For more information, or to be notified via e-mail with information regarding date, location, and registration information, please send a message to Dr. Binkley. Information will be updated regularly as details become available.

Get to Know the Oboe! Workshop

Are you interested in playing the oboe?  Are you a frustrated beginning oboist with lots of questions?  Are you curious about switching to the oboe from another instrument?  Or are you a band director in need of a refresher course on basic oboe technique?  Join Dr. Lindabeth Binkley, Principal Oboist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, in a hands-on workshop for beginning oboists that will help you discover if the oboe is the instrument for you.   Learn about the instrument, its double reed, how to play it, and get started on the right track to oboe success!

Participation is open to:

• A new student interested in trying out the oboe or a beginning oboist who already has their own oboe.  A limited number of instruments will be provided for participants without access to an oboe (register early to reserve one).  One oboe reed made by Dr. Binkley will also be provided for the participant’s use.

• A parent.   Attend the Parent Meeting and get all your questions answered regarding the needs of a young oboist.  Also join us for the closing recital featuring performances by workshop participants, Dr. Binkley, and members of her oboe studio.

• An auditor.  Observe and learn about basic oboe technique.  If you are an instrumental director, refresh your memory regarding oboe methods so you are better equipped to help the young oboists in your ensembles.

Next GKO Workshop:  Spring 2009

Location TBA

Making Oboe Reeds 101  

This two day workshop is an introductory class for beginning reed makers.  No experience is necessary as Dr. Binkley will start from scratch on day one with reed making fundamentals (tying a blank, knife scraping technique, knife sharpening technique, the rough scrape, etc.).  Day two will focus on getting the reed to vibrate and achieving the proper “crow.”  By the end of day two, the student will be on his or her way to becoming a self sufficient reed maker.  Space is limited to 10 students.  Students are responsible for all required reed making materials (a list of required materials will be provided with registration information).  

Next Making Oboe Reeds 101 Workshop:  Winter 2008

Location and fee TBA

Oboe Reed Making Marathon

Does your reed making need a tune-up?  Do you feel confused, frustrated, and dissatisfied with how your reeds are working?  Are you feeling anxious about an upcoming audition and the state of your reeds?   Join Dr. Lindabeth Binkley, Principal Oboist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and a special Guest Oboist (TBA) for a day of hard core, no holds barred oboe reed making.  This day long (10:00 AM- 5:00 PM) marathon master class is open to experienced reed makers of all ages.  CAUTION:  THIS IS NOT A BEGINNING LEVEL CLASS.  While we may make reeds from scratch during the course of the day, this is not an introduction to reed making.

Next Marathon:  TBA

Location and fee TBA

Binkley Studio Reed Making and Performance Master Class

This is an intermediate group reed making/performance class held the last Tuesday of the month, 4:00-6:00 PM, at the Tucson Symphony Center (2175 N. 6th Ave.) and is primarily for Dr. Binkley's private oboe students (i.e. they are required to participate). If you are currently studying with a different teacher and are interested in attending or participating in this class, please contact Dr. Binkley for more information and eligibility requirements.