 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: 19kay95
Date: 2010-02-10 21:07
Hi everybody!!! I just got braces a couple months ago and I am currently a two-note wonder!! I can only play two high notes because to play any lower notes I have to loosen my embouchre (I know it's spelled wrong, sorry) and I can't play it!! My problem is my upper lip it won't stretch all the way around my braces and get where it needs to be. When I try to explain this to my band teacher he never listens. He is thinking about moving me to mallets for the time being (that's what I play in marching band because I can't march with the oboe). Nobody seems to believe that I really can't play and I really am trying too!! HELP! ![[frown]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie2.gif)
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Author: Dutchy
Date: 2010-02-10 21:26
Your upper lip WILL stretch and It IS possible to play the oboe with braces--the trick is to not be afraid that your braces are going to pinch the inside of your mouth as your embouchure closes around them, especially on the top. If your top braces are "ouchy" to the inside of your mouth, use wax. It takes a ton of wax--you'll have to plaster it on just for band practice and then peel it off again later--but it IS do-able. Sugar-free gum works well, too, although it tends to be harder to get off again.
Band teachers are notoriously insensitive to the needs of double reeds, it's not just you.
How long have you been playing the oboe? I strongly suggest that you get your parents to find you a "real" oboe teacher; you should not be left to the tender mercies of a band teacher who probably can't help you learn properly, let alone being insensitive to your needs.
ETA: Here is a Youtube video of a girl playing the oboe with braces.
Post Edited (2010-02-10 21:35)
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Author: oboesax
Date: 2010-02-13 19:01
My daughter plays oboe (she's a woodwind doubler), is 14 and refused to get braces because she's afraid the braces will severely affect her embrochure(s). Her oboe teacher told her he's had many students with braces and they were able to play. Perhaps it takes some time to get used to it. I believe that some instruments are harder to play with braces than others. I played the flute with braces years ago and got used to it after about one month, but they hurt. Another daughter played French horn and then with braces gave it up because she couldn't produce the same sound with them.
One thing we did look into was removable braces; I believe they are called Invisalign. Only some orthodontists use them and the others won't tell you about them. My daughter may get those in the future because they won't affect embrochure as they can be removed while practicing. They are the same price as metal braces. Since it doesn't matter for most people when they get braces, she may put off getting them until she is out of college.
Godo luck!
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