Celebrating 25 years with Bob Lauver

In celebration of her 25th anniversary, Bob authored the following passage, which is also included in the 2026 summer program book.

Bob Lauver
Horn

My favorite part of participating in the Grand Teton Music Festival each year is reconnecting with my musical family and having my family with me to reconnect with the mountains and incredible energy we can only find at the Festival. From the first season we came in 2000 (arriving in the middle of the night, two babies in car seats, one still “in the oven” and finding our housing occupied) to last season with my children Madeline and Seth working for the Festival in many capacities, the experience has just gotten better in every way. I’m proud to be a small part of such a dedicated and passionate organization.

Without a doubt, my most precious memory associated with GTMF (possibly one of the top five in my entire lifetime) was to take our three children backpacking along the Teton Crest Trail. Madeline was 13, Lily 11 and Seth nine. We started atop the Tram and began our journey, stuffed animals riding atop our packs. When we got off the Rendezvous ridge where the signage is for Marion Lake, Madeline sat down thinking we hiked enough to be there already. At one point toward the approach to Marion Lake, I had my pack and a pack on each arm to keep the forward progress possible. When we got to the campsite, all was well, and the rest of the trip was walking through impossibly beautiful scenery that never ended.

A standout performance for me (in addition to all I had the privilege of sitting next to Gail Williams in) was performing Schumann’s Konzertstück for Four Horns and Orchestra in 2007 under the baton of Roberto Abbado with Gail, Jon Ring, me and Gabby Webster. Prior to the performance, we had the distinct honor of being advised by our great friend Dave Krehbiel, helping us find the sound that fit the piece and Walk Festival Hall. I’m forever grateful to have had the experiences, camaraderie and wisdom to soak up from those around me at GTMF and the horn section in particular. I have these memories forever, thank you.