|
|
||
|
|
Oboe by SFC James Mullins The first remarkable
difference is the ratio of oboe players to clarinetists or flutists.
In most middle school environments, flutes and clarinets heavily
outnumber the oboe section. This
imbalance usually continues into high school and throughout college.
Why are these numbers a factor?
As a consequence of larger numbers throughout school, there are far
more middle and high school music directors who began their careers as
flutists or saxophonists. The
oboe has traditionally been a very difficult instrument to become
proficient on as a double. For
this reason, it is imperative that a beginning oboist seek out advice from
an oboe specialist. The oboe
poses special challenges which are unique in the woodwind world.
In all too many instances, your school may be ill-equipped to
support your desire to learn the oboe. A beginning oboist should
seek the guidance of an advanced collegiate or professional oboe player. The
concepts involved in embouchure and sound production through the tiny
opening of the oboe reed pose special challenges which are unique to the
instrument. It is very
different to compare the oboe embouchure to that of other woodwinds. If
you are lucky, you will find a local military band, orchestra, or college
that can provide you with a teacher.
This professional will be able to offer suggestions on the
important concepts of sound, embouchure, and can also guide you with
instrument purchasing decisions. Notes on purchasing an oboe: You may want to avoid instruments labeled as “student” models. Many beginners are ready to improve their sound and technique with an intermediate model after a very short time. Try to purchase a higher-quality instrument from the onset (even if as a beginner you chose not to continue playing), because it will be easier to recuperate your investment from a better quality instrument if you decide to sell it. Look
for a full conservatory system oboe. This
will make learning much easier! Student
models often differ from intermediate models in the number of keys.
Beginning students can learn fingerings that will have to change
for higher model oboes. Therefore,
avoid this trouble by starting with the middle-level, full conservatory
instrument. Make
sure that any instrument you purchase is properly adjusted. The
oboe has many adjustment screws, which may even move during shipment!
If an oboe is out of adjustment, it is impossible to properly evaluate its
performance potential. Finally,
if you have access to an advanced collegiate oboist or professional, make
an appointment to have him play and rate the instrument you are
considering purchasing. Finding good reeds can be
as distressing as finding a good teacher in some cities. There
is a scarcity of good oboe reeds available through retail outlets compared
to the quantity of single reeds for clarinet or saxophone. If
you are relegated to buying reeds at you local music store, avoid reeds
with wire. Wires are for
bassoon reeds. Fiber cane reeds can be good for very young students, but
even young beginners should be taught responsible reed handling and switch
to cane reeds as soon as adequate progress has been made. Reeds
marked “student quality” are often much more difficult to play than
the more expensive reeds marked for advanced players. The
best solution is to find an advanced/professional oboist who will be able
to fashion and adjust reeds to your specific needs.
Reeds are the basis of every oboist’s sound.
Take great care when selecting the correct reeds for yourself or
your beginner. There are several
performance-related issues that should be covered during a personal
coaching with a local oboe specialist. The
concept of a proper oboe sound varies greatly between foreign countries
and regions within the Are you looking for a good teacher? The U.S. Army is one of the largest employers of professional musicians in the country. You may be able to find a band in your area through Army Bands Online (www.bands.army.mil). There are several national musicians’ organizations that may also offer assistance. The International Double Reed Society (www.idrs.org) is an international organization dedicated to all things oboe and bassoon. The American Federation of Musicians (www.afm.org) is another professional musicians’ organization that can help you find a teacher in or near your area. Happy Reeding! |
|
