DC Army Field Band Tuba Brands

Mudman · Post by **Mudman** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 12:10 am

The US Army Field Band and Soldier's Chorus just performed in town tonight. Does anybody know what kind of tubas were used?

They looked like 6/4 piston horns (silver). Three tuba players were in the section.

Scott C · Post by **Scott C** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 1:17 am

6/4 yorkbrunners
what did you think of the show?

SC

Mudman · Post by **Mudman** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 9:24 am

Scott C wrote: what did you think of the show?

SC

Great show!

The band was tight! The blend across the entire group was spotlessly even. The detailed change in articulations during different pieces and shorter sections added to the polish and musicality of the show.

Carmina Burana was the high-point for me.

As I listened, I was wondering if the conductors deliberately keep a tight lid on things? The performance was amazingly refined, not a bad thing. I did want to hear a few more "egos" popping out on occasion--it may have added some extra excitement. (Like a Charlie Vernon, Bud Herseth, or Maynard Ferguson picking their spots to dominate.) Does the military discourage individuality on purpose, or do the charts get a bit old after the 100th time? How would your band sound in a civilian setting?

Inviting college students to play a tune was a huge deal! I know it's nothing new to you guys, but in a smaller music program like ours, getting to sit next to the big boys means alot. Our students had a blast and their experience created some extra momentum in the music department. (Thank you!) Parents were moved by seeing their kids up on stage with such a great group.

Everybody is talking about last night's concert. Thanks again for bringing band music to thousands of people across the country.

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Thu Oct 21, 2004 11:32 am

Scott C wrote:6/4 yorkbrunners
what did you think of the show?

SC

I have a recording provided of what I recall (and hope) was the Army Field Band playing a transcription of the Pictures at an Exhibition in a concert.

For those who have said that a band is incapable of the tonal range of an orchestra, you should hear that recording before being too sure of your statements. That arrangement (Hindsley, I think) and the performance came about as close to achieving an orchestra sound as I've heard.

The level of refinement and concentration would have made virtually any pro orchestra proud, and it made a nice change from the usual 6-10-minute band piece.

Was that you guys who played on that recording? That was some King-Kong tuba playing.

Rick "who has never heard the Field Band live, but who is a fan nonetheless" Denney

Scott C · Post by **Scott C** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 9:45 pm

Rick:

Yes we did record Pictures and I am glad you like it so. It was a live recording at a HS auditorium on a VERY demanding program. We had a guest conductor, now I can't remember his name, maybe he is from Wisconsin??? Last name begins with a R...A lot of fun!!!

We are in Memphis currently, going through AR, OK, TX and NM. Check the web site for specifics. Hope to some tuba players!!!

SC

Gorilla Tuba · Post by **Gorilla Tuba** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 11:53 pm

I'll try to get to Bentonville... thanks Bloke!