Dr. Laura Arganbright is in demand as an oboist with a diverse portfolio of musical projects including performance, education, and reed-making. She is the principal oboist with the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, the Arizona Philharmonic, and the Opera Neo orchestra. Most recently, Laura performed Oscar Navarro's Oboe Concerto Legacy with the Bakersfield Symphony. Laura has also appeared as a soloist performing the world premier of Viet Cuong's double oboe concerto Extra(ordinarily) Fancy and with the Arizona Philharmonic performing Alessandro Marcello's Concerto in D minor. Laura has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, Jacaranda Music, and the Riverside Philharmonic.
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Laura is passionate about inspiring the next generation of musicians and music lovers. She currently serves as Oboe Teaching Artist for the Los Angeles Philharmonic YOLA program, an El Sistema-based organization that provides music education in historically underserved communities. Laura previously worked with The Harmony Project as well as the Thornton Community Engagement Program at USC, where she was twice recognized for outstanding performance, leadership, and commitment to the community. Laura enjoys teaching oboists of all ages and levels and maintains a robust and competitive private studio. Laura has operated a handmade reed business since 2015 and is enthusiastic about reed-making pedagogy. After graduating from the University of Southern California, she was invited to present guest master classes and serve as the reed-making coach for all current oboe majors.
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Laura completed the Doctorate of Musical Arts at USC in 2018. She graduated with honors and was awarded the Brandon Mehrle Service Award in recognition of individuals who demonstrate extraordinary support of the Thornton School of Music through a commitment of energy and professional expertise. While at USC, Laura led reed-making sessions, established the annual Oboe Cleaning Day for students to learn instrument care and maintenance, and was the oboe instructor for students pursuing music minors. Her academic studies were focused in Music Teaching and Learning, with additional emphasis on Baroque Oboe and Arranging. Laura studied oboe with Joel Timm and Marion Kuszyk, and baroque oboe with Lot Demeyer. Prior to living in Los Angeles, Laura earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in her native state of Arizona under the tutelage of Martin Schuring at Arizona State University.