Inducted - Milwaukee 1996
Horace comes from a family of tambura players. His brothers John and Rudy played with the Velebit Orchestra back in the 1930s and 1940s. Horace started his musical career at the age of 11 playing a mandolin.
The first orchestra he participated in was called Junior Velebits, which consisted of Steve Makarewich, Steve Paulich, Lou Kosanovich, and Horace. Later, Steve Makarewich and Steve Paulich ended up playing with the Senior Velebits. Lou and Horace continued their schooling by attending Indiana University.
After graduation, Horace filled in part time with the Velebit Orchestra when needed.
Before joining the Marty Kapugi Orchestra, Horace had the opportunity of playing with many fine bands and talented musicians.
Some were well known names and orchestras that Horace played with, such as Roko Abramovich, Carl Schutzman, Rich Savage, Nick Skertich, Milan and Bob Panayatovich, Milan Opacich, Krilich Brothers, and Steve Paulich. Also included are Steve Vucinic, Phil Stipancic, Mike Kusecek, and Frank Jovanovic.
During the 33 years with Marty Kapugi's Sar Planina Orchestra, Horace played with many great lead players, including Mel Dokich, Steve Makarewich, Danilo Kozarski, Tony Markulin, Julius Peskan, and Walter Pravica.
Being featured on Channel 9 WGN television with Marty Kapugi's Balkan Strings Orchestra from 1956-1969, Horace had the opportunity to play with Dave Romaine, one of the most reknowned violin players in the country.
Back in 1982, the Marty Kapugi Orchestra, with Horace as a participant, appeared in the movie Four Friends.
Horace has also recorded and made many records with Marty on the Balkan label and RCA label.
In the last 45 years of tamburitza, Horace has been more than a tamburaš. His popularity and respect among his peers consists of always promoting a brother tamburaš, never saying no to an orchestra in trouble, and being supportive of the TAA program.
In addition to his musical talents, Horace has always been supportive of our Slavic people in public life. As a former Deputy Mayor, North Township Trustee, and Court Administrator, his concerns were to always extend a helping hand when problems arose. At the present time, Horace has been nominated and elected as President of Musician's Local 203 in Lake County, Indiana.
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