Michael Hatfield Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Michael Hatfield was born in Evansville, Indiana in 1936, as the only child of Virginia and Joe Hatfield. He will be sorely missed and long remembered by those who loved him: daughter, Andrea Hatfield; son, Brent Hatfield, his wife, Skaidrite (Skip) Hatfield and his former wife, Lenore Hatfield, who so kindly provided the chronology of Michael’s musical life. He studied both trumpet at horn in his youth. He was a student at Purdue University School of Engineering in 1954. He then attended Indiana University School of Music from 1954-1958, receiving a Bachelor of Music and the first Performer’s Certificate. His teachers were Philip Farkas, Verne Reynolds and Christopher Leuba. He became Assistant Principal Horn of the Indianapolis Symphony in 1958 and moved to third horn from 1959 – 1961. He became Principal Horn of the Cincinnati Symphony in 1961 and served until 1984. He was a member of the Cincinnati Woodwind Quintet with principal colleagues of the Symphony which performed in NYC Town Hall in 1969. He was Adjunct Professor of Horn at Cincinnati Conservatory of Brass Woodwind Percussion Division. Michael served as Second Horn to Phillip Farkas in the Aspen Music Festival Orchestra from 1960-1968 and Co-Principal from 1972-1988 and was a faculty member of the Aspen Music School during those summers. He also performed as Principle Horn of the Santa Fe Opera, Chautauqua Festival Orchestra, Music Midwest, the Grand Tetons Music Festival and the Bloomington Camerata Orchestra. Michael became Professor of Horn at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 1987 at the recommendation of his former teacher, Philip Farkas, who was retiring from that position. He later became Chair of the Brass Department until he retired in 2006. He was an active member in the International Horn Society, performing as featured artist in 1983 and 1985 HIS International Workshops and served 2 terms on the Advisory Council. He was presented with the Punto Award in 2003 and elected Honorary Member in 2006. Michael was a very humble man and he did most of his good deeds anonymously and to his dying day he was very happy if he could do something good for someone. Per Michael’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. Michael Hatfield, hornist, teacher, and friend, rest in peace. Memorial contributions in Michael’s honor may be sent to Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Michael Hatfield

October 1, 1936 - July 4, 2020

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