Pacific University. Preston has performed with the San Diego Symphony, the Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony, Los Angeles Master Chorale, Long Beach Symphony, Santa Barbara Symphony, Opera Santa Barbara, San Bernardino Symphony, New West Symphony, Redlands Symphony, Riverside Philharmonic, Santa Maria Symphony, Los Angeles Jewish Symphony, and many others around the Greater Los Angeles area. He has also recorded on numerous feature films, television shows and specials such as Avatar 2, Zootopia 2, Hocus Pocus 2, Aquaman 2, Wish, Encanto : Live at the Hollywood Bowl, The Game Awards, Big City Greens, The Nun, The Boogeyman, Geostorm, Inhumans, The Orville, Blood and Treasure, Homecoming Season 2, Star Trek : Lower Decks, Picard, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, Solar Opposites, and Presumed Innocent as well as for video game projects such as Fortnite, Overwatch and League of Legends.  He has also recorded on albums for artists such as Avenged Sevenfold and Deadmau5. Preston is the adjunct professor of horn at Westmont College and The Master's University.


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]

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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…
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Episode #8 - Gina Gillie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:29
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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…