Thursday, July 30, 2009

Lessons to be held at my new house!

Lessons will take place at my new house starting on the 6th.


Directions:

From south 183 or 183A:

  • North on 183 (or 183A), through Cedar Park
  • Left at New Hope
  • Right on Lakeline
  • Left on Osage (not a light, but neighborhood entrance - The Highlands at Crystal Falls)
  • Turn right on Highland Trail (at stop sign)
  • Go straight after the next stop sign & our house is down at the end on the left
  • 2507 Highland Trail, Leander, TX 78641

Feel free to ask me if you'd like to know alternate routes.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Tying on Blanks




The pics are courtesy of our most recent reed-making class.   

Here are some important things to remember about tying on blanks:
  • soak cane for at least 25 minutes
  • tie thread on a hook for best positioning
  • unwind thread enough so you have room to work
  • measure carefully and make pencil marks
  • start wrapping thread around the cane checking both sides constantly to ensure even closing of the sides
  • check the cane to make sure it is straight side-to-side as well as parallel to the mandrel
  • once wrapped almost to the bottom make 3-4 knots and cut your thread
  • measure, mark, and scrape your tip and then allow it to dry out overnight


Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Reed Class Reminders

All the new little reed-makers are on their way!  You guys are doing great.

Assignment for the week:
make one new blank for me to check
get one more reed's tip scraped enough to clip
get the reed you clipped open tonight thinned out more & crowing some

Reminders:
be patient
be patient
be patient
: )
also...  take your time on each step
sharpen your knife often
don't use pressure on your strokes
make sure your strokes go only one way & follow all the way through at a good angle

Next week's class will be at the Gill's again at 6:30. 

have fun!!!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

What's Up Wednesday?

It's Wednesday & I thought it would be a good time for a weekly update.  

The first reed class went well for the students involved with that venture.  If you got started with me last night be sure to be patient & practice in a well lit room & try to make a good work space for yourself.  There should be some "carpentry" going on for your tie-on boards.  : )  

If you weren't able to make it to the first class, do not worry we will meet again Tuesday at the Gill's house at 6:30PM.  If you are not involved with the reed classes now don't feel left out because you will be able to join in the fun in a year or two.  Remember it is a whole other skill set & takes lots of time, patience & money to be successful.  Once you have a really good start to oboe playing then you can begin the adventure in reed making.  : )

Lessons this week are taking place at Grisham MS.  See you tomorrow!