If you all are interested in oboe topics, which I think I could safely assume at this point, than you might be interested in this instrument. But I wanted to give you the short version of my background with this instrument. FYI here is the link to Christopher Redgate’s website all about the instrument, http://www.21stcenturyoboe.com .

The first time I heard about this instrument was in 2009. I was looking for schools in different countries to consider attending. I found out about the University of Huddersfield and the Contemporary Music Festival by means of researching Christopher Redgate. I was enamored with what he was creating and heard he worked with PhD students at Huddersfield. So I went to the Contemporary Music Festival to check out the school and meet with people. I could not have been more blown away! Not only was the Festival amazing, seriously check it out https://hcmf.co.uk .

Anyway, I heard about the instrument that Christopher Redgate was trying to create and was immediately interested. In general, I find how things are put together and why they are arranged the way they are fascinating. So obviously someone rearranging the keys on the oboe and rebuilding it in any way was up my alley. So when I found out it was finally available I jumped at the chance to try it. I started reaching out to Howarth in 2015 when I had heard it might be completed and the lovely people at Howarth were very receptive to my interest. I spoke with them at Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Illinois, about the instrument and they agreed to send it over to the US for me to try. Shawna Lake at Oboe Chicago and Howarth were amazing helpful and made it possible for me to try the instrument and ultimately purchase it. I could not be more excited or invigorated with my playing because of this amazing instrument.

Pictures of my particular instrument to come. Also, if you are interested I will be at IDRS 2019 in Tampa, Florida with my instrument and giving a class on introducing contemporary techniques to younger players on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Music Education Room. I look forward to seeing you all there and you seeing the instrument.**

**(If things are the same as at IDRS 2017 I may stop by the Howarth booth and have my oboe available for people to stop by and try it!! Keep an eye out!)