Concert Band Instrumentation: An Oboe Solution

Abstract

the director modeling, guiding practice, and checking for understanding, students will develop the ability to take responsibility for their own analysis of the music, thus becoming more of a partner in the sight-reading experience instead of just a participant. Now, "Off we go."-Carolyn S. Reid, Alief Hastings High School, Houston, Texas Concert Band Instrumentation: An Oboe SolutionAs a college oboe teacher, I am constantly in search of qualified high school students who are interested in continuing study as a music major or minor or just doing elective study to have performance opportunities in the college band or orchestra. The ensembles at my institution, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, are served most efficiently when there are between six and eight oboists to serve our oboe and English horn needs for the orchestra (two to four players), wind ensemble (two to three players), and concert band (two to three players). I have found over the years that I must recruit an average of at least two to three players per year. That allows for the same level of attrition experienced in the secondary school band since college students tend to change majors, drop out, marry and move away, or sometimes transfer to other institutions.Finding those two or three ideal oboe recruits can be a challenge. The feeder system that provides an ongoing supply of oboe players for the high school ensembles often breaks down. However, there is no reason for the elementary or middle school band director to be afraid of starting an oboe player. Giving that first oboe les-son does not need to be a traumatic event for the teacher or the student. I suggest transferring from another wind instrument simply to reduce the number of problems that must be confronted in the early stages of development. Such problems include note and rhythm reading, the process of wind tone production, care of an instrument, and so on. The transfer to oboe can take place any time after these basic concepts are under control as determined by the teacher.The first order of business is selecting the student that you wish to switch to the oboe. I suggest looking for a combination of qualities and characteristics in the student:1. Student enthusiasm for transfer to the oboe is essential. Equally important is parental support and understanding of the expenses involved such as reeds and the need for private lessons.2. Flute, clarinet, or saxophone players are able to switch easily to oboe. Each instrument has its own set of fingerings or other similarities and differences with the oboe, but all are alike enough that the transfer is not difficult.3. A good candidate is a second-or third-chair player frustrated with not being able to play first chair and, due to the talent of the first-chair player, probably not in a position to win a challenge within that section. Competent first chairs in all sections are needed. Transferring the second-or third-chair player allows another talented and committed student to become a major contributor and leader within the orga...