The Hobbit Ocarina – 12 Hole Tenor by STL Ocarina

The Hobbit Ocarina – 12 Hole Tenor by STL Ocarina

This Ocarina is inspired by the Lord of the Rings.  The Hobbit ocarina is about 5 inches long, accurately tuned in the key of C Major, with a pitch range of 13 notes. It also has the capability of performing sharps and flats.  It comes with an online instructional booklet, as well as a Lord of the Rings songbook.

The Hobbit Ocarina is available from STL Ocarina for $59.99.

St. Louis Ocarina was established in 2005 to help revive interest in the art of ocarina playing. Their ocarinas have appeared with major symphony orchestras under the direction of such notable conductors as Pierre Boulez and Michael Tilson Thomas. They have been used in performances with the New World Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony, Chicago Symphony and most recently, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in their holiday concerts. Not only do they strive to provide the highest quality instruments, they are also committed to helping each of person on their path to mastering the ocarina. Whether you are a seasoned professional or are picking up an ocarina for the first time, it is their goal to provide you with all you need to continue improving.

The Ocarina is an ancient instrument.  Clay ocarinas were played by the Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas of South and Central America.  Ocarinas shaped like birds and animals were found in India as early as 5,000 BC.  It was a popular instrument for servicemen in the first and second world wars but then not much until the Legend of Zelda in the 1990’s.

The ocarinas do not cost much – they are relatively inexpensive and easy for children to begin to learn.  It is an instrument that is easy to put in their hands unlike other instruments that may require a significant financial investment.

I was beyond excited to receive this Ocarina to review.  I would honestly have been happy with just about any Ocarina but this was my absolute first choice and thankfully they obliged.  I read The Hobbit series in high school.  I can’t even describe to you how much I hated it!  I was in a college prep Freshman English class and my teacher was tough.  It seemed like I could never get ahead.  Of course at that time I had not quite discovered a love for reading.  It was still a chore and definitely a chore I could not appreciate.  That was Freshman year and what a long way I traveled between then and Senior year.  By my Senior year I had a full time job and except for money for gas, my car and insurance – every penny I earned went towards reading materials to fuel my love for reading.  It was the year of “where have you been all my life”.  I re-read The Hobbit – I assumed there was something there to be passionate about.  Oh my goodness – since then I have been a huge fan.  I still can’t stand to hear anyone call a person or an animal Precious!  Yeah that echoes in my thoughts long past the moment the words are actually uttered.

My oldest son is an accomplished guitarist.  I used to play guitar with him but his skills far surpassed mine relatively quickly – Then I took piano for a little while but then life took several unexpected turns and I left music.  Now I have a 9 year old daughter (our youngest child) who definitely wants to be an accomplished musician.  We have started taking piano lessons again and having a great time doing it together.  She wants voice lessons desperately and also takes recorder lessons.  It was quite the discussion when I was explaining to her that this Ocarina is for ME!  I am almost always willing to pass on whatever they have an interest in because I really want to fuel their creativity – but no, so sorry – this stays with me and I can’t wait to learn some songs on it.  It is such a gorgeous sound.  But rest assured – I will be purchasing an Ocarina of some sort for her – just not mine…

I have never been a fan of wind instruments – at least not playing them.  But after taking Irish Step dancing as an adult for years I have developed a true appreciation for a flute type sound and these vessels have a sound that is very soothing and comforting.  I can’t think of any instrument except maybe a harp that has such a soothing sound.

STL Ocarina has so many designs to choose from – My daughter will love to pick one out for herself.  Perhaps the 12 hole Dwarf Tenor? Or a 12 hole Plastic Tenor? Or a 12 hole Iron Man Tenor?

Everyone who knows me knows once I commit to something – I am “all in” and my daughter – yeah she is definitely my daughter.  I am also going to need one of the 6 hole C Major Necklace Ocarina’s – gonna need one with me at all times!  You never know when the moment to play will present itself…

I wish I could play a song for you but not quite yet – I assure you once I can though – I will be YouTubing it…

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