A local alphorn club gives of their time each year to perform for the children at camp held in Kilchzimmer, the European Regional Office of CEF. Alphorn music would not be complete without the Swiss tradition of flag tossing. Children were told about the parts of the horn, it's history and how it's made. All the children were even given an opportunity to try blowing through the horns. A slice of traditional Swiss culture that reflects the tranquility of the Swiss landscape. side trivia: In the "olden days" (before telephones), Swiss alphorns were also used as a form of communication, sending messages between villages from the mountain tops. For example, based on the type of melody, they might announce weddings, a death in the village, or perhaps warning of a fire. While the alphorns are playing, a "silver" 5 CHF coin (the new 5 CHF coins don't work as well) would be rolled on edge around the inside of ceramic bowls (which were used to separate milk/cream). This sound would simulate many cow bells ... if you use your imagination. ©2011