Marching and the Oboe

There are several reasons why oboes are not typically used in marching bands:

1. Oboes are relatively small and delicate instruments, making them vulnerable to damage during the physical demands of marching.
2. Oboes produce a soft and penetrating sound that may not project well in outdoor environments or over the larger, louder instruments commonly found in marching bands, such as brass and percussion.
3. The oboe is not traditionally associated with the types of music commonly performed by marching bands, which often feature brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments that can provide the necessary volume, projection, and blend in an outdoor setting.

In summary, while the oboe is a valuable and expressive instrument in other musical contexts, its size, fragility, and sound characteristics, have led to its limited use in marching bands, which typically prioritize instruments better suited to outdoor performance.

For occasions where oboe performance in marching, particularly in featured solos, we recommend the Legere oboe reed for ease of playing outdoors in changing climate conditions.