oboeinsight

We oboe players often use cigarette paper to remove water from keys. I used to go to our local drug supply store to buy ungummed papers. It was a crummy place to have to visit—at least for someone who isn’t interested in doing drugs. But it was the nearest place, and the markup wasn’t as [...]

I used to collect fortunes and various sayings I’d find and stick them on an old reed making box I had. One, “Hope for the best but expect the worst” was specifically aimed at my reed making attempts. I’m optimistic that way. I’m not sure where all those little pieces of paper went to, as [...]

I was just watching the Cardinals v Padres game. The Cardinals are now celebrating. They all ran out on to the field and are jumping up and down. The crowd is cheering. And the champagne is now flowing. Wouldn’t it be great fun if, when we nail a solo, we could express at least some [...]

Tomorrow I’m supposed to be meeting with a colleague (and friend), and a player who would like us to read through the Beethoven trios (for two oboes and English horn). I was planning on doing some practicing today. Alas, a headache decided that that wasn’t to happen. Of course musicians have their excuse bag, and [...]