Phantom Overture Las Vegas

I am playing Phantom this week... can't wait! Here is a little clip that simulates the opening, I love seeing the chandelier fly right over our conductor's head every time :)

Adjusting Reeds... the beginning.

I don't like to push reedmaking on my students. I don't know if this is right or wrong (probably due to my own resistance to reed making ;)) but I don't want them to have to get there until they have a couple of things:

1. A burning desire... we are talking a fierce WANT to do this

2. The necessary tools and equipment

Last night I was running a sectional at one of the high schools in Henderson that I have been to quite a few times, with some of high school oboe girls (Hi R and T!) and we talked a little about the beginnings of reedmaking which got me thinking about this blog.

Before you jump into reed MAKING, I think it is a pretty good idea to get some tips and basic techniques of reed ADJUSTING under your belt. Reedmaking includes many aspects of how a reed is assembled and how to create something that works, so if I can teach students to first understand what we want out of a reed and how to get there... it helps.

You need way fewer tools to do reed adjustments, and several of them you probably already have!

1. A knife- probably the most expensive and "out there" piece of equipment you will have to seek out

2. A plaque- it is a little sliver of metal to act as a stabilizer and allows us to see through the reed to work on each individual side, like reeds you can never have too many! Try to pick up a few of these little things!

3. A tuner- we want the reed to eventually crow a "C" (fingers crossed!) and the tuner will help keep us in check

4. A mandrel- it isn't totally necessary now, but once you begin to tie your own reeds it is a must. The reed fits on the end and it gives us a sort of handle to hold onto to stabilize ourselves while working.

5. Razor blades- can be found in the paint section of your local hardware store too! For clipping the tip of the reed

6. Super fine grit sand paper for lightly sanding the sides of the reed as well as the tip. This comes in handy for sticky pads too!

7. A cutting block- the better to NOT ruin your Mom's furniture with!

Caitlin's Simple Oboe Reed Adjustments

If your reed is unresponsive...

Scrape a tiny bit off of the tip, this is where the response comes from- thinning the tip slightly will immediately boost the reed's response.

Be careful, every time we take cane off of the reed this lowers the pitch. Have your trusty cutting block and razor blade ready to clip a tiny TINY bit off of the tip. We are talking like a hair at a time!

If your reed is resistant and a little stuffy...

The heart of your reed might be a little bit too thick. Scrape a couple of long, smooth scrapes over each section of the heart. Be careful to avoid the spine in the middle! You should treat them as quadrants, 4 all together and two on each side of the reed.

If your reed is flat...

Try clipping the tip. Beware, this will also decrease the reed's response.

If your reed is sharp...

Try scraping a tiny bit off of the windows. Also the tip if the reed is a little unresponsive as well. If your reed is very sharp, it could also be due to a tiny opening.

Check out this diagram for help along the way!

My first Oboe Student ;)

My sister, Kelsey was my first oboe student EVER. She played through middle school and then quit in order to devote all of her time to dance in high school.

I wanted to put her link up here, and welcome her to the world wide web as she has just created her first professional website.

Hehe

Looking for something to lighten up your studio or oboe corner? My house has an oboe corner- it is actually my front room closet in which I store my sheet music collection and my reed desk. It is great, I can close the door on my messy desk whenever I like, and just open the door and pull up a chair whenever I actually DO feel like making reeds (haha).

Sometimes you need a little something to add a little fun. My personal favorites are the Venus, Mona Lisa, and Marilyn Monroe :)

DSO Negotiations

One issue that literally hits "close to home" for me are the current negotiations between the Detroit Symphony Musicians, and the organization itself.

Being from Michigan, I know firsthand that Detroit NEEDS this organization. The successful turn around of the current state of affairs of this orchestra could really mean some cultural changes for the city- and it needs them really badly.

Click HERE to read the most recent updates.

Woodwind DAY!

UNLV WOODWIND DAY

Saturday, January 21, 2011

1:00-5:00pm

Doc Rando Recital Hall

UNLV Campus

There will be performances by UNLV woodwind faculty, masterclasses for students, and vendors including RDG Woodwinds!

I plan to head over right after judging the woodwind auditions at Las Vegas academy tomorrow!

Oboe Cases

If you have read this blog in the past, you have probably figured out that I love oboe gear. There are so many great products out there to help me on a daily basis, and many of them are so great that I can't help but gush about them a little bit.

