I’m finally able to update you on my trip to Las Vegas!  Over MLK weekend, I was honored to be one of the presenters at the UNLV Bocal Majority Bassoon/Oboe Camp.  I presented a short clinic on things I feel young oboists can do to lengthen the lives of their oboes.  Also throughout the weekend I was able to make adjustments on the participants’ oboes, which I hope made their lives a little easier.  Many will say that we, Onks Woodwind Specialists, repair oboes and clarinets.  But I’d say we restore happiness!  Learning to play the oboe, bassoon or clarinet has enough challenges without having faulty equipment.  It never gets old to see the smile on someone’s face after we are able to remedy their instrument’s troubles.

One of the other great perks of attending an event of this nature is reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones.  My close friend, Hannah Selznick of Hannah’s Oboes, also attended and brought many fine oboes for the kids to try.  Hannah is one of a kind, and it has been a privilege to get to know her over the past years.  For your next oboe purchase, visit Hannah’s website www.hannahsoboes.com

I was also very fortunate to meet my two newest friends,  Dr. Stephen Caplan and Mr. Peter Cooper.  Both of these gentlemen have enough accolades to fill up the internet, they sound amazing and have a wealth of knowledge to offer anyone that wants to learn about the oboe.  BUT, the quality that most impressed me was how humble both Dr. Caplan and Mr. Cooper were.  They are easy to talk to and were great with the kids at this event.  It is always a privilege to meet people that are at the top of their fields, yet still enjoy spending time helping others and are humbled to do so.  If you are an oboist and nearing college age, I’m sure Dr. Caplan and Mr. Cooper would be honored to have you attend their respective universities.  Click on their names to learn more about these two extraordinary gentlemen.