HornDouglas Hall

Douglas Hall has enjoyed many adventures in good music here with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra. In 1989 he and his wife Laura were married at the Summer Pops site (at Hospitality Point at that time) where the horn section members were his best men, and the brass section played for the ceremony. In helping with the rebuilding of the SDSO, Mr. Hall ran more than 60 national auditions during his former service as assistant orchestra personnel manager.

Some of the highlights of Mr. Hall’s career include: studying and listening to Dave Krehbiel at the San Francisco Symphony while earning a Master’s degree at the SF Conservatory; being the Fellowship Horn player for Leonard Bernstein at the LA Philharmonic Institute; ushering at The Kennedy Center for a season; building French horns as apprentice for George McCracken; learning band instrument repair with Gene Beckwith at the Red Wing School; enjoying the sunsets while playing in the Tucson Symphony and attending the University of Arizona; being a cabin counselor and water safety instructor at Interlochen; singing tenor with his dad in the National Presbyterian Choir; having his daughter Valerie sing and dance in the San Diego Opera's production of Hansel and Gretel. (Mr. Hall was performing in the pit...) 

When Douglas Hall isn't playing or practicing, you might find him on the links of the Coronado Golf Course, walking the beach with his wife Laura, sailing in the beer can races or playing racquetball. 

Learn more about Douglas Hall from this recent edition of the San Diego Symphony's "Lunch & Listen" web series!:

Douglas Hall describes to Music Director Rafael Payare (also a horn player) his various San Diego Symphony experiences with Beethoven's Symphony No. 9...including his first one, under legendary conductor (and former San Diego Symphony music director) Robert Shaw:

Douglas Hall is also very active in Hornswaggle San Diego, seen here recently performing a nifty "Star Trek Medley" for virtual horn ensemble. Can you spot Doug?

GETTING TO KNOW DOUGLAS HALL…

Q: What are your favorite three tunes or pieces on your iPod/Mp3 or CD collection? 

A: Alpine Symphony, Mozart Horn Concertos, any Mahler recordings

Q: How did you choose your instrument? 

A: I was at a youth concert by the National Symphony, and when the horn player stood up and played Til Eulenspiegel, I was hooked. 

Q: What are three of your favorite movies? 

A: Galaxy Quest, Waking Ned Devine, Star Wars

Q: What is your favorite travel destination? 

A: Coronado

Q: What good book have you read most recently? 

A: What Would Google Do? by Jeff Jarvis

Q: What is your choice for dining in San Diego? 

A: Burger Lounge

Q: What is your favorite San Diego Symphony Orchestra memory? 

A: In the 2009-10 season, the Sunday performance of Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony, with more than 100 horn players in the audience (in town for a southwest regional Horn Convention our section hosted) cheering like they were at a sporting event!