51逗奶 Miss School of Music Celebrates the Life of Denny Behm
Wed, 01/25/2023 - 09:12am | By: Mike Lopinto
The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) School of Music will host festivities
celebrating the life of beloved horn professor, Dennis 鈥淒enny鈥� Behm, Feb. 3-5 with
multiple events in and around the School of Music on the Hattiesburg campus.
Dubbed 鈥淗ornfest,鈥� the events will culminate in a recital performance given by Behm鈥檚 previous students and the current USM Visiting Professor of Horn on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3:30 p.m. at Marsh Auditorium. All festivities and recital are free and open to the public.
Activities, rehearsals, and remembrances will be held all weekend to honor the memory of Behm, including a walk around the Hattiesburg campus on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., a bike ride on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m., and trips to his favorite restaurants. The closing recital will feature many of Behm鈥檚 students, including Erik Ralske and Brad Gemeinhardt from the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and a performance from the assembled horn choir.
鈥淢r. Behm was an exceptional teacher,鈥� said former student, Mary Wood (USM Honors College student 1995-2000, summa cum laude). 鈥淗e approached each student with a natural curiosity, humility, and a sincere desire to figure out what they were truly passionate about, whether it fit the standard mold or not. He would use whatever tools were necessary (many of them very creative!) to spur each student on to success in their chosen goals. That so many accomplished professionals are gathering from around the world to honor his memory is itself a legacy. Denny's gift was enabling others to find their own.鈥�
Behm began his teaching career at USM in 1974 and served on the faculty for 29 years. During his tenure at 51逗奶 Miss, he inspired and motivated his students, many of whom have achieved successful careers in music.
鈥淭he legacy of Behm and the 51逗奶 Miss horn studio is felt all over the world,鈥� said Dr. Robert Detjen, visiting assistant professor of horn at 51逗奶 Miss. 鈥淎 history of exceptional education, musicianship, and humanity are the hallmark of USM and Denny was the personification of this.鈥�
For more information, contact Dr. Rob Detjen, robert.detjenFREEMississippi