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Q&A with John Tabachka

The Horn Blower Champion of both the Virginia and Bryn Mawr Hound Shows shares a few thoughts on the art of blowing the hunting horn

What’s your favorite call? Why?

My Favorite call is Gone Away, because that means my hounds have done their work and we’re about to have some fun!

How did you first learn?  Who taught you?

My dad taught me the basics (he was the Huntsman for the Sewickley, PA).

Do you play any other instruments?

I don’t play any instruments now, but back in grade school, I did take trumpet lessons.

If so, did that skill help you learn to blow the hunting horn?

I believe that did help me learn to blow the hunting horn.

Any particular techniques you care to share with readers?

No special techniques come to mind.

Tell us about your horn: Where did you get it? Do you have more than one?

The horn I use is a nickel Beaufort. I bought it because I wanted it, never blew one (a nickel horn) until it arrived from England

Do you have a favorite horn story you’d like to share?

I don’t think it qualifies as a “favorite,” but a few years ago I lost a horn at the Bryn Mawr Hound Show. It was between the pack class and then showing in the final class of the day. I placed my horn and whip on top of the kennels and went to the championship class with Trimbush. When I returned my horn was MIA.