Classical Musician Needs Help to Purchase Oboe

Hi all,

Hudson, our 16-year-old son, aspires to be a professional oboist. To make this possible, he needs to purchase a wood oboe. The type and kind of oboe greatly impact the sound, and regardless of the maintenance performed, a rented or borrowed resin/plastic oboe simply doesn't sound as robust or rich as a professional wood oboe. In fact, did you know the oboe tunes the entire orchestra? That's because its penetrating sound can be heard by everyone in the orchestra.

For the last year, Hudson has been studying privately with one of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra oboists, who has assisted him in selecting the most appropriate oboe for future performances and college auditions. Hudson is currently a junior in high school and making his list of conservatories that he would like to visit and then audition to attend college while maintaining straight A's in AP courses.

Additionally, using a rented oboe, he has participated in some of the country's best summer programs (French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts and the Brevard Music Center High School Orchestral Institute). During the school year, he participates in the audition-based Pennsylvania Music Educators Association's Honors Band and District Band using borrowed or rented oboes. Additionally, for the last two years, he has participated in the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras and Young Peoples Symphony Orchestra. This year, he also participates in the Youth Chamber Connection and the audition-based Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

We have located a used 2005 Loree ROYAL oboe (Full conservatory, F# tab, left-hand F, F resonance, Adjustable Thumb Rest. Trills and third-octave tone holes have been inserted and sealed expertly. Tiny crack from the socket to the F# tone hole and F# resonance have been sealed) to purchase. The cost is $6,552.

We are hoping that classical music lovers, educators, and patrons of the arts will consider donating to help defray some of the cost of purchasing the oboe. We know Hudson will go far in all his endeavors and appreciate any support in helping him along the way. As they say, it takes a village.

Thanks for your consideration,

Dana, Grant, and Hudson Hackley