Connecticut-based oboist Steve Wade is president of the Regional Orchestra Players Association.

On Thursday’s (7/25) Connecticut Public Radio, Lori Mack and Patrick Skahill report, “For musician Steve Wade, an oboist and the national president of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association, playing it is a constant challenge. ‘As an oboe player … you’re making your instrument every day,’ Wade said. ‘The reeds that I’m playing, I make them, just as most professionals do …’ Wade is an experienced performer, playing throughout New England with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Boston Virtuosi and other ensembles. He’s also served as a military musician for 30 years with the U.S. Coast Guard Band. But he’s also a devoted advocate for musicians. As the current head of the Regional Orchestra Players’ Association, or ROPA, Wade’s group represents a union of about 6,000 players around the United States. ROPA is holding its annual conference in San Francisco starting July 30. The gathering will celebrate 40 years for the organization…. ‘People back then in regional orchestras were finding that their lives and their problems were a lot different from the players in some of the bigger orchestras,’ Wade said, ‘and the idea was to help them get better wages and working conditions.’… Wade said, ‘It’s more important than ever that we show people what we are and what we do.’ ”