Chasing the changes: A survey of selected resources for classical horn players interested in jazz, including transcriptions of three songs as performed by Willie Ruff

The horn, though not a typical jazz instrument, has been a part of the jazz world from its earliest days. Harry James, Claude Thornhill and Glenn Miller Bands each used French horns. Julius Watkins and John Graas, both horn players, established themselves as composers and improvisers. Since the 1960's, others have followed in their footsteps: Vincent Chancey, Tom Varner, Peter Gordon, Arkady Shilkloper, John Clark, Sharon Freeman, Mark Taylor and Ken Wiley. That being said, the world of jazz horn, though expanding, is still exceedingly small. Horn players ready to explore the idiom of jazz may find teachers, resources and opportunities to be in short supply. This paper will explore various resources available to horn players and teachers. Included are transcriptions of three songs as performed by Willie Ruff.