Bassoon reeds are expensive! Once upon a time, I was a low-income high school student in Washington State. My band director, Mr. Simpson, put a bassoon in my hands because he thought it would create opportunities for me- and it did! Now, it’s time for me to pay it forward! Founded by Washington State University’s Assistant Professor of Bassoon, Dr. Jacqueline Wilson, Cougar Reeds aims to remove the financial barriers associated with playing the bassoon and provide the students and educators of Washington State with unrestricted access to high-quality, hand-made reeds.

Who is it for?

Cougar Reeds proudly provides high-quality, handmade bassoon reeds to any middle school, junior high, or high school student for whom purchasing reeds would present a financial barrier to starting or continuing to play the bassoon. For some families, the expense of a single bassoon reed might be cost-prohibitive. Others can afford the occasional reed purchase, but not frequently enough for the student to have the depth of options they need be successful (often causing them to play a reed long past its shelf-life!). Some students may want to try switching to or doubling on the bassoon and are hesitant to start because of the added expense of bassoon reeds. All of these familial scenarios (and more!) are great fits for Cougar Reeds!

How does it work?

Instrumental music educators teaching middle school, junior high, or high school in Washington State may request three reeds per student per semester for no cost. There is no limit on the number of students you may request reeds for, and each reed order is accompanied by a handout that teaches the student(s) how to care for their reeds. For convenience and sustainability of the program, I do ask the following:

• Please submit requests for all of your bassoonists at once, if possible

  • All reeds will be sent in a single package, so tell them to have an Altoid tin or other mock reed case ready!

• Please cover my shipping costs, if possible (not possible? email me and we’ll work something out)

• Please understand that as demand increases, so do wait times. I am currently fulfilling orders on a “first come, first served” basis as I’m able. It may be several weeks before you get your order, and I am not able to guarantee when reeds will be sent.

How often can I request?

Please only submit one request per semester or twice per year. If your student needs more than six reeds per year, there is a good chance they’re not caring for them properly. Have a reasonable exception? Email me and we’ll work something out

Orders are closed for the summer! I will open up again for Back to School!

Would you like to support Cougar Reeds? You can help offset the cost of cane and other supplies by donating here: