Oboe

If you've come to this page through my web site you may have noticed a link to Yanni's site in addition to a page where I discussed my Tribute concert experiences. These pages are important to me because it is through Yanni's latest CD, video, and concert Tribute that I was introduced to the oboe. I owe a special Thank You! to Cheryl Foster, the wonderful oboist for Yanni's Tribute concert. Also a Thank you to Yanni for bringing this great instrument into my life through the concert.

This wonderful double-reed wind instrument produces a sound that completely struck me with awe. After watching the Tribute video several times I noticed that I was unknowingly paying close attention when the oboe would solo and I would then follow the oboe through the rest of the music. This was profound to me. My experience with music to this point consisted of a few months of piano and trumpet lessons when I was in grade school (long since forgotten) and a few guitar lessons in high school. Nothing had ever captured my attention and imagination like the oboe.

The emotion that the oboist in Yanni's orchestra expressed was impressive. After watching the other members of the orchestra it was easy to see that the vast majority of them where enjoying their work. The concert I attended at the Polaris Amphitheater in Columbus was great. Everyone showed as much emotion live as was recorded for the video. It really hit home when I sat and watched the orchestra members when the spotlight wasn't on them. It made no difference. They were enjoying it!

I could not get the oboe out of my head and this led me to look into getting one and taking lessons. Searching the web turned up a few good sites on oboes and then simply fueled-the-fire. I inquired about oboe instructors at the Ohio University School of Music and then decided to go ahead a purchase an oboe. With the guidance that I received I looked into and then purchased a Fox Renard 330 Artist Model (left). [I know that it is not a good picture, I will get a better one to replace it soon.]

Providing an outlet for emotions and energy that I could not release before the oboe has truly made a difference in my life. I am focusing on things much more clearly now and learning things that I had given up hope for learning. I only wish that events had unfolded ten to fifteen years earlier.

Now nearly three months into my lessons I have advanced far beyond any milestones that I met when I was younger. Concentrating on learning how to read music and play the oboe I have not tried my hand at reed making but I know when the time comes that there are many sources of information out here on the web that will be of great assistance. For now my favorite reed has to be the Zoch. I've also joined the International Double Reed Society, a pretty cool group if you play a double reed instrument.

Music is a more integral part of my life. Time for practice may be not be easy but I get in what I can. Someday I hope to become good enough to accompany my wife (a pianist) at home and then move into local theater or concert groups. The path is long but I've started and have no intention of stopping. To anyone interested in learning the oboe: If you have the chance, GO FOR IT!

I hope to develop this page and others to assist people in locating information on the oboe and to relate my experiences with the oboe to those who are interested.