Surprisingly, the right oboe case DOES make a difference. Open up your oboe case and gently see if you can wiggle your instruments at all while they are in the case slots. If they move even a tiny bit, you could have a problem, my friend. Our instruments are so delicate that they can go in and out of adjustment in the same day (as many of us have experienced!).

Often times, the case that the oboe comes with when purchased isn't the best case for it. As a doubler on Oboe and English horn and as a sub on a major "broadway" Las Vegas show, it is my job to be prepared- with reeds, music, both instruments and even some changes of concert black in my trunk. As a commuter, this also means taking both horns everywhere with me.

My beloved first Ob\EH case was a High School graduation gift, and remains one of the best cases that I have seen; Wiseman makes grate cases and I happen to own and love the Wiseman Ob\EH combination case. This case is amazing, it holds your instruments securely and is really beautifully made. The design always got me a ton of compliments, and questions! The only reason I don't carry it regulary (only travel now) is because it is a little bit on the heavier side.

I also own the zippy little Single Oboe Case they make- Love it! Very light, and great for hands free, hassle free trekking (it was great for getting around the city in San Francisco).

My current oboe case is the BAM X-Light Ob\EH case. It is wonderful, I can't say enough good things about this case- it makes my life a lot easier and I have not needed adjustment service on my instruments in over a year which is pretty amazing.

The most important factors for me are:

1. Does it hold my instruments securely?

2. Is it durable? (I tend to run my things into the ground a little bit)

3. Is it comfortable and convenient to carry (backpack straps, sized to put into another back, etc.)

Happy Shopping, as always!

Summer Music in Nevada

A parent and student of mine- (Hi, S and C!) Recently asked me about Summer Music Festivals. I have been researching them a little bit and was reminded of an opportunity that I had heard of last Fall.

University of Nevada Reno puts on a Summer Music Camp for students in grades 6-12. This is about as local as it gets as far as music festivals in this state, and it sounds like a great setting with the college faculty at UNR as camp teachers.

Malcolm Arnold - Three Shanties

Especially for my student, A- and her Las Vegas Academy Woodwind Quintet. Enjoy this fun piece and hopefully I will be in to coach you guys on it soon!

Buy these Oboes!

The follow up to my post yesterday... a list of oboes that I recommend. Please bear in mind that today in the 2011 world there are many, MANY different brands of oboe to choose from. The only products that I blog about are the ones that I know work for ME, that work for close friends in the music biz, and most of the time that I have at least tried out myself.

I try really hard to bring you first hand information based on my experience, and I hope it is going to be helpful :)

Caitlin's Recommended List of Oboes

Student Models

I will say that many times, student model oboes are best left to rentals. The students outgrow this instruments quite quickly as the student model is designed to be like an oboe with training wheels. It is going to be safe, as stable as possible, and responsive so that the student can learn fingerings and practice hand position and getting a feel for the instrument. Most town music stores have extremely reasonable rental rates which allow you the freedom to stop when the time is right for an upgraded horn.

Nevertheless...

Yamaha 241 Oboe this model has a basic key system and is designed to see a young student through middle school. Yamaha is a dependable brand for oboes and is widely becoming quite popular.

I would recommend seeking this instrument out as a rental.

If you are looking to purchase, I recommend looking at the Yamaha 441. This model has a modified conservatory system which includes the left hand F key. This is an instrument that will see an oboe student through high school. If you are ready to make a commitment to the oboe past school years and into college, I strongly recommend that you move straight to the next instrument Yamaha offers, the Yamaha 841 oboe.

Check out local rental rates and availability for the Fox 333 Oboe. This is a nice starter oboe, and Fox is a dependable, american brand. I actually got the visit their factory when I was young and watch oboes being finished and reeds being made on machines!

Another model of interest made by Fox is the Fox 450 Oboe. This instrument has a wooden lower half, while the top joint is made of a high quality resin material to resist cracking. This is definitely something to consider if you live in a harsh climate (like the desert!). Take it from someone who has never NOT cracked one of her oboes, this is worth the consideration.

Mark Chudnow makes a nice oboe, the MCW oboe. This oboe is available in both modified, and full conservatory models and is of very good quality. I would recommend the modified conservatory oboe as a "student" model, but my suggestion is that with the reasonable price on the full conservatory, just go for that instead if possible.

