I've only been playing oboe for 2 and a half years, and, already, after auditions, I've been asked by my band director if I'd be interested in switching to bassoon. This is very annoying and upsets me a little, because I switched from sax to oboe, and everyone thought it was a really good switch. This would be my second switch, and I am a bit reluctant, because I've had to put so much money into oboe reeds and supplies for making oboe reeds. Of course, I wouldn't actually switch, but I wouldn't be playing oboe in band anymore, and I'm not sure whether I want to do that. I don't mind so much switching, since I probably won't make the top band on oboe, however, I'm not entirely sure....

What does everyone else think?

I played oboe from fourth to ninth grade, and then switched to bassoon for concert performances in that grade, playing oboe while marching. I think the primary factor for you should be if there will still be enough oboes if you switch to bassoon, because oboe is definitely more important. If there're lots of oboes, but no bassoons, go for bassoon. It's a lot of fun.

If you don't want to switch to bassoon don't. Next thing you know that teacher will have you on french horn. Stick with the oboe. Most people can't play it and you will be an asset to any band/orchestra you won't to join in the future.

I agree completely with oboemel. Don't make a switch if your heart isn't in it. I started on clarinet in high school (MANY years ago), and switched to oboe because that was where my interest was. Of course, there is nothing wrong with adding another instrument, but you should be able to play in band what you like the most.

Band directors are often in tough spots. They need certain instruments in their ensemble, and when those instruments are lacking or non-existant, they may ask one of the more talented students to make a switch. If anything, take it as a compliment to your abilities!

I have had an instrument switching problem as well. I have been playing the sax for four years and love playing the bari. I had gotten excellent things going for me....then the highschool told me they didn't need a saxophone player. WHAT??!? Well, they switched me to tuba..it was half of my weight and was too heavy for me. They then did melaphone and french horn and never gave me my instrument. Then when I was walking onstage on concert day she told me that I would be playing bassoon. The next concert she told me that I would be playing oboe. Then she told me I would be the only freshman in the top band that made me happy. Then she told me I would be playing both saxophone and oboe. I recently started playing both and it is a little tough because every time she needs a sax I have to get out that and then when she needs an oboe I have to do that...but it's nice.

But don't switch if you don't want to, what you play should be your decision. If you play bassoon and enjoy it then that's great, but if you try it and hate it then switch back to oboe.