Re: Re: Re: Is the Tuba a 'good' instrument?


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Posted by Chuck(G) on June 16, 2003 at 11:50:18:

In Reply to: Re: Re: Is the Tuba a 'good' instrument? posted by js on June 15, 2003 at 22:10:26:

This makes me wonder if the very common practice of taking the kids who can't handle trumpet and handing them a tuba isn't doomed to failure.

First off, as you (Joe) pointed out, the trumpets are typically the flashy-dresser-fast-cars-and-loose-women type of ego cases (well, someone has to do it). Problems playing trumpet (inability to breathe right, match pitch, keep time, etc.) are usually a formula for disaster. And then there's the basic attitude of "I wasn't good enough for trumpet, so they handed me a tuba".

I've had some success (I volunteer when I can) by bringing a nice shiny tuba early in the fall term, showing it off and then asking who might be interested in learning to play this magnificent instrument. It's big, true, but it's also the foundation for the band and takes someone with special qualities, etc.

Not as a punishment for failure. That's why God made saxophones.


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