Document Type

Honors Thesis

Production/Collection Date

March 17, 2025 (collection of data)

Production/Collection Location

Music & Arts (collection of materials)

Depositor

Mads A Barajas

Deposit Date

5-21-2025

Data Type

observational data

Abstract

Among bassoonists, it is understood that store-bought bassoon reeds are not manufactured to meet the needs of bassoonists. This study identifies commercial reed brands which permit school age bassoonists to play without unnecessary resistance and response issues, thus increasing awareness of reed selection to reduce formation of bad habits such as biting, improve tone, and reduce reed costs. Three reeds from four of the most common commercial bassoon reed brands were tested, accounting for variability in agricultural goods and handmade products across brands. Crowing, stability and intonation, high note responses, and low note responses were tested on each reed. These tests determined resistance, pitch, articulation response, and range limits. Jones and Eastman bassoon reed brands were found to perform sufficiently. Stability and pitch was the most frequent issue in commercial reeds; however, pitch improvement was observed at the conclusion of the tests.

Disciplines

Fine Arts | Music Education | Music Pedagogy

Publication Date

5-2025

Language

English

Faculty Mentor of Honors Project

Graham Hunt

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