Oboe Slander

Matthew and LaBarrin

We're a podcast bringing oboe insights, gossip, and fun because the oboe deserves to be celebrated not isolated!

Episodes

  1. MAY 1

    Death and Transfiguration of Our Sanity

    Matthew and LaBarrin discuss their recent experiences, including Matthew's European excursion and LaBarrin's attendance at the IDRS Mid-North Conference. They also share their thoughts on reed profiling and its impact on their reed-making process. The conversation covers a range of topics including reed-making, orchestra performances, and personal experiences with music. Both speakers share insights into their recent gigs and the challenges they faced. They also discuss the impact of specific orchestra pieces on their musical journeys. The conversation covers a range of topics including musical performances, anxiety, and health concerns. The hosts share personal experiences and insights related to performance anxiety, health anxiety, and the impact of chronic illness on musical performances. They also discuss the differences between jazz and classical musicians in handling performance stress.

    1h 21m

  2. APR 1

    IDRS, IRS, and the Audition Spiral

    The conversation covers topics such as reed maintenance in dry climates, challenges of reed scraping and maintenance, the impact of humidity on reed performance, concert experiences and audience engagement, video game music in orchestral performances, experiences at the IDRS conference, and tax preparation for musicians. Each chapter delves into the unique challenges and experiences faced by musicians in these areas, providing valuable insights and perspectives. The conversation covers the topics of audition preparation and the read-making process, providing insights into the methods and challenges of preparing for auditions and creating oboe reads. The hosts share their experiences and strategies for these essential aspects of their musical careers.

    52 min

  3. MAR 1

    Canceled Gigs and Cracked Oboes

    The conversation covers a range of topics including reflections on the new year, reed making and maintenance, band arrangements and preferences, upcoming gigs and cancellations, freelance challenges, and instrument mishaps and care. The conversation covers the mishap with an oboe, the search for a new oboe, challenges faced in performance venues, practice techniques, teaching and learning music, and the experience with body percussion. It also highlights the challenges in music education and the importance of understanding music theory. Takeaways Freelance challengesInstrument careGig cancellations Practice techniques for musiciansChallenges faced by musicians in performance venues

    42 min

  4. FEB 1

    Different Reeds for Different Crimes

    The conversation covers a range of topics including hot wings, school assignments, upcoming trips, reed making, and the use of different reeds for various types of gigs and performances. The hosts also discuss their preferences for reeds in auditions and the challenges of playing difficult excerpts in front of an audience. The conversation covers various topics related to oboe playing, including experiences with different reeds, challenges with synthetic reeds, and the adaptation required for different playing situations. The hosts share anecdotes, insights, and reflections on these themes, providing a comprehensive exploration of oboe-related experiences and challenges. Takeaways Different reeds are used for different types of gigs and performances.The choice of reeds for auditions is based on comfort and familiarity rather than just sound quality. Adapting to different reeds for different playing situationsChallenges and experiences with synthetic reeds

    57 min

  5. JAN 15

    Heated Practice Rooms

    The conversation covers the challenges of oboe reed-making, holiday activities and experiences, and a discussion of the TV show 'Heated Rivalry.' The topics include the struggles of making oboe reeds in fluctuating weather, holiday break experiences, and even more discussion of the TV show 'Heated Rivalry.' The conversation covers the transition from school to real life, the challenges of being a musician, the social aspects of school, time management, reed-making challenges, and professional networking. It also explores the entertainment industry and the balancing of work and music in professional life.

    53 min

  6. JAN 1

    Formal Wear and False Promises

    In this episode of Oboe Slander, hosts LaBarrin Wallace and Matthew Covington discuss their recent holiday performances, teaching experiences, and the humorous moments that arise in the classroom. They share personal anecdotes about injuries sustained during performances, the challenges of dress codes in orchestra, and their New Year's resolutions aimed at improving their musical practices. The conversation also touches on the importance of reeds in performance and concludes with listener feedback and engagement.

    47 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    Gigmas

    In this episode, LaBarrin and Matthew dive into the busy season of Gigmas, discussing their experiences with reeds, performances, and the challenges of balancing music with academic pursuits. They share humorous anecdotes from holiday concerts, engage with listener feedback, and explore the transition from paper to digital music in performances. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of being a musician, fostering a sense of community among oboists.

    50 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Formatting For Good

    In this episode of Oboe Slander, hosts Matthew Covington and LaBarrin Wallace discuss their recent gigs and reed-making experiences, share insights on resumes and CVs for musicians, and dive into a lively discussion about the sequel film Wicked:For Good. They also touch on rehearsal etiquette, particularly regarding phone usage, and wrap up with a preview of future topics.

    1 hr

  9. 11/15/2025

    New Faces, Same Chaos

    In this episode, LaBarrin Wallace and Matthew Covington discuss the humorous and serious aspects of auditioning, the challenges of reed performance in varying weather conditions, and share personal stories from their recent gigs. They also delve into the frustrations of orchestra committees and the complexities of scheduling meetings, highlighting the importance of communication and collaboration among musicians.

    30 min

  10. 11/01/2025

    How We Met (and Other Oboe Disasters)

    In this episode of Oboe Slander, hosts Matthew and LaBarrin explore their friendship origins, share reed-making experiments, discuss recent gigs, and celebrate audition wins in the oboe community. They also reflect on their experiences in master classes, roast wind quintets, and express their preferences for chamber music, particularly trios. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a candid look at the life of oboists. No

    39 min

  11. 10/15/2025

    Meet the Slanderers

    Matthew and LaBarrin introduce themselves and the podcast. Talk about reeds, life as an oboist in the modern world, and have a Hoe-Down.

    32 min
  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

We're a podcast bringing oboe insights, gossip, and fun because the oboe deserves to be celebrated not isolated!

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew and LaBarrin
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Matthew and LaBarrin
  • Show Website
    Oboe Slander