Wow! That’s sharp!
Sunday August 19 2007
At the Northwest Reed Seminar, there was a small box of supplies from Mark Chudnow. I bought two spools of thread and a small crock stick mechanism. For many years, I’ve been aware of these, but never took the time to try them out.
Wow do they work! All of my knives that I have been using have been very dull, and my reeds have suffered because of it. Now my knives are very sharp, and my reeds are much better because of it. Thanks Crock Sticks! (Insert TV advertisement jingle here)
A Reader’s Email: Regarding my suggestions for top threads?
Saturday August 18 2007
A reader/long time member of the Bboard wrote me on his/her opinion as to why these suggestions would fail.
1. Please keep all threads on the original topic.
-Bad idea. Sometimes they morph into much better threads than the original topic! Or, you should let things wander off because it’s reasonable (no one’s posting anything valuable, anyway). It would allow people to people blow off steam
2. Administrators reserve the right to transfer off-topic threads into new-threads.
-It would be too much of a pain in the butt for moderators. Just ask posters to post new threads3. Posts will be monitored and edited accordingly.
-Obviously this is done, not for the large percentage of posts that are acceptable, for rather for that small percentage of posts that are unacceptable. No one likes it×but the general readership probably likes it better than NOT… doing it.4. Grounds for post deletion. (link to a list of reasons, not included in the rules)
When the Bboard began, it had little or no rules, but rather operated on “common sense”. Obviously there wasn’t enough “common sense” because then rules were introduced. Then people began to do whatever they wanted “because it’s not in the rules” and so the moderators were forced to make more revisions and deletions. Now the moderators continue with this policy. One of the rules has the little statement “if you’re not sure, ask”.
Seems logical to me. Read the Rest
A Reader’s Email: Regarding my suggestions for top threads?
Saturday August 18 2007
A reader/long time member of the Bboard wrote me on his/her opinion as to why these suggestions would fail.
1. Please keep all threads on the original topic.
-Bad idea. Sometimes they morph into much better threads than the original topic! Or, you should let things wander off because it’s reasonable (no one’s posting anything valuable, anyway). It would allow people to people blow off steam
2. Administrators reserve the right to transfer off-topic threads into new-threads.
-It would be too much of a pain in the butt for moderators. Just ask posters to post new threads3. Posts will be monitored and edited accordingly.
-Obviously this is done, not for the large percentage of posts that are acceptable, for rather for that small percentage of posts that are unacceptable. No one likes it×but the general readership probably likes it better than NOT… doing it.4. Grounds for post deletion. (link to a list of reasons, not included in the rules)
When the Bboard began, it had little or no rules, but rather operated on “common sense”. Obviously there wasn’t enough “common sense” because then rules were introduced. Then people began to do whatever they wanted “because it’s not in the rules” and so the moderators were forced to make more revisions and deletions. Now the moderators continue with this policy. One of the rules has the little statement “if you’re not sure, ask”.
Seems logical to me. Read the Rest
A Reader’s Email: Regarding my suggestions for top threads?
Saturday August 18 2007
A reader/long time member of the Bboard wrote me on his/her opinion as to why these suggestions would fail.
1. Please keep all threads on the original topic.
-Bad idea. Sometimes they morph into much better threads than the original topic! Or, you should let things wander off because it’s reasonable (no one’s posting anything valuable, anyway). It would allow people to people blow off steam
2. Administrators reserve the right to transfer off-topic threads into new-threads.
-It would be too much of a pain in the butt for moderators. Just ask posters to post new threads3. Posts will be monitored and edited accordingly.
-Obviously this is done, not for the large percentage of posts that are acceptable, for rather for that small percentage of posts that are unacceptable. No one likes it×but the general readership probably likes it better than NOT… doing it.4. Grounds for post deletion. (link to a list of reasons, not included in the rules)
When the Bboard began, it had little or no rules, but rather operated on “common sense”. Obviously there wasn’t enough “common sense” because then rules were introduced. Then people began to do whatever they wanted “because it’s not in the rules” and so the moderators were forced to make more revisions and deletions. Now the moderators continue with this policy. One of the rules has the little statement “if you’re not sure, ask”.
