Welcome! My name is Erin Brophey, and I am the Principal Oboe of the Saskatoon Symphony and a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. Today, I’m excited to share five valuable tips to help your oboists play more in tune within your band.
First, I want to express my sincere gratitude for including oboe players in your band. I understand that managing a group with diverse instruments can be challenging, and I appreciate the effort you put into supporting your oboists. My goal is to make that task a bit easier for you with the tips I’m about to share.
My Journey with the Oboe
My passion for sharing these insights comes from my own experiences as an oboist. Growing up in a remote area of Northern Ontario, Canada, I faced significant challenges in learning the oboe. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes but far from professional oboe players, I often struggled with poor reeds, malfunctioning instruments, and a lack of reliable information. This was all before the internet made resources more accessible. Even with talented musicians and supportive band directors around me, they didn’t always have the specific knowledge to assist an oboist.
I understand that in a band, oboes are often outnumbered by trumpets and clarinets, making it difficult to give them the attention they need. That’s why I’ve created The Oboe Path, an online programme that offers group masterclasses, one-on-one feedback, and customized plans to help oboists play with joy and ease. This programme connects oboists with a community of like-minded players, keeping them motivated and helping them progress through personalized guidance.
Now, let’s dive into the tips that can help your oboists achieve better intonation.
Tip 1: Source Handmade Oboe Reeds
Mass-produced reeds can often be subpar because of the delicate nature of the oboe reed’s tip, which is as thin as a human hair. These reeds are highly sensitive and can significantly impact the quality of sound and intonation. Handmade reeds, crafted by professional reed makers, can make a world of difference. If you need recommendations for high-quality reeds, feel free to reach out to me.
Tip 2: Avoid Pulling the Reed In and Out
A common practice among some oboists is to adjust intonation by pulling the reed in or out of the instrument. However, this can disrupt the oboe’s acoustics and throw other notes out of tune. Instead, ensure the reed is pushed all the way in, with a small amount of cork exposed. This helps maintain better and more consistent intonation across all notes.
Tip 3: Provide Multiple Reeds
Having several reeds available, especially for important performances, can be a game-changer. If an oboe is out of tune, simply switching to a new, well-functioning reed can quickly improve their performance. Encourage your oboists to have a selection of reeds ready for different situations.
Tip 4: Encourage a Flexible Embouchure
A flexible embouchure is key to achieving better pitch control. Oboists can adjust their pitch by rolling their lips in or out slightly. Teaching and encouraging your oboists to develop this flexibility will make a significant difference in their tuning and overall sound quality.
Tip 5: Tune the Band with a Tuner
Using a tuner ensures that all instruments are calibrated to the same pitch, which is especially important for oboists. If the oboe’s reed is set for a different pitch than the band, it will be difficult to stay in tune. Make it a habit to tune the band with a tuner to ensure consistency and harmony.
I hope these tips help you support your oboists more effectively and create a more enjoyable band experience for everyone.
Thank you for your dedication to helping your oboists thrive. Let’s continue to strive towards becoming the oboe players everyone wants to play with—playing with joy and ease. Take care!
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