I'm really looking forward to this summer - partially because of Happy Bamboo's upcoming Summer Oboe Reed Camp! There are two different sessions: the first is July 29 - August 2 (9 am - 1 pm daily), and the second is August 12 - 16 (also 9 am - 1 pm daily). I love summer camps and I also (secretly) love making reeds, and this is a fun way for me to combine those two things and spread some knowledge about the whole process.
Over the course of the week-long session, we'll go over the entire reed making process, starting with selecting tube cane. We'll split, pre-gouge, gouge, and shape the cane, tie blanks, scrape and finish, and also practice knife sharpening skills. Common adjustments, intonation issues, and reed troubleshooting will also be covered. The studio is well-stocked with reed making equipment, including two gouging machines and six different shaper tips.
If you have reed making experience and have your own tools, please bring them. If you're new to the game, the best bang for your buck is to pay the $90 materials fee and become the proud owner of a reed making kit. (If you have some of the materials on this list but not all of them, you can either contact me so I can price out a custom kit for you, or you can buy whatever it is that you're missing on your own).
Required materials:
- oboe mandrel
- spool of thread
- beeswax
- oboe reed knife (when you register, please specify if you're right- or left-handed!)
- c-clamp
- ruler (in mm)
- 47 mm staples (5)
- razor blades (10)
- sharpening stone
- chopping block
- plaques (2)
To register, send an email to happybamboostudio@gmail.com or call/text 732-800-OBOE (6263). Space is limited, and the first session is almost filled already! Don't wait too long!