Seems logical to me. Read the Rest
A Summary of the Northwest Oboe Seminar
Saturday August 18 2007
The Northwest Oboe Seminar took place yesterday, and was really not what I expected at all. It was a very FRIENDLY… seminar, with people from different backgrounds and abilities. There were 10 participants made up of a mixture of amateur and professionals, students and hobbyists, returnees and first-timers, who were chosen from over 100 applicants.
Fred Korman couldn’t come to the “Emergency Reed Clinic” which was a bit disappointing for me. Fred was actually my former teacher’s teacher, Larry Brezicka, and I wanted to see how he made reeds. Still, much of the reed concepts I use today are from Fred (and ultimately from Mack I suppose.)
We went directly into the masterclass with a wide variety of pieces, ranging from Poulenc to Bach, the Rorem English Horn Concerto, an interesting piece by a guy named Boni in the the 18th century, Ponchielli, as well many others. It was a nice time of sharing, playing, constructive criticism. Three of the pieces×my Bach, the Rorem, and the Poulenc×were chosen to be performed later on the recital that night.
After the masterclass, Pablo Izquierdo gave a brief oboe repair discussion which consisted mainly of “Here’s Sawicki’s book, here’s the tools, go to it.” The tools he listed most oboists need to repair their instrument are:
- Loree Screwdriver with multiple blades or screwdriver set with different size blades
- Spring hook, double ended best
- Cigarette paper, ungummed
- Pad tester/feeler for checking adjustments
- Makeup brush for dusting oboe
- Woodwind all, for sticking pads
- Threadlocker blue, medium strength, to secure loose adjusting screws
- Small size ruber bands for failed spring emergencies
- Key oil, Hoppe’s gun oil is good
- Flat nosed pliers to pull out rods and adjust keys
- Head source: Cigarette lighter or mini torch
- Glue and sheet cork
Other items mentioned were shalack (spelling?), pad/cork cement, superglue, and tarnex for various repairs/polishing.
Next we had a session with Ms. Rumbel, who discussed the benefits and enjoyment of improvising. The topic was “The freedom of improvisation” and she put on a gamelon repeating ostinato (in 5/4 of all meters) and had us improvise on a pentatonic scale (D, E, F#, A, B). It was an interesting exercise, and you would be surprised how difficult it can be the first time to improvise to a beat. Sure it’s easy enough to fiddle on your own, but to a beat is another thing!
After the improvisation session, we had small ensemble rehearsals. I rehearsed a movement of a Krommer oboe Trio, with theme and variations. It was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed working with Paul and Ben on the trio. We got along well, and were able to work through some tricky parts. I think this was the highlight of my day.
After the small ensemble rehearsals we had large ensemble rehearsals where we all played on several pieces. By now, my chops were getting pretty tired, as were most everyone else’s. We played an arrangement of a spiritual, as well as a Tango arrangement.
After the short break for dinner, we played the evening’s recital, which consisted of four small ensemble pieces, 3 large ensemble pieces, 3 solos, and a bit of discussion and free giveaways in between setups. It was very informal, and again, had a nice “Oregon friendly” feel to it.
I met some very nice people who were very encouraging to myself. In particular, I had nice discussions with Carren who really pushed me to play “because you love it!” This is just what I needed, particularly after messing up my Bach on the evening recital, but she was nothing but positive. “Enjoyable” was the term she used, and I know she really meant it.
Some more orders for reeds came in from some fellow oboists there, and some promises of group reedmaking at a later date. I look forward to meeting them all later on and keeping track of everyone’s progress through the years. The evening ended around 9:30.
Overall, I had a great time, and would have enjoyed myself even more if I had a bit more time to practice beforehand. I felt like I was walking into a room with my pants down before the seminar, namely because I didn’t get much time to practice the week before since I was in the middle of a major international housing move. The people were great, Victoria and Nancy were great, and everyone walked away with big smiles on their face. Next year, the guest speaker will be Los Angeles Philharmonic English Hornist Carolyn Hove which should be very interesting.
On a VERY… SAD… NOTE…, I was next on the BP English Horn waiting list, but the person who tried it out decided to buy it. So I’m back to square one. Tuesday, I will be driving up to Mr. Hurd to try out some English Horns, including a 1910 GG Loree English Horn. Hopefully I’ll find one. I’m still looking for a Loree English Horn, D series or earlier. So if you find anything, let me know!
Read the Rest