Professional Models

For over 100 years F. Loree oboes have been considered the finest in the world. They are probably the most widely played among top professionals in the USA and are definitely worth the pretty penny that you will probably have to pay for them. This is an oboe that requires quite a bit of upkeep (which is why it is great if you can purchase one with a maintenance warranty from a dealer!)

I was a spoiled brat who had her first Loree purchased for her as a freshman in high school, but then, I also knew already at that point that I was commitment to music and was planning on majoring in oboe performance in college. I would say that if you are considering a college major in oboe performance, or considering doing any college oboe playing-- consider this instrument.

They are available in several models. The first is just the regular old oboe with two bore availabilities- regular and AK. The AK being a more intense conical shape, giving it a sweeter sound. (I have a Loree AK)

The Royal model is also very popular, it has a very rich sound caused by the thicker bore walls-- this instrument is widely considered the most popular Loree model. (I would love to play one, but they are actually quite heavy! my little hands just can't deal)

Another professional option is the Yamaha 841 Custom Oboe which is quickly becoming very popular among many oboists in the top USA symphony orchestras around the country. The instrument has a wonderful, dark, smooth sound and especially pleasing low note response (awesome for those of us playing a lot of 2nd oboe). I highly recommend checking this instrument out, it is a wonderful value costing a few thousand dollars less than a Loree. This is an oboe that I would recommend for high school students (the instrument maintenance is a commitment, this being a wood oboe) but if taken care of it will see a student through college and beyond.

Marigaux Oboes are beautiful instruments with a lot of character and depth to their sound. They are quite popular, several of my friends play them- hi Patty and now Ben too! :)

One of the kind of cool things about Marigaux oboes is that they are very stylish and offer many types of wood and metal choices for your oboe if you are looking for something flashy!

Howarth Oboes are also a good bet. There are several professional options, the main one being the Howarth S50 oboe. This oboe offers a thick walled bore similar to that of the Loree Royal, and it creates a more forthright sound.

Laubin Oboes are handmade in a small New York shop since 1931. They have a very small output of oboes, only about 20 instruments in one year. Thusly, the waiting list for an oboe is about 8 years right now and the price is sky high. I recommend checking out their used stock, as you can often get very nice, NICE oboes for much less than the current price of a new one.

One standout feature of the Laubin oboe is that the topjoint of every instrument is lined with a plastic resin sleeve which helps prevent cracking, the instruments are known to stand up to the test of time a little bit better than your average run of the mill oboe.

I hope that this list aids you in your search for that perfect instrument. Please don't hesitate to send me any questions that you have about finding the instrument that is just right for YOU!

Thinking of purchasing an Oboe?

Ahhh. Glasses on, coffee close by, it is the weekend and I am ready to... blog!

This week has been more hectic than expected, so sorry that I haven't had the time to blog. It was definitely one of those weeks where I didn't see home too much and when I did, it was only for sleeping and showering. It happens and there is definitely reward in it... improving, happy students, new opportunities, and oh yea... $.

I have been trying to be really good about putting things on paper as of late. This includes everything from oboe warm ups and exercises to mini papers on different oboe topics and handouts for students on topics such as how to go about buying an oboe.

This is necessary for many reasons, mainly to help me stay more organized, but also in preparation for my new gig in the Fall as an adjunct oboe teacher at Dixie State College. In order to simplify, I need to get everything into Microsoft Word and out of my head-- way too many oboe related thoughts and ideas up there!!

One of the first handouts I have created for my students in 2011 is a short little guide to purchasing an oboe. I have blogged along these lines before, but wanted to give some highlights anyway.

Caitlin's Tips On Purchasing An Oboe

1. Having a budget in mind when oboe shopping is OK! It is better than OK, it is a great idea. Playing the oboe is no fun if you have to sell a kidney to get one in the first place, and with all of the different makes and models of instrument out there today, there is something for everyone. As with any major purchase, have a budget in mind and don't be afraid to stick to it.

