Valparaiso, Indiana

Oboists always hold TOO MUCH air and need to expel or release the air before inhaling and taking in new fresh air. Thus, when there is a moment in the music to breathe, the oboist is expelling much more air than they are inhaling.Think of “exhaling a gallon of air and inhaling a cup of air” when breathing. This is a good recipe for playing the oboe with more endurance, less gulping of air, less gasping for air, and less turning bright red in the face. Keeping your air in balance takes some practice, especially if you are transferring to oboe from another instrument where you are constantly running out of air causing you to take in a large quantity of air before you play. Remember that the oboe is just the opposite, you always have too much air; thus, needing to release the air at the end of a phrase.

Because the oboe reed is so small, there is not room for lots of air. Remember that as you exhale into your reed you need to move the air with a much higher rate of speed than on instruments like flute, clarinet, and saxophone. It is common for very talented woodwind players to switch to oboe, especially if they are asked to perform in pit orchestras or the school orchestra needs an oboist to complete the instrumentation. Becoming comfortable with breathing is one of the biggest challenges for students who want to double between oboe and their other instrument(s).
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For information on becoming a distributor call 219-464-3390 or email info@stradellareeds.com.

Students and oboists, our reeds are available at several locations and online. See our website for purchasing information: http://stradellareeds.com/find_us/