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Author: Jaysne
Date: 2010-04-16 04:00
I'm playing in a show where I have to blow clarinet for literally a half hour straight... and then switch to oboe.
I've never had to do that combination before, and I'm finding that when I blow the oboe... nothing happens! It literally takes my mouth a couple of measures to remember what the oboe embouchure is like. I think this is due to my mouth being so fatigued from blowing clarinet for so long.
I'm imagining that this problem will gradually take care of itself, as I get used to this transition. I was just wondering if anyone else out there has had this experience.
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Author: rcnelson
Date: 2010-04-16 12:38
There have been other posts about switching between various instruments. I know for me, ANYTHING to flute is a challenge, but perhaps the clarinet to flute switch is more challenging that any of the saxes to flute. I know what I simply need to do is to have taken every opportunity to blow air thru the flute to make sure it is warm. Don't know if you can do that with the oboe (I decided years ago that the flute/clarinet/sax combo was enough to manage). I'm guessing there has to be a few seconds in that half hour where you can put the clarinet down and stick the oboe in your mouth, refresh the reed moisture and form the embouchure.
Ron
Selmer Mark VI tenor (1957), Selmer Mark VII alto (1975)
Buescher True Tone soprano (1924), Selmer CL210 Bb Clarinet, Gemeinhardt 3SHB Flute, Pearl PFP105 Piccolo
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Author: oboesax
Date: 2010-04-16 13:48
My daughter had a similar problem while playing Thoroughly Modern Millie. The transition from tenor sax to oboe in the opening tune was very short, and at first she thought that physically switching between the two would be the big challenge. not so. After she mastered the switch, she found she still needed more than two measures rest in order to get her oboe embouchure together--and her primary instrument is oboe! She thinks it will simply take more practice time transitioning to get that down.
Half an hour on clarinet sounds painful.
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Author: Jaysne
Date: 2010-04-16 21:43
The show is Titanic. Not particularly challenging, technique-wise, but the music almost never stops, and when it does, it's only for less than a minute, every now and then. I think this helps establish the different moods that pervade the action.
Yes, oboesax, I'm thinking that with time my mouth will learn. The show lasts three weekends, so I think that will be plenty of time to figure it out!
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Author: oboeidaho
Date: 2010-04-21 02:40
Hey James, I would be sure to have water in the pit, and dunk your oboe reed a few minutes before you have to play if possible. Then firmly "squash" the reed down with your thumb and first finger on the back of the reed, right around the heart area. Hold that for 5 seconds, it helps that "way open fresh reed" thing where it won't respond well. Of course this implies that you have a good responsive reed to begin with!
I usually have more problems getting my fingers to switch gears than my mouth! Good luck.
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Author: plclemo
Date: 2010-06-21 12:43
I do this switch in our church orchestra. I just have to remember to keep my oboe reed wet or else NOTHING comes out at least without a lot of effort which then gives me a headache!
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Author: Arnoldstang
Date: 2010-08-13 15:07
I think it is more about the oboe reed itself. it has to be ready to go when you pick it up. I would test the reed first before the show and then during the clarinet 30 minutes put it away in the reed case until a minute before you play. Wet the reed and go. If the reed is good....aperture and response then all should be fine. You might also be able to sneak a bit of testing during a rest before your next entry. If there is a microphone just turn away and test during a loud section.
Freelance woodwind performer
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