The Alphorn Players
Michael Hirsh: From Hanover, Pennsylvania, Mike is a music teacher, Swiss alphorn, and baritone player. Mike is also a vocalist and plays drums in the band.
Helmar Mueller: From York, Pennsylvania, Helmar is a band leader and performed as a Swiss alphorn player since 1993. Helmar is also a trumpet, accordion and button box (squeeze box) player and made several CD recordings with the alphorn.
Howell Thomas: From Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Howell is a tuba player and loves to play the low notes. He fell in love with the alphorn in 2025, bought one and played his first gig as an alphorn player with the Alpenlaenders in 2026
Below are photos and YouTube videos from past performances that you can review at your leisure. The audio player includes alphorn songs from our recordings. Please feel free to select a track from the playlist to listen to a snip of that tune.
- Choral für Reinach Alpenlaenders 0:32
- Spirit of Alphorn Alpenlaenders 0:52
- Wenn der Sepp sein Alphorn bläst Alpenlaenders 0:30
- Sehnsucht nach den Bergen Alpenlaenders 0:50
Whether you are looking for a traditional alphorn concert or an alphorn show with the band, we have the music and perfect program for your occasion.
Wedding receptions, corporate events, cultural events, church concerts and music camps are just a few functions to mention that will captivate the audience with a unique listening experience.
For booking an alphorn concert please contact Helmar Mueller at helmar@alpenlaenders.com
About The Alphorn
The alphorn is an ancient wooden wind instrument, originating from Central European mountainous regions (Alps) dating back to over 500 years. Primarily used by shepherds as a communication tool to call cows, signal to neighboring herdsmen, and prayers.
With the passing of time, the alphorn almost vanished as an instrument used by the shepherds. It was only with the romanticism of the 19th century and the revival of folklore and tourism that the alphorn experienced a comeback. The first alphorn competition was the Unspunnenfest in 1805 in the town of Interlaken, Switzerland, near the Unspunnen castle.
Today, the alphorn is a prominent Swiss national symbol used in folk music, festivals, and concerts, having evolved from a simple functional tool into a sophisticated musical instrument.
Alphorn Sound
Alphorns have no valves, and are played much like a bugle. It takes practice to build your lip in order to play the full range of the horn which, surprisingly, is several octaves. When they are played, the notes are produced by the tension of your lips and the pressure of your breath.
Making of the Alphorn
The making of an alphorn is an art that is handed down from generation-to-generation. Only select spruce, and sometimes pine, is used by alphorn makers to carve the alphorn. It is most often made in three sections for easy transport. The three sections have brass bushings on the ends, allowing the sections to be pushed together to seal the connections. A hardwood ring on the bell, the rattan wrapped tube sections and a separate wooden mouth piece similar to brass instruments completes the alphorn. Finishing touches of the alphorn include either carvings or hand paintings of alpine flowers or any type of artwork to personalize the identity of the alphorn.
In the photo album are samples of beautiful works of art that decorate each horn.
For more information regarding the purchase of a beautiful handcrafted alphorn, contact Helmar Mueller at helmar@alpenlaenders.com