Valparaiso, Indiana

# 1

In book two for the intermediate oboist we want to expand our articulation technique to include accented notes and improve our ability to tongue, slur, and play staccato notes  Various articulations give color to the oboe sound and increases the excitement of the oboist’s performance in band, orchestra, chamber music, solo literature, and oboe obbligato performances with choir.

# 2

When the composer asks the oboist to perform accented notes there must be a marked contrast form regular tonging, slurring, and staccato notes.  A harder tonguing stroke stroke combined with more air on notes that are accented will create a louder sound with a stronger impact at the start of the note.  The notes that come before and after the accented note can be lighter and softer to create more contrast.

# 3

Music  that is written with two beats per measure has a normal feeling of accenting the first beat of every measure.  Music in three beats per measure has a normal accent only on beat one.   Music in four beats per measure has a normal accent on beats one and three.  Music in six beats per measure has a normal accent on beats one and four.  When the composer writes accents in music within the measure other than those listed above the rhythms are called syncopated.  Syncopated rhythms sound on the upbeats of the rhythmic pattern and add exciting articulations that give the music more interest and excitement.  Many times syncopated notes are articulated with staccato or accented tonguing.

# 4

Practice your scales accenting every note, every other note, and notes of your choice.  mix tonguing, slurring, staccato, and accented notes in your scale performance daily.  This gives your scales more life, more color, and more interest to the listener.

# 5

Record the music you are performing and listen to hear contrast in your articulations.  Often we think we are playing different articulations, but upon hearing a recording of our playing we often can be surprised to hear that the articulations we are trying to play sound very similar with very little contrast.  This process listening via recordings of our playing  is helpful in improving our articulation skills.  It is always best to exaggerate our articulations for the best results.