University of Iowa Double Reed Day

Every year, the University of Iowa Music School hosts an event for middle and high school age students who play double reed instruments. At this event, the professors for oboe and bassoon organize many fun events for the students to participate in. Along with the professors, both undergraduate and graduate students studying oboe or bassoon also help out throughout the day and play along with the younger students. I attended this event both last year and this year, and it was a very exciting and educational experience both times.

At the beginning of the day there is always a short introduction activity that gets everyone acquainted with each other and a few brief speeches are made. Then the playing starts. The first playing activity involves every one attending the event. This year, there were many students who signed up and came down to Iowa City. There were about twenty students for both oboe and bassoon, so the entire group consisted of about forty students. In addition, there were around twenty University of Iowa students. This combination of students made for a very large double reed choir. It was not the prettiest thing I have ever heard. After an hour of reading through some oboe and bassoon pieces, we split up into small sectionals which were led by graduate students. My group consisted of four oboe players total. We also sight read through some oboe duets and trios for an hour and a half. At the end of the day there was going to be a concert and during this small group time we were supposed to choose two or three short selections that our group would play at that performance. 

During this time, a few oboe and bassoon students did not participate in the small groups. Some students signed up to audition for the solo artist competition. Each of these students prepared a solo prior to coming to the event and they performed it for a panel of judges. One oboist and one bassoonist were selected as winners and they were to perform their solos at the concert that night. After the sectionals, there were a few master classes conducted by the professors. There was a playing master class before lunch and a reed making class after. I enjoyed listening to both master classes because it gave me an opportunity to get to know the new oboe professor better. After listening to her teach, I have decided that I like her. :)

Unfortunately, I had to depart after the second master class. Overall, it was a very educational experience and I am glad I had the opportunity to attend. I highly recommend the Double Reed Day and I suggest that everyone should go to it.