An Oberlin Tradition
Housed within the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the Oberlin Conservatory Bassoon Reed Room has been in continuous operation since 1966, with the Conservatory renovations designed by architect Minoru Yamasaki. Located on the second floor, northeast end of Robertson Practice Hall, it has seen generations of bassoon students grow and prosper in the art of reedmaking. It is open to all past and present Oberlin bassoonists, and welcomes visiting bassoonists and guest artists as well.
The Reed Room is supplied with a modest but vital inventory of bassoon making equipment provided for the students who have not yet purchased their own. This includes a custom Sakakeeny-Van Hosen Fox cane shaper, two profilers, C-clamps, as well as an array of miscellaneous tools and stationary. The Reed Room is amply lit, with several reed lamps stationed around the provided workbench. Extra amenities include a stereo system, WiFi service, and complimentary work aprons.
In addition to equipment, the Reed Room is home to other cultural and musical resources as well. It boasts a collection of bassoon-related artwork left by alumni, including murals, mixed-media collages, sculpture, as well as printed pieces. The gallery is open to the public upon request, although parental discretion is advised. The Reed Room is currently in possession of the Leon Yunle Feng Score Library, on loan from Mr. Feng himself. The Reed Room is also the year-round home of the ever-popular Bassoon Christmas decorations.
All current bassoon students are welcome to a key, a reed locker, as well as shelf space. Lockers and shelves are claimed by a first-come basis, and incoming students will obtain their keys during orientation. Instruments may not be left in the Reed Room for overnight storage, and must be left in personal Con Central lockers. Please recognize that any tools and equipment left out on the workbench may be subject to studio-wide use. If you wish to maintain exclusive use of your tools, you are welcome to bring a padlock for reed lockers. Be respectful of other's belongings, equipment, and especially cane in the reed room, and most importantly PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELF.
