Posted by Jack on February 15, 2000 at 22:02:29:
In Reply to: Can Someone Please Help... posted by Tom on February 15, 2000 at 20:11:03:
Well Tom, I'm just a duffer, but I'll take a stab at it. I'd say that the technical demands are 1. to blow a lot of air through the horn so you get a good sound, 2. to play in tune, since you are on the bottom and the other instruments usually tune in relation to you, 3. to have good steady rhythm, because you often are the one that the other instruments depend on to keep the beat going. As for what makes it unique, other than the obvious fact that it is the biggest and lowest pitched of the brass instruments, I would say that it has a uniquely warm, rich, vibrant and lovely sound. Of course, some would say that as a tuba player myself, I am prejudiced. Listen to a good player and decide for yourself.