Klarinet Archive - Posting 000457.txt from 2001/12

From: "Jim Hobby" <jhobby@-----.net>
Subj: [kl] Clarinet and Oboe
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001 01:48:58 -0500

>From: Mitchell Halpern <dotcalm@-----.com>
>
>I was wondering if I am the only clarinetist out there who has had a
>fascination with the oboe. As long as I can remember, I have promised
myself
>that--one day--I would at least give the oboe a try. Any of you managed to
>combine clarinet playing with oboe playing? As a clarinetist, is it
>possible to "teach yourself" oboe, at least to an elementary extent? Will
>combining clarinet and oboe "screw up" both embouchures?

In the community band that I have alternately played in and conducted, one
of the better clarinetist had the same fascination with the oboe. He
initally started teaching himself, did reasonably well, and for the last 2-3
years, has studied privately. He's become quite good.

When I was teaching, I always thought it was a good combination. Clarinet
gives a good foundation for one to play the oboe. Frankly, when a young
(beginning) student would come up with the "I want to play oboe," I always
prefered and suggested (but not forced) that they play clarinet for a year.
I had two, I think, that made (Georgia) All State, one orchestra and the
other first band. I think you can keep the clarinet embouchure under
control, as long as you practice both. One of mine went on to college,
playing oboe in the school orchestra and clarinet in the band.

Learning the embouchure (and ultimately making the reeds! <g>) are the speed
humps in the process. The fingering shouldn't be that much of a problem.

Jim Hobby

---------------------------------------------------------------------