Oboe-ists are the coolest ever! In my school system we start learning instruments in the 5th grade, and you cannot begin on oboe, because they don`t offer it. I am sure this is the case in many areas. I started on clarinet and switched after a year. I have been playing oboe now for about 4 years. And I must agree that there are WAY too many flutists/floutists in this world! I wish you could play it in marching band!