The Historic Brass Society is pleased to announce that the 2018 Christopher Monk Award has been presented to Richard Seraphinoff in recognition of his outstanding and sustained contributions to the understanding of the natural horn, its repertoire, historic performance practice, and manufacture.

Robert Barclay, Richard Seraphinoff & Michael Münkwitz will again be giving their annual week-long trumpet-making course in Linton, UK beginning on June 11. Click for more information: Long Trumpet Making with Robert Barclay and guest appearances from Richard Seraphinoff & Michael Münkwitz | Monday 11th  - Friday 15th June | £880; Cornetto Making with Sam Goble and Andrew Hallock 2nd - 6th July.

Jeremy Montagu has published an e-book, The Conch Horn, and posted a free pdf version of it on his website www.jeremymontagu.co.uk. This study is a well-illustrated survey of shell trumpets across the world, from palaeolithic to the present day. It examines their history, species and use in ritual and in day-to-day activities for signaling and other purposes. The book is comprised of 6 chapters and an extensive bibliography. Geographic areas in which conch horns are examined include; Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, India, Asia, South-East Asia, Islands of the Pacific and the Americas. It is surely the most extensive study of shell trumpets ever conducted.

The Associação Nacional de Instrumentos Musicais (Portuguese National Association for Musical Instruments) has announced their 7th International Congress, to be held July 4-7, 2018 in Caldas da Rainha. The theme this year is "Beyond the Broad Coast Horizon: Diversity and Transversality in Cultural Heritage." The conference is being organized in conjuncton with The Historic Brass Society this year, and a "Brass Focus" section will be held under the direction of Arnold Myers (University of Edinburg). Those interested in attending should click here for more information. Click here if you are interested in submitting a proposal to present at the conference. The proposal deadline is March 15.