2. Purchase your oboe from a reputable dealer. As much as I love Ebay, it is no place to buy an oboe. Some dealers include:

RDG Woodwinds

Midwest Musical Imports

Mark Chudnow (Mark is one of two technicians in the US who trained in the F. Loree factory in Paris-- and a really super sweet guy! He has doctored my oboe in several emergency situations, like the time it cracked three days before my first masters recital! He does beautiful work and also makes\sells the staples that I use)

Carlos Coelho Carlos is the other of the two, F. Loree trained repairmen in the country. He is truly an expert repairman and has helped me choose every one of my three Loree Oboes and my beautiful, beautiful English horn. He will find you the perfect oboe for YOU!

The important thing about choosing an oboe through a dealer whether it is new or used, is that many times they will offer you a warranty on the instrument. I know that Carlos and Mark will both repair your oboe free of charge for the first two years that you own it.

3. Don't buy an oboe you have never played. There are so many places to buy an oboe out there-- make sure that you play the EXACT oboe that plan on purchasing to ensure that you are getting exactly what you want. Many places will send oboes out for 2 week trial periods, this is a great thing! It allows you to try multiple instruments (even from different sources if you wish) and really compare them side by side from everything to the way that they play (duh!) to the cost. I HIGHLY recommend doing this!

Make a trip out of it if you can visit a location that sells instruments-- this can be a very fun day!

4. Understand that a USED professional level oboe may be a better option than a NEW student model oboe. Many times I get asked the difference between student, intermediate, and professional oboe models. This is a good thing to be aware of.

In my mind there are really only two types of oboes:

Those suited to "newbie" oboes that will get them through middle school (usually plastic, limited conservatory system, with the fun holes in the bell to play low b-flat if you close and open your knees around it :) )

Those which are considered professional models (full conservatory system including third octave key, left hand F key, Low B-flat, etc and constructed of wood)

The intermediate model oboe, while cheaper than a professional one seems unnecessary. Once a student reaches high school level, they need an oboe with a full conservatory system and preferably a wood or wood composite\lined wood oboe.

If a student is playing high school oboe and is considering playing oboe in college whether it is as a major or not- definitely consider a professional model oboe with full conservatory system and with a wood body. It is an investment that if taken care of- will not need replacing!

Happy Oboe Shopping-- it is a most fun time, indeed!

Intro to Imani Winds

A little window into one of my absolute favorite groups--- The Imani Winds. I love them. They are amazing. Just now I was making reeds with my ipod and they came up. Whenever I hear them play, I immediately feel more energized and inspired so I feel it necessary to share!

Live music in Sin City...

I don't spend a lot of time out and about on the Las Vegas strip. There are many reasons for this, mostly because I go to Vegas to work rather than play (lame, I know) but also because I am kind of a homebody and would rather chill out than be in the middle of the action.

This weekend, however, I ventured onto the strip as my brother in law is in town and wanted to see the sights. We traveled the strip from one end to another and one thing that I couldn't help but notice (even off duty) was the apparent lack of live music.

Restaurants, Walkways between megacasinos, cafes, bars, so many potential venues for some music to set the tone. I realize that the tone is Vegas is a little different than say New York, or San Francisco, however, I couldn't help but wonder what it could be like to hear an electric string quartet in a bar or a pianist and singer in a restaurant.. something, ANYTHING!

Good thing the Smith Center is coming, it is really going to change the face of music in this city! Very exciting changes in the near future for Sin City Music!

Taking care of your oboe reeds...

Yep. For as much time as we spend taking care of our instruments, our reeds need quite a bit of attention as well.

A lot of students will ask me: "Do I Realllllly have to soak my reed in water, or can I just use my mouth?"

The short answer is: Yep. Water is best. Try to get your reed into it before playing.

There are many reasons for this:

1. We carry a ton of enzymes and particles in our saliva. These really do a number on the cane used to make oboe reeds. We even have traces of stomach acid in our saliva, (the stuff that breaks down your food in your system!) just as it breaks down food, it will break down your reed.

2. Soaking your reed in water will actually help create a little barrier between your saliva and the reed. Do you ever notice that licking your lips actually makes them MORE chapped? Same thing with your reeds, they really NEED water just as your lips need chapstick (or my favorite, Chopsaver)

3. If you live in a dry climate like I do, your reeds are constantly drying out. Again, having a little vial of water on hand really helps to rehydrate them quickly.

Just as important as giving your reeds a water dip is letting them dry out in a proper case after playing is over for the day. If moist reeds are not allowed to dry out, they can actually grow mold! Ew.

