Blaine Dodson

Blaine Dodson is the second horn of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, appointed by music director Stephane Deneve in 2023. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, he previously served as the second horn of the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra from 2019–2023. Dodson has performed as a guest in horn sections across the United States, including those of the Naples Philharmonic, Detroit Opera, Toledo Symphony, Ann Arbor Symphony, Lansing Symphony, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as well as summer opportunities at the Lakes Area Music Festival, Grant Park Music Festival, and the Grand Teton Music Festival. 

Dodson holds degrees from Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, where his primary teachers were Gail Williams, Jonathan Boen, Adam Unsworth, and Bryan Kennedy. While pursuing his education, he simultaneously fulfilled his duties with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra and freelanced throughout the Midwest.

In addition to his performance background, Dodson holds a plethora of teaching experience. He is a K-12 certified music teacher and has worked with a number of schools’ band, orchestra, general music, and choir programs. Dodson has also taught classes in music theory and composition at the middle school and high school levels. He currently enjoys teaching a small private horn studio in his free time.

Outside of music, Dodson enjoys staying active, swimming, spending time outdoors, and spending time with his fiancé, Nadia, and their dog, Teddy.