Re: Contra-Octave in band playing


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Posted by Andy Cattanach on May 04, 2001 at 03:16:39:

In Reply to: Contra-Octave in band playing posted by Austin H. on May 03, 2001 at 17:31:29:

Get hold of some good British brass band CD's!
Every section (2 EEb and 2 BBb tubas) has a "pedal" specialist on BBb tuba. The most important thing is that the BBb tuba playing the written note has a fat sound, or the contra note is worthless.
There are many brass band pieces with specific pedals written, because composers now realise what BBb players in bands can do. For instance,"Revelation" by Philip Wilby starts on a solo pp D for BBb, and includes a forte solo Gb (7 ledger lines below stave!. Band players will often finish quiet pieces on an F below this!
Some of the best "pedallers" in the UK scene include Dean Morley at Fodens band, Derek Jackson ex Black Dyke,Faireys, now retired, and Simon Gresswell of YBS band.

Andy Cattanach, BBb tuba ,UK (ex Fodens etc.)



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