Theresa Delaplain,
Owner
I am one of those fortunate people who found both passion and profession at a very young age. I began my musical journey in the fourth grade when I started the violin, but I discovered my future in my elementary school orchestra where I fell in love with the mellow tones of the oboe, tones that breathed life into sound. Thanks to wonderful school programs, teachers, the constant support of my family, and my father playing Chopin and Mozart on the piano late into the night as I fell asleep, music became my life. I discovered a means of creative communication that could not be achieved in any other way. To this day, Romantic composers like Brahms, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky can energize or calm me. Occasional silence and Indian curry refuel me!
Through the years I have played across the United States, in addition to touring in Thailand, Germany and Canada. Performance is only part of the picture, with my more academic side focused on the rewarding work of teaching oboe at the University of Arkansas. Continuing to strive for professional fulfillment, I recently uncovered an additional musical niche, which added the challenge of a new venture to my musical career.
The retail market offers an opportunity to broaden my public impact through other musicians, whether novice or expert, who have their own audiences. I wasn't looking to simply open shop but wanted to preserve and continue a long-standing, highly reputable business tradition. I purchased a 65-year-old Illinois business, Edmund Nielsen Woodwinds, which I relocated to Arkansas. Selling premiere quality reeds and reed making supplies for the oboe and bassoon allows me to help others express themselves musically.