Beginning Band: How to Care for the Oboe

INTRODUCTION

Oboe player Sarah Boyle Carmack will walk you through the basics of putting together your oboe and taking care of it.

STEP-BY-STEP instructions

• Soak your reed in a small cup while you put your oboe together.

• Take out the bell and the bottom joint and twist them together. Line up the keys so nothing bends or breaks.

• Next, put on the top joint.

• Check to see if your reed is soaked enough to play. This typically takes a couple minutes. Make a “crow” (reed sound) to make sure the reed is ready.

• Fit the reed into the top joint, and you’re ready to play.

• After practicing, carefully put away your reed.

• Swap the instrument before taking it apart.

• Disassemble the oboe in reverse order and put each piece away.

• Make sure you have at least 2 reeds in case one stops working!

Print this and keep it in your case or band folder!