Posted by Doug Whitten on March 23, 2003 at 00:13:21:
In Reply to: Public schools tubas MS level posted by Greg on March 22, 2003 at 21:49:42:
The other Doug said to buy full sized tubas and leave 'em in Tuba tamers. Well, that is the first time I have heard of that, but it sounds like it may work.
In my experience as a middle school band director, I had the best luck with 3/4 sized upright valved tubas. This is because upright valves are far less vulnerable when the horn is dropped. Likewise, 3/4 sized horns are easier for 11-14 year olds to carry, and therefore, less likely to get dropped in the first place.
Any of the American brands will work well for school use because they tend to be built like tanks, using thicker brass than most non-US horns. One of my personal favorites is the Holton.