Fireside Chat with Dale Clevenger, former Principal horn of Chicago Symphony Orchestra March 30 2020

Dale Clevenger was the Principal horn of the legendary musicians from the famed Chicago Symphony Orchestra brass section. Dale had a nearly 50 year career as the Principal horn and now teaches at Indiana University. He has some of the most incredible stories about playing the horn and working with some of the greatest musicians in classical music. It was inspiring for me to talk with Dale and to hear his journey to becoming one of the greats. Also getting some of his insights on his musicianship, life, and attitude. Enjoy!

[@genejones4110]

Thank you for this production, Mr. Cooper. I became a fan of Mr. Clevenger's in the early 80s when I was a young hornist. I'd chat with him when the CSO came to Milwaukee for performances. He (and Barry Benjamin) are my horn heroes.

[@gregoryronnback2756]

Dale always seemed to be able to do the most amazing things, at any time, with marvelous musicianship, whenever it needed to be done. He will always be a legend in my mind.

[@deecee197]

I loved this chat! RIP to such an amazing person! David, it was great meeting you at the Midwest Clinic in December in front of Ion Balu’s booth. You’re an amazing person and I’m sorry for the loss of your friend! What an honor to be the principal horn player now of CSO. Consider that time of him passing off the crown to you. Well deserved!

[@hornerinf]

This was amazing! I first met Dale in Vienna on the CSO first European tour with Solti. I've been a huge fan ever since. Thank you David for doing these chats. They will forever be in the horn archives as historical and inspirational.

[@mortalclown3812]

RIP, Dale.💙🙏💫

[@mr.thickey3959]

Hey Dale! Just started to see this video, but need to get some “rememberances” off my chest first! I’m 82 now, but remember seeing the CSO in the 1950s not nearly as many times as I would have liked - didn’t have a date to go with me!! Great music needs to be SHARED! I think I remember Fritz Reiner as conductor, “old stone face” as I used to call him (to myself!). I remember Adolph Herseth (trumpet for 53 years!!), Clark Brody (clarinet), Donald Peck (flute), Ray Still (oboe), & Frank Miller (cello), amongst others. I vaguely remember seeing Frank Miller on the downtown bus one time - he looked “IMMENSE”, maybe because of his winter coat! He took up a whole double seat by himself (don’t remember where he put his cello - He must have towed it behind the bus)! I didn’t really remember your name until recently, watching KZbin on my tablet. Anyway, yust want to say THANK YOU for all the wonderful sounds you gave me, either in Orchestra Hall, or lately on KZbin! You’re one great lookin’ dude (NOT DUD!)! Oh, did you ever play the gorgeous Gliere French Horn Concerto? Heard Hermann Baumann play it the other day! He too could really “tickle the ivories”!!! “Ach du lieber, mein schatz” und “Gesundheit”! Sorry, my favorite orchestral instrument is the “Cor Anglais” or English Horn!!! “Haunting sound”!

[@amm95]

Fantastic video, David! Thanks for sharing this wonderful conversation

[@joseantoniodeabreu]

Thank you!🙏

[@davemiller7633]

David, so great to see what you're doing, and also to hear from Dale! I studied with him at a summer camp in New Jersey in 1999. I also auditioned for the CSO in 98 and 99 for Assistant! So it was a great time meeting him. Thank you, David, for these chats because, they are also historical documents! I was wondering about Dale and worried since he was in Italy, but nice to hear from him (and you always)! BTW I have a fairly rare Wunderlich horn which I've had for about a year. Did you ever play on one? God bless you!

[@davidcooperhorn]

David Miller thank you so much for your message David! Dale is a really special person to me also! I am so glad we were able to spend an hour together sharing stories! About the Wünderlich, I've only played Dale's which is fabulous!!

[@trush4933]

You should do an Instagram live about your life story.

[@peterpike8887]

The virus of joy kills all other viruses.