RIP Kendall Betts, Legendary Hornist and Teacher

Chris Coletti6 CommentsNews

With great sadness we honour our friend and colleague Kendall Betts, legendary hornist and teacher, who passed away from lung cancer on August 16, 2016.

Kendall and Canadian Brass

Our friendship with Kendall stretches back over forty years. One of the first major orchestras to hire Canadian Brass was the Minnesota Orchestra where he was principal hornist. We always looked forward to those appearances with the MSO knowing that we would see Kendall — sharing many laughs, lots of orchestral insights, his performance attitudes and untold hours of philosophical banter!

In 2004, Kendall’s young protégé Bernhard Scully joined Canadian Brass, further strengthening our long relationship with Kendall.  Bernhard has enlivened us with his memories of working with Kendall, first as a young student and then later as a performer in Kendall’s horn section.

Kendall’s Horn Camp

Kendall has been a major force in the international horn world. In 1995, he established the acclaimed Kendall Betts Horn Camp (KBHC) in New Hampshire, an intensive horn learning center for players and horn enthusiasts of all ages.

Passing the Torch

This past week, with Kendall’s blessing before he passed, the KBHC Board of Directors voted to appoint Bernhard as the new Artistic Director of KBHC, carrying on the tradition laid down by his teacher.
We are saddened by Kendall’s passing, yet proud that Bernhard will have the honor to carry on his work.

Chuck, for Canadian Brass