Author: oboi
Date: 2012-05-20 07:10
I chose the oboe because I love the sound and I wanted to play Baroque music. But the oboe is in everything, so you'll still get to play in all sorts of music. Unlike clarinettists, there aren't many oboists so I suppose that is another charm of the instrument, for me. Possibly more demand for us. I guess we do stand out a bit more. We are probably the least understood. :-P
Reeds will be your universe if you become an oboist, but if you like to tinker with things, that might actually be something you get really into. At the very least, you should be able to adjust reeds that you buy. I spend a considerable amount of time making reeds but it is decreasing as I improve and make less duds. I don't find it too expensive once you have all the initial equipment, but you will go through lots of cane/reeds.
I do find that I have to be frequently alert, making sure my reeds are in order, my instrument is shielded from environmental harm, swabbed, etc., while some of the other instrumentalists just "pick up and play". There first to set up, soak and try reeds, be the first person to be ready (to tune everyone), keep reeds in playing state during rehearsal/concert, last to pack up (other than the bassoons, who are even slower than me!). So it requires a certain dedication and willingness to tolerate reed frustration. It's kinda hilarious what we the oboists do during a rehearsal, while the flutes are all sitting still and smiling till they next come in. Ha! But if you put the fussing of reeds aside, when you get that beautiful sound out, then it's worth it.
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The Oboe BBoard
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