Oboefest is back!
The summer oboe camp you always wanted and never knew how much you needed. Based around Chicago and open to ALL student oboists.
What is oboefest?
OboeFest is a 5-day, summer camp experience focused on all things oboe. Most importantly, OboeFest is open to oboists of any age and any skill level.
Through various sessions and masterclasses, students will refine their playing skills across the board, from articulation and musicality to intonation, technique, and rhythm. Students will also learn how to make reeds, play and perform in a large oboe ensemble, and even compose for the oboe!
The week ends in a culminating performance, where family and friends are invited.
2026 details
Camp 1: Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL
July 6-10, 9 am to 3 pm
Instructor: Dr. Dan Schwartz
Camp 2: Elgin Community College in Elgin, IL
August 3-7, 9 am to 3 pm
Instructor: Dr. Dan Schwartz
Cost- $350 per camp, includes camp t-shirt, music, and reeds for scraping.
If you would like to register for both camps, $600!
Dr. Dan Schwartz is oboe faculty at Roosevelt University and Lake Forest College, as well as principal oboe of the Illinois Symphony. With over 15 years as an oboe professor, composer, and orchestral musician, he cannot wait to share his passion and knowledge for the oboe with you!
Plus, he is fun… or at least thinks he is.
MOre Details!
Some reed-making tools will be provided, but it is recommended that students bring their own reed-making kit, which if you don’t own, you can buy here:
https://www.forrestsmusic.com/toolkits.htm
Lunch is not provided (we are oboists, not chefs!), so students should bring a bag lunch every day.
A full camp schedule will be included upon registration but typical days look like:
9 am- arrival and repertoire listening
9:30-10:30- reed making
10:30-11:30- large ensemble rehearsal
11:30-12:00- lunch
12:00-1:00- session/masterclass
1:00-2:00- reed making/composing
2:00-3:00- rehearsal
3:00- pickup
