9 Things I hate about the tuba and the tuba community!!!

[k001k47]

I think you should follow up with nine things you love about the tuba community.

[Dan Schultz]

I'm glad I'm a rank amateur!

[amirlgray]

Thanks guys!!! Glad you guys enjoyed it. I will definitely be coming with a follow up in the future and this is just the start so look to see more blogs coming soon.

[Radar]

I'm glad I'm a rank amateur!

You're in good company.

I'll get on this dogpile too!!

This was a very well written blog, with some solid points. Thanks for sharing this with us!!

[opus37]

I have to admit I'm guilty of some of these transgressions. However, knowing about equipment and the differences, problems and solutions has helped my playing and enjoyment of the instrument. It has helped me determine if a wayward horn is worth my restoration efforts. There are some really great players and teachers, if you listen to them, are really about the sound and the song. Yes, they do use gimmicks to make them unique, but it serves the purpose of getting people to listen in the first place. You are right it is all about the enjoyment of playing. Both for the player and anyone willing to listen. One thing to like about tuba players, they all seem to have a good sense of humor (OK maybe most.)

[Three Valves]

There is a thin line between gimmick and innovation. The Tuba world is more impressed with gimmicks than innovation. Music should express something. If the technique isn’t being added for new finesse, a new way to stroke the brush, and build upon the art form, then my big question is, “WHY???”

Isn't this true of most post war classical music composers as well??

[Rick Denney]

The answer to your first question is...trumpet players! Trombone players! They obsess about loudness as much or more as do tuba players.

And on the topic of gimmicks, I've never seen some of the things that get trumpet players worked up applied to tubas. Music is hard to do well; people are always looking for shortcuts, no matter what instrument they play.

Who rules the tuba world? Does the tuba world have a ruler? I guess I didn't get the memo. When I hear Gene Pokorny speak about tuba playing, I always listen. Same for Sheridan, Baadsvik, Pilafian, or even certain blokes. Are they theorists? Any of them? Now, if you wanted to say that forums like this are ruled by theorists, and if you changed "ruled" to "dominated", then you might have had a point at one time. But now I think they are more dominated by those unwilling to consider theory.

You have 5-1/2 octaves of working range? I'm impressed. I think I can manage three, and I think I can still agree with the point you are making.

Finally, "griping" only requires one "p".

Rick "beware of demonstrating what you complain about" Denney

[Worth]

I was a Trumpet player back in HS in the 70s. Shortly thereafter switched to the Euphonium. Around 5 years ago I got the Tuba bug and now understand tubaholism. It's not a hate issue but more of a challenge that I've made great strides with. One word, partials. Now I know that French horn players will roll their eyes, but nailing the right partial in the mid upper to upper registers at the beginning of a song or coming in cold on an entrance note is certainly more challenging than doing so on Euphonium or Trumpet. Much of it boils down to pitch recognition and setting the correct buzz. I think of it as positive stress. The tuba community? If this forum is any indication I dig the camaraderie and candor.

[Heavy_Metal]

tubaholism

[k001k47]

bearskin tuba bags?

Rancid Bear Grease