Author Archives: Angela

About Angela

French hornist Angela Cordell Bilger enjoys a freelance career as a chamber musician, orchestral player, and educator. She recently moved to the Chicago area from Philadelphia where she was second horn with Opera Philadelphia. She plays frequently with The Philadelphia Orchestra where she spent the 2008-2009 and 2016-2017 seasons as acting fourth horn. She recently joined the Chicago-based Sapphire Woodwind Quintet and coaches chamber music at Northwestern University and Midwest Young Artists Conservatory. During her years in New York City, Angela performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and in many Broadway shows. In addition, she spent several summers at the Marlboro Music Festival and toured with Musicians from Marlboro. Angela has served as adjunct faculty at Montclair State University, Drexel University, and Temple University. She lives on the North Shore of Chicago with her husband, trumpet player David Bilger, and their two children.

Once upon a time…

Posted on May 20, 2012 by Angela

Evening has become one of my favorite times of the day.  This is when we give Andreas a bath and, once he’s been put in a fresh diaper and a nightie – maybe the one with monkeys on the feet, … Continue reading →

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On Being Human

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Angela

This morning I had an epiphany.  I realized that, in more than one way, I was guilty of doing the very thing that I’ve had on my mind to write about, namely, I’ve been allowing my desire for perfection to … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

The Bell and the Belly

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Angela

I’ve had a couple requests to write about being pregnant and playing the horn (simultaneously), so I thought I’d go ahead and share my experience of it, though it’s important to note that every woman’s experience is different and even … Continue reading →

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Beth Dzwil and The St. James School: Nurturing the Whole Child

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Angela

As I sit in my comfy rocker in the nursery with our seven-week-old Andreas, I have alot of time to think about what I would like for him in his life.  Of course, we all want our children to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

The Limits of Preparation

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Angela

I am a person who likes to be prepared.  I usually don’t approach preparation with a sense of anxiety – I take joy in it!  As long as I can remember, back to my earliest school days, I loved going … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

New Life

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Angela

I’m so pleased to share with my readers (finally after so many days!) the arrival of our healthy and hearty baby – Andreas Edward Bilger, born on January 12, 2012.  He was 8 lbs. 1oz. and 20 inches long.  These … Continue reading →

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The Pregnant Pause

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Angela

If you are a subscriber to my blog, you might have noticed the infrequency of my posts recently.  There is a reason!   Since my blog is entitled “Angela’s Horn Studio” I feel compelled to write about things related to … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Holiday Gift Guide for Hornists (and others)

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Angela

It’s that time of year!! Just in case you haven’t finished your shopping yet, here are a few gift ideas for the musically-oriented in your life. For The Youngest Among Us: I have very fond childhood memories of listening over … Continue reading →

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Signs and Symbols, Influences, and A Bad Memory

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Angela

I have a very bad memory in some ways, especially for details of novels or movies and (embarrassingly) concerts I have played.  I can remember the emotional content, and remember how I felt reading a book, seeing a movie, playing … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Your Toolbox – And Some Stock(ing) Tips

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Angela

For a variety of reasons, my attention has recently been directed toward that unique and challenging time of life that used to be called “young adulthood” – about ages 18-25 and sometimes into the late 20’s.  The realities of those … Continue reading →

Posted in Habits, Uncategorized | 6 Comments