• Oboe

     
    Oboe students will need:
     
    • 1 oboe
    • At least five medium strength oboe reeds
    • Accent On Achievement Book 1 for Oboe
    • A music stand to use to practice at home
    • An oboe swab.
     
    The oboe is one of the most challenging instruments in the concert band and should only be studied by serious, dedicated and mature students.  Oboe players frequently take private lessons on their instrument to supplement the instruction they receive in the band program.  Some band programs do not allow students to choose the oboe until 5th or 6th grade.  Nevertheless, it is possible for a dedicated student to begin playing oboe in 4th grade and go on to have great success on the instrument.  
     
    The oboe is a double reed instrument, which means that the reed is "folded in half" and is placed in the mouth.  Unlike the clarinet and saxophone, the reed is not attached to the mouthpiece.  Oboe reeds are more expensive that clarinet or saxophone reeds and break very easily.  Oboe players must be very responsible and careful to make sure their reeds last as long as possible.  Reeds must be soaked in water for two or three minutes before they are inserted into the oboe for playing.   
     
    Oboes come apart in three pieces which must be assembled by the player.  Oboes themselves are fragile and great care must be taken assembling and disassembling them.  Oboe cases are small and light.

    The oboe requires a lot of air to produce a good sound because the small opening in the double reed allows very little air to go through.  Oboists must put a lot of effort into forming a good embouchure so the instrument plays in tune.

    If your child shows a strong interest in the oboe, please contact me about setting up an appointment near the end of the year to discuss this choice.
     
    Please take a few minutes to watch some of the videos for beginning oboe players I have linked to here.