r/Tuba

Hello everyone, as you may have read from the title, I am switching to tuba after playing the trumpet for almost 11 years (half-profesionally), but now due to medical reasons i need to switch to tuba (long story, i can only play a big mouthpiece). I've been practicing the tuba every day for over a month now.

As you might guess, I'm going through a sort of "backwards learning process" as i have no problems in the mid-high register (articulation is not a problem, neither is endurance - i've found i can play all day without getting tired, which is pretty amazing for someone coming from trumpet haha)

My main problem is the low register, i know i need to breathe more and blow a lot of slow, warm air, but i also hear and see everyone talking about "dropping your jaw", which seems very unnatural to me. When playing in the mirror i tend to pull my chin down when going up and dropping it when going lower seems to make it worse: it pulls my lips apart and they don't vibrate.

Do you think i need to learn the habit of "jaw' dropping, or is it fine if my embouchure barely moves at all and just slowly but surely expand my lower register with what i have?

I know it's a lot of theory to take in but i'm writing this while away from my horn so it'll be a couple of days before i can record myself playing to show what i mean.

Thank you in advance and have a good day!

Hi everyone,

After 10 years of not playing I recently joined an alumni concert band at my university and I'm getting back into it. Im looking for fun parts and solos to try practicing!

I'm looking for stuff that is just good fun to play and really highlights the beauty of the tuba. Im open to all levels of music, Id love a variety of levels so I can work up to the harder pieces (but remember I didnt major in music in college so be gentle with your reccomendations please!)

Back in high school I played in the wind ensemble, orchestra, jazz band (on the bass Trombone parts) and marching band (shout out to my fellow sousaphones!!)

My goal with this is to find joy in practicing again, and have pieces I can work towards playing. I dont want to just do scales and long tones every time I sit down lol (dont worry I promise not to skip the basics!!)

So what are your favorite parts to play? What pieces have brought you joy on the tuba?

I used to feel so self conscious about being a tuba player when I played back in high school (I was the only girl in my section) but Tuba is an awesome instrument and thats why I really want to get back into it and really have some fun.

I want to play this piece for a French competition, so I tried looking for the full version Bolero by Hector Berlioz on YouTube with no luck.

Hey!

I've been looking at tubas for a couple of years now as I want to switch out my old CC bass with a BBb (and hopefully an Eb). Since I'm investing quite a lot of money into a professional instrument I need to make sure I've made the right choice!

My main question:

Wessex Prokofiev or Yamaha YBB-623s? - What's your experience with these models?

A few side questions:

• Lacquered vs. silver-plated?
• Gold brass vs. yellow brass?
• Other suggestions for professional Bb tuba (and/or Eb)?

My criteria have been:

• Front-action
• Compensating 4-valve (or 5-valve)
• Silver-plated
• 4/4, 5/4 or 6/4 (for Bb)
• 4/4 or 3/4 (for Eb)

About me and my needs:

I'm a conductor and tutor for school and amateur bands, with a graduate degree in jazz performance, though I rarely play professionally these days. I want a contrabass and bass tuba that together can handle everything from brass band and wind band to orchestra, jazz/rock/metal, and solo work.

I've been pleased with my CC tuba, but it's on the small side, and since I mostly play in brass band, I'd love to move to Eb and Bb. One catch: I have some back trouble and can't play top-action instruments like my band's Besson Sovereigns — the stretch and the static sitting position don't work for me — hence the front-action requirement.