Why are there more clarinets than oboes in most bands?

The main factor is that the clarinets are very similar to the violins in an orchestra where there are usually at least 12 violins in the section. In most bands the parts are written so that there are ideally 12 clarinets (4 players on each of the 3 parts) while there are typically only 2 oboes because the oboe is more of a solo instrument. It has a very strident, edgy sound that works best for solos when the writer wants a line to stand out.

The reason that composers and arrangers like to write for large numbers of clarinets is because they blend together well. Just like the string section in an orchestra, the more clarinets, the better the overall sound. Clarinets blend very well within the section as well as with other instruments, so the more clarinets, the better. It’s the chameleon of the band in terms of it’s ability to blend with other instruments. In some large concert bands there can be up to 30 clarinets.

The oboe is a more difficult instrument to get a respectable sound. Another factor is that the oboe is definitely one of the hardest instruments to learn in the band even to play at a beginning level. If you have a good oboe player in your band, you are having a good year. It’s very rare to have even one good player with a good sound. Not only is the embouchure more demanding but the reed factor is really a problem until the oboist can learn to make and adjust his own reeds.

The expense of a clarinet vs. oboe. The last important factor for band teachers is that the clarinet is a fairly inexpensive instrument to buy. Beginner clarinets are often made of plastic and can be bought for under 200.00 and under 100.00 for some cheap brands, so more perspective students can afford them and the reeds are also much less costly. Clarinet reeds can be machine made at a very inexpensive rate of $1.00 compared to a similar quality reed for the oboe which is hand made and would cost somewhere in the $20.00 - 30.00 per reed range.