 The Oboe BBoard
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Author: Corey W
Date: 2003-05-04 01:51
Hello, I'm a Sophomore in high that is considering switching form the clarinet to oboe. I guess my question is, Would it be a wise idea if i did this now if I want to major in music? (meaning I would have two schools years and private lessons to guide me along before college auditions) I have had a little experience with the oboe and I didn't do too bad with it. The oboe I borrowed from my local music store was an old beat up Lorre and needed an overhaul to be remotly playable. I figure that I would have more job oppurtunities playing the oboe well over the clarinet. I love the tone of the oboe, but I also love the clarinet tone as well. I thought the oboe was easier to play than I had heard. All you pro or ametuer oboists that have been playing for quite some time.....do you think it's possible for me to make the transition that quickly? Thanks for your advice in advance, Corey
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Author: Bucky Badger
Date: 2003-05-04 21:34
I started oboe my sophmore year in high school (played sax). Orchestra needed an oboe. I got up to speed in high school and also went on to play both in college.
If you want to make the switch what you really should do is line up a good teacher---probably the oboe teacher at a local college. Tone is everything on the oboe with breathing a close second---technique will come along on it's own through practice.
The Loree oboe is potenitally one of the best (assuming it is in condition). As far as "job opportunities" you have to be involved in good bands and orchestras in later years to make the most of the experience of playing oboe. I doubt if it will work into a lifetime career since there are only about 2 or 3 oboes per orchestra and only so many orchestras.
But the oboe is an excellent instrument to play since there are so many potentals: band, large orchestra,chamber group, quintets etc.
Finding a decent oboe is not easy. I only spotted a Carbart oboe once on ebay going for $700 to $800 which was a great price; finding a decent rental is an expensive option. I hope you have rich parents who are with you on your choice.
jim buchholz
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Author: sömeone
Date: 2003-05-06 13:21
Well it truly isn't an easy instrument to get used to with, especially having originally playing the clarinet. I have a same case with you, the school band's senior oboist was graduating, so they needed a replacement, (most of the time the more prestigious clarinet player will take the oboe chair, as there is only one oboe seat in the band).
I had been playing for 4 years now (although i switched i still continued playing the clarinet, often facing a lot of problems, which i will explain later.), and switched only recently, which is about half a year ago. Firstly, getting used to the oboe embouchure is VERY DIFFICULT, which until now you must have found out to be very different from the clarinet.
Switching was hard and 'painful', no doubt in order to play really well (there isn't too many real GOOD oboe players out there, which means good recordings are also hard to find) you'll have to sacrifice a lot of practise time, and that usually also means sacrificing your good clarinet playing, i propose. A good teacher is also paricularly important, there isn't any good teacher around in my area, so i had to look for information in books and the internet and man i gotta tell you that trying to differentiate what was correct or not was definitely not fun. I had to try out a lot of things which i wasn't quite sure of, although at last (which took me about 3 months, under the guidance of my senior and a lot of bumping and falling) i got a hand on things, i'm still not a good player under my own rating till now.
You will have to consider one more thing, reeds. Most good oboe players make their own reeds, giving themselves a truly unique tone color which is very important. Spending time to learn how to make reeds can kill you.
If you still want to play the oboe after having read all my sufferings and all, please do so as the oboe is an excellent instrument. As for job opportunities i don't think i can give too many opinions, as i don't intend to further my studies in music (i don;t have rich parents you know.) but i'm sure i'll keep on playing in the local wind orchestra once i start working.
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Author: Bucky Badger
Date: 2003-05-07 22:11
Give oboe playing a try. Every kind of instrument is different. True that adapting to the double reed will take time. Also with oboe breathing is far different than clarinet. With oboe you always have to get rid of the air you take in, so learing phrasing will be more important than it is with clarinet.
Beginners on oboe do not make their own reeds. You will have to adjust to store-bought reeds. You may have to sink "a larger than you like" amount of money into reeds until you find the strength you can live with.
In the city band I play with we have too many sax players and oboe players and we lacked a french horn player, so I now am playing my Conn 8D french horn....If you think oboes are expensive try buying a french horn.
I also play dixieland clarinet in a group and yes the oboe reed is more difficult to adjust to than a clarinet reed.
But deciding if playing oboe is more difficult than clarinet depends totally on you and your abilities.
jim buchholz
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Author: Corey
Date: 2003-05-09 02:34
I wouldn't be playing the clarinet any longer if I switched to oboe, allthough I wish it could be that way. So switching back and fourth wouldn't be an issue. Thanks for advice....I'm still considering it.......I haven't made the decision yet, I'll see about using the school oboe to see how it is and If I choose it , I'll be looking for an excellent private teacher from one of our two local colleges here.
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Author: sömeone
Date: 2003-05-09 14:48
good luck and i hope you'll succeed in your career as a musician!
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