 
Oboe Playin’ Fools Day
Saturday, March 31, 2007
George Mason University (Fairfax, VA)
Press Release  Flyer
(Janice during her Senior Oboe Performance recital)
On the eve of April Fools, George Mason University (Fairfax, VA) hosted “Oboe Playin’ Fools Day.” Oboists of all ages from the D.C. metropolitan area took part in free clinics, such as “Oboe Basic Training” and “How to Fix Up Store-Bought Reeds,” both presented by Lorrie Berkshire Brown, oboe professor at GMU. In addition, Mason hosted a performance clinic on “Woodwind Doubling and Improvisation,” featuring international recording artist (and jazz oboist), Charlie Pillow.
Oboists stopped by one of the main attractions, the “World of Oboe Petting Zoo,” Mason oboist Katie Kane’s colorful display of the oboe’s history. The exhibit also included a full line of handmade instruments to try, sponsored by Michael Britton, manager of T.W. Howarth of London, makers of many of the finest oboes, oboes d’amore, and English horns.
Events concluded with senior Janice Shin’s performance recital, where she was joined by several guests, including members of the United States Army Band “Pershing's Own” in Anthony Plog’s wind quintet, “Animal Ditties,” narrated by sophomore oboist, Joe Diliberti. Shin, along with graduate oboist, Devin Gardner, offered some contemporary sizzle in Joel Hoffman’s “Music for Two Oboes,” and Regan Brough, bassist for The Army Blues, joined Shin in Timothy Goplerud’s new work for English horn and string bass, “It Takes Two.” The program also featured a fun arrangement of Charlie Parker’s “Segment” for oboe quartet. 
(from left: Joe, Devin, Janice, Katie, and Amanda at Mason's first Oboe Day)
(from left: Amanda, Joe, and Katie in T.W. Howarth's Michael Britton master class) |
