Jennifer Ownby

Jennifer Ownby joined the Reeds ‘n Stuff team in 2023 as Oboe Product Specialist for the United States. She is an oboist based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and has been a professional oboe and English horn reedmaker since 2004. When she is not at the reed desk, she enjoys an active freelance career in the southeast. She currently performs often with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and has worked with the Colorado Symphony, Central City Opera Orchestra, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

Jennifer is excited to draw on her years of reedmaking experience for Reeds ‘n Stuff in the US and help reedmakers attain consistency and reliability with their reedmaking efforts.

What was your first impression of your new workplace?
The first thing I noticed was how friendly and kind everyone in the factory was! There is a real atmosphere of teamwork, and everyone was eager to answer my questions and show me around the shop. And the shop is INCREDIBLE! Rooms full of machine parts, the equipment that makes the parts, all the cane and reedmaking supplies...I had to keep convincing myself that I was not, in fact, in a dream.

What does your typical working day look like?
So far, there has not been a “typical day,” for which I am thankful. Since I am based in the US, I will be taking care of our customers and affiliate dealers there, and corresponding with my colleagues at the factory in Cranzahl to ensure that our US market is well served. I may be sent a gouging machine to adjust or be asked for advice on oboe reed measurements, or answer questions by email or virtual chat.

What are you looking forward to most in the near future?
I am eager to get to know our customers, visit their shops and schools, and chat about Reeds ‘n Stuff machines and equipment in person. I’m excited to help everyone make consistent, reliable reeds that work for them. I hope to help oboists understand that reedmaking does not have to be a source of anxiety (it can actually be fun!).