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*****The Reed Report: Issue 33*****
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first to see this important information.

In this issue:

* A Lesson Learned: Helping you learn at MY expense.

* Don’t Miss… – We’re buying someone 10 oboe reeds.

* Reed Tip – Find a supportive reed.

* Quote Corner – W.A. Mozart

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Learning My Lesson
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A few years back, I was auditioning for a spot at NOI (National
Orchestra Institute) which is held every summer at the University
of Maryland. I was in college at Eastman at the time and the
audition was held in a small lounge that was used for student
recitals throughout the year.

If you’ve ever been through an audition before, you know full
well just what a nerve wracking experience it can be. I always
used to eat a banana before something like this (B vitamins help
the nerves) and this audition was no different.

I was actually feeling pretty good that day… Reed was good,
knew my stuff, I was ready to go.

I was playing my last notes before going in to the audition and
had a terrible sinking feeling spring up in my tummy as I
realized that my reed had just cracked.

If you’ve ever had a reed crack in a situation like this, it
isn’t pleasant. Sure, you can play for a few minutes, but pretty
soon the pitch just goes nuts as the reed gasps its last breaths.

There I was, two steps away from my audition, with a reed that I
couldn’t play and what did I do? I walked in and played the
audition.

Needless to say, I didn’t win. (Fairy Tale Ending Note: I DID
get in the next year… and I had a great time!)

About the only guarantee you get in music is that you WILL run
into challenges. That’s not being negative, it’s just being
realistic.

Being successful isn’t about avoiding problems, it is knowing how
best to deal with them (and to be prepared for them) when they
show up.

Looking back… What should I have done when my reed cracked?

Taken CONTROL… Why didn’t I ask for more time to go prepare
another reed? The worst answer I could have gotten was, “No.” I
certainly wouldn’t have been any worse off.

So the nugget of truth from my little ordeal?

You WILL run into problems when playing the oboe. But think
ahead. Anticipate them as best you can and prepare for them.
You are in the driver’s seat. Don’t forget that the minute your
car starts to veer off the road…

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Don’t Miss…
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In 30 days, we’re buying ONE of our customers 10 oboe reeds.

Could that someone be YOU?

Get the details now…

http://www.mklreeds.com/talkback.htm

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The Reed/Oboe Tip
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Play a reed that SUPPORTS your sound. Sounding great on the oboe
is about creating a happy marriage between you and your reed.

Both of you have to have qualities that support one another. If
you dominate the reed or it dominates you, the going will be
rough.

You might think that playing an easy reed is great, but it can
actually make your life harder if it doesn’t support your sound
correctly.

Of course, playing a reed that is too difficult will make you
feel like your head is going to explode.

How will you know when you’ve found the right one?

Your sound will be stable, and you will feel the resistance of
the reed without it being too hard to play.

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Quote Corner
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“The shorter way to do many things is to do only one thing at a
time.”

-W.A. Mozart

Thanks for reading. Until next time…

Happy playing,

Maryn Leister
MKL Reeds
[email protected]
Get Oboe Reeds