Oboe
The oboe has a piercing sound that cuts across the entire band and has many beautiful solos in many pieces. The band usually has both a first and a second oboe player. The pitch of the oboe is usually used to tune the band.
The oboe consists of a conical keyed tube played with a double reed. The piercing sound, characteristic of oboe-type instruments, is particularly suitable for outdoor use. The oboe is the smallest of the orchestral, double reed instruments. Its expressive sound is often used to play sad or emotional melodies. Because air is forced at high pressure into the tiny reed, stale air can gather in the lungs, making you feel faint if the air is not expelled quickly. Because of this, it is often said to be a very difficult instrument to play. The pitch range of the oboe is two-and-a-half octaves, and it is made of wood. The oboe plays in concert-pitch. The oboe is just under 24 inches long. (from grahamnasby.com) Physical Features Students with large overbites or underbites would have EXTREME difficulties producing good sounds on the oboe since the embouchure (mouth position) requires equal pressure on both sides of the reed at the same placement. Other Concerns Like the bassoon, the oboe is such a difficult instrument to master, only students with high academic performance records will be considered. Students who choose (and are selected) to play oboe are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to take private lessons due to the complexity of the instrument. Students are required to maintain a supply of 3-4 high-quality reeds at ALL times. |
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