In August 2022, at the professional division of the 2022 International Horn Competition of America, Josiah Bullach ’15 placed second.
The purpose of the solo horn competition is to cultivate the horn as a solo instrument and offer feedback to hornists, “It was actually my third time competing in this competition over a six year span. I’m very glad I continued to accept feedback, take greater risks, and improve as a musician,” he says about his experience.
He explains his hopes after winning the honor are to inspire the simple mindset of consistency and resiliency, “The rejections we face are a necessary part in the process of growing, so to me, this accomplishment was by far most meaningful to my personal growth and confidence.”
Bullach currently serves as Associate and Assistant Principal Horn of the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Since his appointment to the LPO in 2016, Bullach has played an active role as a performer, recording artist, and teacher. He is on faculty at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, on the board of the New Orleans Chamber Players and is passionate about music education in the greater New Orleans area.
During his undergraduate years at the BW Conservatory of Music, Bullach earned a Bachelor of Music degree and studied with Cleveland Orchestra member Jesse McCormick, former BW lecturer of horn. “I have very fond memories of my time at the BW Conservatory. Being in close connection to the Cleveland Orchestra faculty and attending weekly concerts inspired a high level of excellence in me.”
Bullach also credits his music education at BW as very formative to his growth as a musician. “The freedom for creativity that is fostered at BW allowed me to explore many musical endeavors beyond what I thought an orchestral musician could do.”