Ashton Sady
horn
Hometown: Reno, NV
Alma maters: Manhattan School of Music, MM 2026; Peabody Institute, BM 2024
Photo credit
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
My earliest memory of classical music was when my father would play the trombone when I could first start to remember.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My high school private teacher, Robert Carroll, made the most significant impact on my horn career. He taught me the fundamentals of my instrument and sparked my passion for orchestral music.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
Growing up in a musical household where both of my parents and twin brother played brass instruments, I have always had an inclination toward performing. Observing my parents teach lessons, perform in concerts, and teach me the first things I learned about music drove me to be a performing musician and drove me to discover the passion I had for it.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
One of the horn teachers at the Manhattan School of Music informed me of the program after I was asking what I should do next with my musical career.
How would you like to see orchestra concerts evolve in the future?
I crave to see new audiences in the concert hall. I wish to see orchestra concerts in such a way where the newer generations of people enjoy orchestral music. Creating orchestral sets that are audibly pleasing to the listener today. Sets that appeal to their desired time frame, sense of musical taste, and sets that pique their musical interest. Orchestral concerts that go beyond movie music or fusion rock concerts, but true orchestral music that pulls in new listeners and concert-goers that adapt to the preferences of today’s concert-goers’ musical impressions
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
The most memorable concert that I have ever had was when I had the privilege of playing Mahler’s Second Symphony with a full horn section, full orchestra, organ, and choir in my second year of high school.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
My proudest achievement as a musician was qualifying for the United States Premier Air Force Concert Band.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Currently, the horn player I idolize the most would be previous principal of the Berlin Philharmonic, Stephan Dohr.
Tell us about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
A time that I almost gave up was when I was denied an audition at Yale for my graduate degree. It left me very discouraged, but after a few months of continuing to get into grad school, I was offered half of the tuition to attend Juilliard for my degree.
Do you have a favorite non-classical musician or band?
Outside of classical music, I really enjoy listening to Christian Contemporary music and am a fan of Brandon Lake.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Before I applied to be a musician, I had an inkling to become a civil engineer and attend the University of Nevada instead.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
A great deal of horn repertoire is very exposed and challenging to play in a high-level orchestra.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
The horn takes a very long time to start and I would encourage not to give up easily if they have a passion for it.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
Practicing really does pay off.