OBOE NEWS
From Alison’s Studio
DECEMBER 2017
CONTENTS:
Christmas Concert; Congratulations;Akaroa Music Festival; Oboe for Sale; Oboe servicing; Buying an Oboe
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
What a wonderful concert this was! I was so proud of the way everyone played from the beginners to the advanced students. It was a lovely way to finish the oboe year and to farewell the five Year Thirteen students: Francesca, Akari, Louise, Alex and David.
CONGRATULATIONS
The following students sat their oboe exams in November. Congratulations to all of you, especially given the examiner was a very hard marker. It is worth noting that those who do exams make far faster progress!
Grade 3 Henry Hunt (Merit)
Grade 4 Grace Brownlie (Merit)
Grade 5 Ashton Lin (Distinction), Libby Twomey (Merit)
Grade 6 Zoe Robinson
Grade 7 Hannah Barber-Wilson, Matilda Hur
These students passed their Grade 5 theory exam on my 10 week crash course:
Kameron Li (Merit), JouveerSewdarsen, Ute Decker
Libby Twomey gained a distinction as one of my Baradene group of students.
AKAROA MUSIC FESTIVAL: DOUBLE REED WEEKEND
It is not too late to sign up for this fun weekend in a glorious location. I am one of the tutors and several of my students are coming along (from Grade 3 through to advanced).
OBOE FOR SALE
I have a second hand Howarth S40C oboe for sale. It is suitable for up to Grade 8 level (and beyond if not studying at University). It is in excellent condition and the seller is asking $4000.00 for it. The new price is $5500 + GST and freight from the UK). For more details of specs, go to:
If you would like to try it out or have any questions, do get in touch.
OBOE SERVICING
If you are lucky enough to own your own oboe, it is essential that you get it serviced once a year and over the Christmas period is the ideal time. Oboes are very complex instruments and if not maintained, can let you down at the most inconvenient moment! If you have not had your oboe serviced recently, it may be a fairly costly exercise but definitely worthwhile as your instrument will work much better. You will need to make a booking.Ask for a quote before giving the go ahead as some repairers will do more than necessary for the level of instrument!
I recommend:
- Natasha Port at ABI (Glenfield) 443 5666
- Maurice Reviol (Waiatarua, West Auckland) 021 181 9269
- Gordon Palmer (Hillsborough) (09)6259656
Also Bede Hanley (Mt Eden)021 076 5896: the best person to contact if your oboe is out of adjustment
BUYING AN OBOE
This is the time of year when many people decide to either buy or upgrade their oboe. I cannot stress enough how careful you need to be when purchasing an oboe. There are some oboes out there (particularly in China and Korea) which look fabulous, don’t cost a lot.... and are a complete waste of money because they are so badly made. Every year, I have students who have bought one of these instruments when they have been overseas and they have basically just thrown their money away as they don’t work and cause endless problems. So if you are thinking of buying, read my advice: Studentsworking at Grade 6 and above need a good instrument, preferably wooden. These are not available for hire.
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are now relaxing!
Best wishes,
Alison
ALISON JEPSON
ARCM GRSM PGCE AIRMT
281A Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
Ph: (09)3788853Mob: 021 1394299