Carrie Harris, age 14, of Akron, Ohio, for her question:

WHEN WAS THE OBOE INVENTED?

An oboe is the smallest and highest pitched of the double reed woodwind instruments. It was developed in France during the mid 1600s.

Oboe comes from two French words: "haut," meaning high, and "bois,11 meaning wood.

Three octaves make up the range of the instrument that is about 21 inches long. The instrument is hard to play because so little air is needed to blow it. This makes it difficult for the player because he must breathe more slowly than normally.

The English horn is an alto oboe, a fifth lower in pitch than the oboe.

The oboe is used in symphony orchestras, concert bands and small ensembles. Sometimes it is used for solos. Among the famous composers who have turned out works especially for the oboe are Beethoven, Handel and Mozart.

Today's oboe is known for its smooth and beautiful tone. Early instruments, however, gave off loud and harsh tones.