The oboe produces a clear, distinct sound that’s slightly lower in pitch than the flute.
The oboe is a member of the woodwind family and is played like a bassoon.
The oboe’s player blows onto two slim reeds that vibrate against each other, and presses down on buttons or keys that cover holes in the instrument to change the sound (like the clarinet).
The oboe is made up of three sections that come apart: the top joint, the middle joint, and the bell. The oboe family also includes the cor anglais or ‘English horn’ which is around one-and-a-half times the size of an oboe.
The first oboist in the orchestra has a very important job – to play an ‘A’ note to help all
instruments get in tune before a concert.