There are some things people need to know about oboes and oboists.

1. It is not a clarinet. It only shares two characteristics with a clarinet: blackness and the fact that both are played with a reed. An oboe is smaller, more oriental sounding, and is played with a DOUBLE REED... which, unfortunately, cannot be made well mechanically.
2. If you call an oboe a clarinet, you may find yourself threatened with a sharp knife normally used to adjust reeds. I won't do so, though; I don't want to ruin my knife with blood. Plus, I think that reaction is a bit extreme.
3. Oboists have love-hate relationships with their reeds. These fragile pieces of cane, metal, cork, and threat are quite necessary... and a reed can change the sound completely. However, good oboists can still sound good with crappy reeds.
4. There is a Facebook group called the Oboe Mafia. I'm not kidding.
5. As my teacher says, "there's nothing normal about oboists." Oboists can be territorial-- I know I can be-- but they also enjoy playing with other competent people who love the instrument.
6. Oboes don't rock... but they are still awesome.

I picked up my oboe today for the first time in a few months. I've missed it.

--RM