Oboe

Oboe
The oboe is similar in its appearance to a clarinet, but it is played using a “double reed” instead of a single reed and mouthpiece. Selection of oboe players is EXTREMELY limited. VERY few will actually be selected for oboe.
 
Physical Characteristics
Students with profound overbites or underbite would have EXTREME difficulties producing good sounds on the oboe since the embouchure (mouth position) requires equal pressure on both sides of the reed at the same placement.

Other Considerations
 Because the oboe is such a difficult instrument to master, only students with high academic performance records will be considered. Students who choose (and are selected) to play oboe are REQUIRED to take weekly private lessons with the applied lesson teacher at GMS. Private lessons cost $25.00 per week and scholarships are available based on financial need and demonstration of diligent work ethic. Students are required to maintain a supply of 3-4 high-quality reeds at ALL times.  Students with a history of disciplinary trouble will NOT be considered for
oboe.

The financial trade-off for having to take lessons and keep a stock of working reeds is that GMS provides oboes for students at ZERO cost. Lessons for this instrument are required due to the complexity of the instrument.