The oboe, oh boy!

The oboe, oh boy!

The oboe is another strong member of the Woodwinds section. Some people might confuse it with the clarinet, but it’s a very unique instrument. New West Symphony principal oboist Lara Wickes helps us get more familiar with the instrument.  ...
“Bone”-afide contender: the trombone

“Bone”-afide contender: the trombone

There’s so much amazing variety in the orchestra, we could spend years learning the ins and outs of each instrument. Today, it’s a fun instrument that so many of us love: the trombone.   [youtube]7Q7CHWDoESw[/youtube]   You know it, probably because of it...
The harp: how many strings?

The harp: how many strings?

It’s not just the national symbol of Ireland. The harp has existed in some form for over 5,000 years, and it’s still seen today in the concert hall. It’s easy to see why it’s on Team Strings – they can have up to 47 strings! Harp...
See you bassoon!

See you bassoon!

Maybe you don’t think about the bassoon all that often, but it has stand-out moments in much of your favorite music, from the opening of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring to the music for Harry Potter: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. New West Symphony...

Harpsichord: the piano’s older sibling

[youtube]J6VO5lWRtbg[/youtube]   Sometimes people can’t decide whether the piano is a string or a percussion instrument. After all, it’s made up of dozens and dozens of strings! But the key element is the fact that pianos make their sound when little...