Klarinet Archive - Posting 000469.txt from 2001/12

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausmann1@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Clarinet and Oboe
Date: Wed, 26 Dec 2001 18:09:46 -0500

At 04:23 PM 12/24/2001 -0800, Mitch Halpern wrote:
>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?
>
>Inquiring minds want to know ;-)

I just finished a stint playing in the pit for a local school production of
"Anything Goes." The Reed 3 part is for tenor sax, clarinet, and oboe. I
decided to go ahead and teach myself enough oboe to get by, instead of
transposing and playing those parts on soprano sax as has been my custom in
the past. Be advised, oboe is the DEVIL'S instrument! The keywork was
apparently designed by Rube Goldberg (Listers under 50, look him
up.). Embouchure is somewhat like playing double-lip on a mouthpiece that
has been covered over with duct tape so no air will go through. I doubt
that you will "screw up" your clarinet embouchure by doing a little oboe
doubling, except for the reflexive desire to go double-lip during a quick
change from oboe TO clarinet or sax! Also keep in mind, you will not be
able to set up in your practice room to work on oboe for "a couple of
hours." You'll probably be good for 15 minutes a session TOPS until you
have been at it for some time. Oboe really busts your chops! I recommend
using a Fibrecane reed until your frustration level can handle the pain of
cane reeds, soaking, etc. All that being said, yes, it IS possible to
teach yourself to play oboe "to an elementary extent" if you already know
how to play other woodwinds, provided you have a good idea of the oboe
sound and how to do vibrato, and a willingness to forget everything you
have ever learned about fingering other woodwinds.

Bill Hausmann bhausmann1@-----.net
451 Old Orchard Drive
Essexville, MI 48732 ICQ UIN 4862265

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is TOO LOUD!

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