Hello and welcome to our blog on playing the oboe in a cold climate! If you’ve ever found yourself battling the chill while trying to make beautiful music, you’re not alone. Playing the oboe in freezing temperatures can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the experience much more enjoyable.
I’m Erin Brophey, Principal Oboist of the Saskatoon Symphony and a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan. As someone who performs in the Canadian prairies where temperatures can plummet to minus 30 degrees Celsius, I have firsthand experience with playing in extreme cold. I vividly remember performing Tchaikovsky’s The Tempest at minus 32 degrees, bundled up in snow pants!
My journey with the oboe began in a remote part of Northern Canada, surrounded by stunning natural beauty but lacking access to oboe resources. My early struggles were significant, but once I connected with a supportive community and good resources, my progress was remarkable. Now, after 25 years of making a living from the oboe, I want to share what I’ve learned to make your oboe experience easier.
As part of my teaching philosophy, I created The Oboe Path, an online program designed to help oboists play with joy and ease. This program includes group masterclasses, personalized practice plans, and laser-focused one-on-one feedback, all aimed at integrating the oboe into busy lives and improving playing efficiency.
Now, let’s jump into five tips for playing the oboe in a cold climate:
Tip 1: Always Keep Your Oboe With You
It might sound surprising, but I take my oboe with me into the grocery store after rehearsals. I never leave it in the car because rapid temperature drops can affect your instrument. Always keep your oboe in the warmest part of your home to prevent cracks and mechanical issues.
Tip 2: Warm Your Oboe Slowly
If your oboe becomes very cold, let it warm up gradually before playing. Open the case and allow the instrument to reach room temperature slowly to avoid stressing it and causing damage.
Tip 3: Use Your Body Heat
To warm a cold oboe quickly, use your body heat. For instance, tuck the bottom joint under one armpit and the top joint under the other. This technique is commonly used by oboists during performances and rehearsals.
Tip 4: Invest in a Humidified Case
Consider investing in a humidified case, such as the LoMax case with a humidipack. This helps maintain consistent humidity, improving the stability of your instrument and keeping the pads in good condition. While I’ve never used a humidified reed case, I store my reeds in the same case to keep them properly humidified.
Tip 5: Consider a Non-Wood Oboe
If you’re worried about cracking, a backup instrument with plastic parts can be a lifesaver. I use a plastic oboe for certain performances and educational programs in schools where temperatures can be unpredictable.
I hope these tips help you navigate the challenges of playing the oboe in a cold climate. Let’s all strive to play the oboe with joy and ease, regardless of the weather. Take care!
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