Go for a ribbon style case as opposed to the coffin cases or vials that many reeds come packaged in. The ribbon style case is very protective, and allows reeds to air out.

There ya go! Hold onto those precious reeds with care! :)

Keeping Time?

Christmas break is now behind me and my students. They sounded great this week, which is pure proof that a little time off of the oboe never hurt anyone ;)

Now the fun begins with new music galore for all with new band, orchestra, honor band, and solo and ensemble music flying around all over the place.

Two of my high school students this week brought me new music that they had received with widened eyes and wanted to know what was up with 7/8 4/4 and 3/4 2/4 with some 4/4 thrown in there every now and then.

My best tip for playing pieces with rapid meter alternations and changes is: Pick Your Subdivision. The easiest way to warm your brain up for these types of things is to actually practice your conducting skills (or lack of :) I obviously have no skills in this department).

Here is a little chart to help out:

1. Practice your 4/4 conducting pattern

next "ta" quarter notes as you conduct (one "ta" for every beat in the pattern)

2. Practice 3/4 conducting pattern now

now "ta" quarter notes as you conduct in 3/4

3. The fun part! You are going to alternate measures of 4/4 and 3/4 while "ta"ing quarter notes

You will find that the result is this; the quarter note stays the same!

If you keep your subdivision consistent, moving through meter changes is no big deal at all! :)

More Solo and Ensemble Options

One of my kids is going to be performing the first movement of this concerto for solo and ensemble, she is really excited about it! So here you go, C! A nice, bright and cheery recording for you to listen to, of course there are many recordings to choose from!

Albinoni is a great choice as he was a pretty big fan of the oboe. He composed many, many works over his lifetime and some of the most noted are his oboe concertos (concertos for two oboes are super fun!).

He was actually the first Italian composer to really use the oboe as a solo instrument in his concerti writing.

to the Oboemobile!

I got a new car on Monday. Yea, I probably should have mentioned that I guess. I try to stick to oboe stuff and not get too "personal"on here, but the more that I think about it- the car thing has pretty much everything to do with the oboe.

See, I am one of those "freeway philharmonic" types that (like most musicians in this economy!) have to do a number of different commutes to get to the places that I "work". The main one being the approx. 80 miles that I drive (one way) to get to Las Vegas where I teach and play.

My car is as essential as my oboe. When it finally broke all the way down shortly before Christmas (after many previous attempts), I realized just how CRUCIAL my car is to my life.

My new ride is a 2011 Kia Soul, and so far- so good. My husband said that it isn't totally mine though until I brand it with some type of sticker, I am thinking something oboe related.

To all of my fellow musical freeway warriors out there, safe travels and see you on the road! :)

Everyday lifesaver...

I use so many different "gadgets" on a daily basis that I definitely have begun to take them for granted. One thing I thought I'd share which is a great little tool is this multi-tool.

I don't usually shop at Forrests, I used to when I was younger and didn't know of many other options, however, I have found that their prices are generally a little higher among some other issues. However, they have been in business a long time and do have a wide selection of necessary items.

If you use the search engine at the top of their site and type in "multi tool" this little doodad should pop up!

At any rate, the multi tool is awesome and way cheaper than the two separate components; screwdriver and spring hook.

I of course got a pink one.

A warm up...

This is my favorite oboe warm up.

It is a great thing to play right away, allowing you to focus on tone, and air support. All the credit goes to my undergraduate oboe teacher for showing me this great exercise.

Its the little things...

Day to day, I really find delight in the little things that liven up my routine. I know it might seem a little childish that I have a Hello Kitty reed case, or pink variegated oboe thread, but they really make me happy.

THIS is one of those little things that just might brighten up your routine a little bit!

Solo and Ensemble Time!

Yes, I know. The holidays have only just ended, and already it is back to the grind both ME and my oboe students. In only about 5 weeks it will be time for High School Solo and Ensemble here in the Las Vegas area, so it is time to get ready!

This is a great piece of music. I love the Handel authentic sonatas for oboe, they seem so simple on the surface but are truly complex, dynamic little capsules of wonderful music that lend themselves to a creatively minded performer.

This is one of my first picks for my high school oboists as far as solos are concerned. I think that the first and second movements are a good choice to display both lyrical and technical abilities of teenage oboists and it is a great little baroque starter piece.

The music can be found HERE... enjoy and good luck to all as you prepare for these types of performances!