Author: Oboelips
Date: 2011-08-05 15:41
I too, am an amateur. I play for the love of playing. I began oboe at 30, (I was already a 'really good' flutist, but my dream had always been the oboe.) I was lucky. I got a great beginning teacher, and several years later, I signed up with an incredible teacher who had studied with H. Gomberg. He taught me that the important thing is to learn how to teach yourself. Every single time that you sit down behind your oboe, you can learn something!
I'm principal for my community orchestra, which is a busy one. I do pit orchestras (doubling or not) I have a successful Wind Quintet, and am in the ensemble-forming stages (we should soon have our first gig) with a Doublereed Ensemble. My husband (a bassoonist) and I initiated the formation of both chamber groups. Don't be afraid to start your own. Nearly everyone wants to be asked to be in an ensemble--so find the proper instrumentation and start asking! It doesn't hurt if one of your members (or more) is a music educator, but it's not required. There are many free pieces out there in the Petrucci Music Library and other places online. Playing more will only make you better.
And..you may surprise yourself down the road. About 10 years ago when my quintet first got together, it was to explore the repertoire, build ensemble for the orchestral section and learn how to count better. Now, we have regular gigs, (weddings, garden parties, luncheons, business parties, Christmas). We didn't expect to have all this business, but ?
So, keep at it--play every chance you get!
|
|
The Oboe BBoard
.jpg){kind=small}
