You may have wondered why you never see Choate’s Symphony Orchestra’s new oboe player in the Lanphier Café or crossing the street between classes. Well, that’s because oboist Johanna Alstott doesn’t go to Choate!
For the past few years, there were students at Choate who were advanced-level oboists, such as Sonja Eliason ’15 and Anne Wo ’15. However, now that these two oboists have graduated, there are no longer students that play advanced oboe at Choate. The lack of an advanced oboist is problematic, as the oboe is a crucial member of the orchestra; the entire woodwind section tunes their instruments to the first oboe, and the intonation (or pitch) is the principal oboe player’s responsibility.
In addition, the Choate orchestra plays music that requires a principal oboist. Therefore, the Choate oboe teachers recommended that Alstott step in. “She’s a wonderful person and a wonderful oboe player. She’s holding the section together with her intonation. She plays perfectly in tune,” orchestral director Mr. Phillip Ventre commented. Alstott is also incredibly committed, driving to campus from New Haven for orchestra rehearsals and each week.
Though it may seem odd, Choate has brought in outside players for different instruments several times in the past. “An orchestra has to have complete instrumentation. Each person has a specific assignment and role. Together, they form a group.”
Alstott, who is currently 15 years old, began playing the oboe at the age of twelve. “I fell in love with the instrument, and at this point I wouldn’t give it up for anything,” she said. Alstott believes that the tone, color, and repertoire of the oboe make it one of the most beautiful instruments in the orchestra: “The orchestral repertoire for the instrument is astounding, and you rarely find a piece where there isn’t an interesting oboe line somewhere,” she said. Alstott also mentioned her fascination with “the non-musical challenges of the instrument, such as reed making and adjusting the oboe.”
Alstott, who is also the principle oboist for the Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra, enjoys the challenges of the Choate orchestra. In particular, she loves the fact that the orchestra is playing pieces from various time periods and cultures. Alstott is learning about Classical music (Mozart), 20th century South American ballet music (Ginastera), and a contemporary piece with strong jazz influences (“Uke Can’t Be Serious”).
Though she does is not a student at Choate, Alstott plays a significant role as the oboist in our orchestra. Be sure to keep an eye out for her at the next Choate Symphony Orchestra performance!
