The Alphorn fascinates audiences with its physical simplicity and woos them with a tone that vibrates the soul.Whether center stage in a concert hall or serenading at Oktoberfests or special events...
America needs MORE ALPHORN!
What's an Alphorn?
The Alphorn is a 12-foot wooden horn originally used by shepherds in the Alpine regions of Europe.
Designed as a way to communicate from high hillsides to the valleys below, it is now a musical instrument adored around the world.
Center Stage
The Alphorn is featured in numerous solo works with band and orchestra, from Leopold Mozart’s 1755 Sinfonia Pastorella to adventurous works by living composers. Of course, there's no shortage of enchanting traditional Alpine songs and dances.
Collaborations
The Alphorn is a wonderful and unique partner in chamber music. Composers have written numerous works for Alphorn with harp, winds, and string quartet.The pairing of Alphorn and organ is a favorite. There are many pieces for recitals and church services for this duo.
Lederhosen Fun!
At Oktoberfests, markets, and other special events, selections are a mix traditional unaccompanied Alpine tunes and songs and dances paired with my sound system.
Audience Participation
“Blow an Alphorn!” is a wonderful way to get people to try the Alphorn. It is also a great photo and video opportunity. (Mouthpieces are sterilized for each player!)I often invite children to participate as a herd of bell-ringing cows who respond to the music of the cowherd (i.e., me).
"Shawn and his Alphorn were the stars of our 6th Annual Oktoberfest at Wheatland Spring. I cannot overstate his natural ability to connect with an audience. Guests loved learning about the Alphorn, Shawn’s impressive musical background, and even having the opportunity to try their hand at the instrument! Shawn was a
breeze to work with. He was an excellent communicator both leading up to and during his 2-day performance. We hope he will join us again!”Bonnie Branding
Owner, Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery
"Shawn’s beautiful sound on the Alphorn is such a natural extension of his love of the instrument. It is captivating! He performs modern and traditional repertoire with compelling artistry, all while engaging enthusiastically with the audience. His contributions to my Windy City Alphorn Workshop as an educator, performer, and collaborator were phenomenal and all of the participants were inspired by him. I so admire his quality of person and musicianship!"Dr. Natalie Douglass Grana
Horn Faculty, Lake Forest College
Who is your Alphornist?
Hornist and Alphornist Shawn Hagen proudly served for 25 years as a musician in the premiere bands of The United States Army in Washington, DC. He
teaches at American University and is a member of the National Chamber Winds.Shawn has been a frequent guest with The Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra, The National Symphony Orchestra, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. With the US Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” he had the historic honor of being the first Alphorn soloist at the US Capitol.Beyond music, Shawn is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher and coaches Breathwork and Laughing Yoga. He also volunteers for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Good Grief Camps, mentoring youth who have lost military family members.
A brief lunch time recital at American University.
Walking meditation at the Sound of Zen retreat, Magnolia Grove Monastery.
Performance with friends at the Sound of Zen retreat, Magnolia Grove Monastery.
The Alphorn Institute is your one-stop shop for all things Alphorn. They are the largest importer of Alphorns from the leading builders across Europe and carry a wide array of music and accessories. They are also passionate about education and lead Alphorn retreats across the US.
Here's the makers of my mouthpiece. They use a variety of woods and have a wide range of profiles to fit any preference. They have also developed a wonderful budget-friendly carbon fiber Alphorn!
Roland Zahner, the craftsman of Helvetic, is the kind-hearted gentleman who built my Swiss stone pine Alphorn. I believe his quality of character can be heard in his beautiful horns. They have a warm vibrant sound, and feel light and nimble to play. When I first tried my horn, I felt I had found a kindred spirit, an expressive partner for this journey. Roland's horns are available through the Alphorn Institute.