Shane Wedel, Oboe

Member of Southwest Florida Symphony since: 2014

Born: in Montana, but grew up in Spokane, Washington

Age started learning Oboe: 6th grade - “though I poorly attempted clarinet in 5th grade”

Degrees: Bachelor of Music: University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music. Master of Music: Rice University - Shepherd School of Music.

Shane took 7 years of private oboe lessons before getting into college. 2 years of private piano lessons in elementary school, and 1 year of private voice lessons in high school.

Symphonic experience Shane brings to SWFSO:
Orquesta Sinfonica de Mineria, Charlottesville Opera Orchestra, Naples Philharmonic, The Florida Orchestra, Sarasota Opera Orchestra, The Orlando Philharmonic, The Palm Beach Symphony Florida Grand Opera, The Louisiana Philharmonic, The Victoria (Tx) Symphony, The Mid-Texas Symphony, the Las Colinas Symphony, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra (Louisiana)

Famous musicians Shane has worked with: “Aside from those whom I studied oboe with, Larry Rachleff who was the incredibly demanding and well known professor of Orchestral Conducting and the Music Director at Rice University was formative in my development as a musician and an oboist. Learning from him during my Masters degree is most memorable. I was selected to perform with Richard Killmer, the esteemed oboe professor at Eastman University, as a student at the Banff Center Masterclass residency performing Mozart's C Minor Serenade. This was a truly memorable performance for me with an unparalleled musician.”

Special music awards, scholarships, or accomplishments Shane has earned?

“While a student I was privileged to be selected as an oboe fellow for the prestigious Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.

I performed as English horn soloist with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra performing Aaron Coplands Quiet City with Principal Trumpet Kris Marshall in 2018. Additionally, I was scheduled to perform as English horn soloist performing Gordon Jacob's Rhapsody with the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra in 2020. That performance was unfortunately cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a student, I was a finalist for Rice Universities Shepherd School of Music Concerto Competition performing John Corigliano's Oboe Concerto. Other solo performances include a performance of Witold Lutoslawski's Double Concerto for Oboe and Harp with the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Contemporary Ensemble, and as a Concerto Competition winner at the Sewanee Summer Music festival performing Vivaldi's Oboe Concert in A Minor, RV 461.

Something you may not know about Shane “I am an excellent cook who enjoys preparing food for my family and friends and I am a proud parrot dad to an eclectus parrot named Rosie.”

What Shane likes most about playing in SWFSO: “This is easy, my wonderful colleagues!”