I recently started playing Oboe for my High School band in November. We've never had any good oboe players because my band director doesn't give them lessons and doesn't know anything about oboes! I can't decide if I should report my director to the Principle or what I should do. I've already confronted him once about this issue and he continues to do NOTHING.. anyways, I have two solos for Contest on our Band Trip in April - so I want to sound good. I've been teaching myself and I know all of the figerings. My top lip is even blistering from practicing so much. I need help on getting a good tone and being able to project my sound.

Thanks, Alicia

If the BD doesn't know anything about oboes it might be best to ignore him totally! The best thing would be to try & find a private teacher - if there's a local professional or community orchestra or university music department they might be able to put you in touch with a competent teacher.

I have a band teacher who doesn't know anything about oboes either. I had to teach myself from the start of 5th grade to they start of this year (sophomore). It can be really frusterating at times! The best thing that will help with your tone would be to get an instructor, just as the previous post stated. A few easy things you could do that would maybe help your tone are:

1) Soak your reed in a small container of water before you play. This can make you sound better and also make your reeds last longer.

2) Don't use "Store-bought" reeds. If there is an oboe instructor near where you live they could be able to make you some, or you can go to www.reedreviews.net. This site has many different reed makers.

3) Rotate reeds. If you have two or three different reeds that you alternate between when you play it can make your reeds last longer. Also, don't use reeds that are older than about a month. They can be sharp/flat and don't sound very good!

4) Use breath support. If you don't know how, get an instructor to help you. Even just a few lessons can make a huge difference!

Don't get discouraged! Oboe is a very hard instrument to learn, especially if you are going at it alone!

Abigail

It'd probably be best if you took private lessons anyways. If the director doesn't know anything about oboes, he can hardly give you lessons. Just work hard on your solos and show them that the oboe is a fabulous instrument.

Thanks guys!

I just found a Private Teacher! I'm really excited!

Just saw your posting, excellent for you to find a teacher! Be sure to remember, you are paying him/her and don't be afraid to ask questions! I am a piano teacher and too often students forget they are the "customer" and should have expectations from the teacher. I have seen so many poor band/orchestra teachers it isn't funny.

Hope you do well and stick to it. It will take effort to be good, no matter who you are.

Congratulations!