Four members of the Kettle Moraine Alphorn Groupe made a road trip to New Glarus this week to join the New Glarus Alphorn Group for its regular weekly rehearsal. The visit was a rare opportunity for the two groups to play together and share their interest in traditional alphorn music.

The visiting musicians noted New Glarus’ long connection to alphorn music, a tradition that reflects the village’s Swiss heritage dating to its settlement by immigrants from the canton of Glarus in the 19th century.

The group was hosted by Andrew Schulz, one of the New Glarus High School band directors. Schulz has incorporated alphorns into the school’s music curriculum, helping introduce another generation of students to the distinctive Alpine instrument.