Does anyone have any information on playing the English Horn? I've always been in love with this instrument, but I have no clue about it. I'm only planning on playing it for my own amusement, because I don't think an English Horn would really fit in with our concert band.

The English Horn plays exactly like the oboe, except its slightly longer, has a slightly larger reed, has a bocal, and normally lacks a low Bb key. It is keyed in F, a fifth below the oboe. The only trouble comes in getting your hands on one. As for concert band, you can always play the french horn part (its the same key), because concert bands don't normally require too much differentiation between sounds, except in solos.

Come to think of it, I never really thought of where I would actually buy/rent one from. There are plenty of music stores around, and I've never looked recently (as in the last year or so) to see if they have any instruments to buy/rent. Thanks for the info!

Your school should have at least 1, or the ablity to rent one for you...

Ebay normally has an english horn or two, but if you don't feel that's reliable, than look through classifieds or local music stores.

You can go to this website: http://www.public.asu.edu/~schuring/Oboe/EH101.html
very reliable.

The English Horn plays exactly like the oboe, except its slightly longer, has a slightly larger reed, has a bocal, and normally lacks a low Bb key.

This is sort of true, since oboes and english horns are based off the same instrument. What most people don't realize before picking up EH, is that the embochure and technique differ a lot. I would suggest getting a teacher that plays both oboe and english horn so they can give you tips on how to switch.

It is keyed in F, a fifth below the oboe.

I would learn how to transpose if you are thinking of EH. Then you will have less problems later, when you are trying to figure these things out.

The only trouble comes in getting your hands on one.

Not really a problem - most high schools have at least one, sometimes two. The problem is that if you aren't enrolled in the school, the directors will sometimes get fussy. At my local high school, I have access to the EH because I play in the band (but am not enrolled).

As for concert band, you can always play the french horn part (its the same key), because concert bands don't normally require too much differentiation between sounds, except in solos.

But usually there is an EH part. If not, you can play oboe.

alex

I've been playing the oboe for about 5 years now. I own my own oboe and a really great place to buy one (depending on where you are) are the Covey Oboe stores. There's one in downtowm Atlanta and they're great. I believe that they also have English Horns and bassoons. They also make great reeds and so repairs and tune ups if you need them. They really are great. I'm not sure if they have any other locations, but if you're ever in the area, definitely stop by. The website for their Atlanta store is http://www.oboes.com/welcome.html.

In response to oboistfrk:

I have yet to come across a concert band, symphonic band, or wind ensemble piece with a seperate english horn part. Also, the first time I picked up an english horn (several years after I picked up oboe) I was able to play it exactly like an oboe. Really the only difference I felt was a need to widen your fingerings, which I had no trouble doing, being a bassoon and piano player. The embouchure was pretty much the same.

.......

Wero:

I can tell you don't understand what I was talking about.

Getting your hands on one = finding one to play.

And about ensemble pieces. Where does your director get their music?!?!?! In EVERY piece we play in ALL the bands I'm in we need an english horn. Sometimes there are long solos too.

I do have a question though that maybe you guys can help me with. A frne do fmine was asking me a bunch of questions about the difference between oboes and english horns. The one that she asked me that confused me was "Say you've got a middle B- flat marked for you to play on the english horn part. I know that they are different notes (B flat on oboe and B flat on english horn) but are the fingerings the same?" I didn't quite know how to answer her. Any ideas?

I have typing issues. I meant to say "a friend of mine". That should teach me to type fast and not check my spelling.

The fingerings for the oboe and english horn are exactly the same. The real difference is what key they're in.

The key is not important, at least for the people who I've talked to. Many people I have talked to, like me, are often placed in a situation where the EH player is missing. The only way to deal with this is to have a asst. player transpose the EH part - not a problem as soon as you can figure it out.

alex

But when you are looking on a EH part at a Bb, the note will come out as an F concert pitch.