oboeinsight

I found a link to an interesting video via Adventures in Opera Singing. (You can actually see the video at this first link, btw.) The video, called A Most Famous Work of Art is of people’s reactions as they look at a famous work. For now, here are two things: 1) I knew what the work was prior to the filmmaker letting me know. Why? I’m not certain … but I knew, and there was absolutely no question in my mind. 2) I think the music makes us view the video differently. What if, for instance, the person had chosen something other than Bach? What if he’d chosen a pop tune? (I’d make a suggestion, but I don’t want to give any clues about the work and I fear that if I suggest something you all would try to guess why it connects to what is being seen.) I think then the faces would have looked different to me, but of course I can’t say for sure. I do think putting the music in was, for me, distracting. It added … I dunno … a seriousness that I then carried over to faces.

Is this just me, though? Thoughts?
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and an answer for you.

Q: Someone did a search on these words: can + oboe + be + used + in + marching.

A: No

And if any band director says otherwise I say, “Shame!” One should never march with an oboe for a few good reasons: 1) The reed can go through the roof of your mouth. That wouldn’t feel very good. 2) The instrument is a tender little thing; that sort of jostling is bad, and if the instrument is wood it’s even worse to play outdoors, especially in rotten weather. 3) WHY BOTHER? It isn’t necessary for the sound of the group; surely the brass are what matter most. Well, brass and percussion.

I’m sure other oboists have other good reasons to give here. Share away!
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Anyone who reads arts news knows that Marin Alsop wasn’t exactly welcomed with open arms in Baltimore; the musicians had wanted more time, from what I’ve read, for the conductor search, but management hired Maestra Alsop without their approval. It sounded as if there was a lot of animosity for a while, but it looks as if the musicians are make amends now.

Ms. Alsop was on the San Jose Symphony (RIP) list when we were doing a conductor search. I haven’t seen her since then, though. She conducts the Cabrillo Music Festival, in Santa Cruz, but I’ve never made it to a performance there. Guess I should check it out some summer.

In the United States California has places last in arts funding since 2003, according to this article. But … good news!! … we are increasing the funding. Apparently this increase if pretty much guaranteed. Woo hoo!

So, if this really does happen we will place … drum roll, please … um … last in arts funding. Still.

Um. Okay.
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