Jack Sindall
horn
Hometown: Manchester, UK
Alma maters: Royal Northen College of Music, Brass Academy Alicante
Photo credit
Appearances
Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional del Ecuador, Principal Horn; Schleswig Holsetin Music Festival
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
My first horn teacher at my local music service, Lawrence Yates, has always been someone who has inspired me. His patience and resilience while teaching me how to make a sound on the horn, and his outlook towards education is what allowed me to begin this journey.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I began to search online for orchestral opportunities in the U.S., as I had never been. I found the orchestra website and the more I read, the more it appealed to me as a middle ground between conservatory studies and a full time job.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
The most memorable performance I had was performing the Gliere Horn Concerto with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador, in the Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus. Musically, it was rewarding as lots of hard work went into the preparation and the performance went well. The venue is one of the best-preserved baroque churches in South America, the outside being made entirely out of volcanic rock, and the inside being almost completely gold. It was a surreal experience to play in a venue with so much history and beauty.
What is your proudest achievement as a musician?
My proudest achievement is being able to work in lots of places around the world and build friendships along the way. Language, food, humor, and music bring people together.
Can you share any memorable onstage mishaps?
I once had to run offstage for the bathroom during the final movement of Mahler’s Symphony No. 2. I underestimated how long that symphony is.
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
The reason the horn is the only instrument with the bell facing backwards is because it was originally used as a hunting instrument, to signal to those behind. It also would have protected the horses’ ears. Horn players can enjoy lots of these hunting calls embedded in all kinds of music.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
The road is long and longevity is key. It isn’t about winning a job in the least amount of auditions possible, although that would be financially helpful. It’s about finding the right place for you, musically and personally.