Publications

Journal Articles

Maes, Kelsey A. “Arundo donax or Bust? Part I: Has Arundo donax always been used for Double Reeds?” The Double Reed 48, no. 2 (2025): 42-50. Link.

Leonardo Graduate Abstracts (LGA), MIT Press, 2025.

Maes, Kelsey. “Arundo donax or Bust? A Preliminary Investigation into Alternative Natural Materials for Oboe Reeds.” DMA research paper abstract, Arizona State University, 2024. Link.

Conferences

International Double Reed Society Conferences

IDRS 2025

From Ear to Reed: Enhancing Aural Performance through Ear Training
Lecture

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From Ear to Reed

Cane Matters: Elevating Your Oboe Reeds through Effective Cane Processing
Workshop

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Cane Matters

IDRS 2024

Arundo donax or Bust?

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Arundo donax or Bust?

DMA Research Paper

Maes, Kelsey A. 2024. “Arundo donax or Bust? A Preliminary Investigation into Alternative Natural Materials for Oboe Reeds.” DMA research paper, Arizona State University. ProQuest (31238831).

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ABSTRACT

Since the Baroque era, Arundo donax has been the primary material for Western classical woodwind reeds. This preliminary investigation explores alternative natural materials for oboe reeds, surveying historical reed materials and non-Western double reeds. A study of plants in the Poaceae family identified many candidates and we obtained material from Phragmites and Bambusa textilis to experiment with. Martin Schuring and I created reeds from these materials, and Dr. Joshua Gardner and I conducted a study with six oboists. Eight oboists overall successfully made reeds from Phragmites and bamboo. Initial analysis suggests potential in these materials, though further research is necessary to confirm long-term suitability.

In-Progress

Cane Quality Research:

This ongoing research explores the visual and microscopic characteristics of Arundo donax cane. By combining traditional visual assessments with microscopic analysis, I am investigating whether common indicators of cane quality – color, density, and vascular structure – correlate with reed function. This work aims to bridge the gap between anecdotal experience and scientific evidence, helping reed makers make more informed decisions when selecting and processing cane while introducing the microscope as a reed making tool in our expanding arsenal of equipment. The preliminary studies conducted were presented as a workshop in 2025 at the International Double Reed Society Conference in Indianapolis, IN.