Alphorns Lakeside!!!

"Join the Lake Tahoe Historical Society for a lakeside gathering! This Tahoe History Talk on the Beach invites you to experience the soulful sounds of the Sierra Alphorns echoing across the Lake. This unique alpine tradition brings the rich, resonant tones of authentic alphorn music to the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe... an unforgettable celebration of mountain culture and summertime serenity."

Throughout the performance, Brandi Jones (who is not only the MC but the crafter of these amazing instruments) gave us history lessons between songs.

The alphorn is a wooden instrument, traditionally made from European spruce. Historically alphorns would be made by searching for a tree growing on a steep slope, giving the trunk the necessary shape for the bell of the instrument. The tree would be cut down, stripped of bark and hollowed out, resulting in a long, tapering horn with a curved bell. The instrument was then traditionally wrapped in bark or leather to preserve and protect it. Wire, metal hoops or thin strips of wood were also sometimes used. Today Alphorns are rarely made from a single tree, and they almost always come apart into smaller, more easily transportable sections. Modern alphorns are usually wrapped, although unwrapped alphorns with exposed wood are also available. More recently makers have begun experimenting with more exotic materials, such as carbon fiber.