The Oboe is a "Double Reed" instrument. That means it has two reeds tied and glued together to form a mouthpiece that vibrates as the player moves air through the instrument. The oboe is also one of the oldest woodwind instruments, as ancient oboes set the stage for all woodwind instruments to come. There are usually only 2-4 oboe players in a band or symphony orchestra. You might also see them playing solo or en a woodwind or double reed chamber group. Some advanced oboe players might even get the chance to play English Horn! If you have a chance to see a professional symphony orchestra, you might notice that the entire wind section tunes to the Oboe!
You might make a great oboe player if:
You might make a great oboe player if:
- You like high pitched sounds
- You have a desire to be unique, and you enjoy standing out from the crowd
- You are one of the most responsible students in your class
- You can make a steady "crow" on the reed of an oboe
Wow! Listen to THIS oboe player!
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This Double Reed Ensemble includes Oboes (left), English Horns, Bassoons (right), and even a Contrabassoon (center)!
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Financial Information
The Oboe is one of the more expensive of the Woodwind instruments. Students who play the Oboe are encouraged to rent a beginner instrument for the first year or two to keep costs down. 6th graders typically upgrade to an intermediate instrument either through their rental program or by purchase. Oboe students are also responsible for the purchase of reeds, which can be anywhere from $10 to $30, depending on the level. Eventually Oboe players who take private lessons may learn how to make their own reeds. Oboes are also very delicate and must be handled carefully and gently. College scholarships for Oboe players are fairly common.