Seating Arrangement

XtremeEuph · Post by **XtremeEuph** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 7:45 pm

I agree with mark, if its a string bass (the standup type lol) they should be outside the tuba section but I only say that because that is EXACTLY how our honour band set up, trombones in the back then it curved around to euphs and tubas on the end, then the string bass stood basically adjacent to the conductor, almost looked like a soloist, too far out maybe? But anyway if hes ugly throw him in the back but Out up front .......but then again it depends how large the band is when where everyone is, if its like the 86 person honour band it we came to a complete curve where tubas are on the side, stick him even beside the tubas, if tubas are at the back, Id take everyone elses advice

TubaRay · Post by **TubaRay** » Fri Mar 24, 2006 11:12 pm

Jonathantuba wrote: I have never understood why there is a string bass in a concert band - would not a contrabassoon make more sense?

I believe a GOOD string bass is a welcome addition to a concert band. The sound can compliment that of the tubas. However, one played out of tune, out of time, or in some other manner deficient, does not enhance at all. I would rather vehemently object to it being amplified, however.

pulseczar · Post by **pulseczar** » Sat Mar 25, 2006 2:09 am

TubaRay wrote:
Jonathantuba wrote: I have never understood why there is a string bass in a concert band - would not a contrabassoon make more sense?
I believe a GOOD string bass is a welcome addition to a concert band. The sound can compliment that of the tubas. However, one played out of tune, out of time, or in some other manner deficient, does not enhance at all. I would rather vehemently object to it being amplified, however.

I agree. The string bass adds such a cool sound to the ensemble.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:01 pm

I would tend to agree more with the contrabassoon, except for cost for younger players. If someone wants to spring for one -- great!

We have a BBb bass sax in our community band, which can do the same thing with a lot less hassle. It's too bad they're really not made to any degree anymore. The BBb just purrs on the bottom and really adds breadth.

Rick Denney · Post by **Rick Denney** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:18 pm

bloke wrote:
pulseczar wrote:I agree. The string bass adds such a cool sound to the ensemble.
It seems like "string bass player who is willing to play in a wind band" and "dork who can't play and can't read" are often synonymous.

Unfortunately, that goes both ways. How many tuba sections will actually shut up and let the string bass player play the string bass part? I was constantly trying to persuade previous players in my section not to play the string bass cues--and our string bass player (when we had one) was completely competent.

The string bass adds a percussive pulse when played pizzicato that makes a sound quite difficult to imitate with a tuba. That sound adds something really useful if the player is competent. The arco parts contribute less in my view.

A large pair of wire snips should take care of the amplification issue. Without a mains plug, the power cord isn't much use.

Rick "thinking too few tuba players make a convincing pizzicato sound but they will bury a real bass player in the attempt" Denney

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 8:24 pm

When I saw this thread, it reminded me of one concert we played, when I was the tuba player with the Guam Symphony. We played the German Requiem by Johannes Brahms in St. John's Episcopal Church in Tamuning, Guam. There was no rhyme or reason as to where which instruments were placed: We sat where we fit. I was behind the Principal Trombone player, on the floor, in front of the altar, with my left leg pressed up against the front pew. My music was being blown by an overactive air conditioner. I didn't think I would need clothespins to hold music down inside a church. Some women sitting in the front row of the audience (second pew) offered me their necklaces and bracelets to hold my music down--they were right in front of my wife, who pretended not to notice! (Some of that jewelry looked pretty darned expensive!)

The concert began and my music kept flapping. I was getting nervous, because the big tuba part in the second movement was coming up. And then....

The lights went out. It got dark. And the air conditioner stopped!

The conductor announced that the concert was over...

But the audience wouldn't allow for that!

It was an island-wide blackout, and these are fairly common on the island of Guam. So the church had plenty of emergency supplies--Coleman lanterns and other lights. We had plenty of light to see the music. The pastor brought in his motorcycle which was used as a spotlight for the conductor.

The concert was a triumph. My wife (now ex-wife) commented that the concert was much better after the blackout.

And I had a terrible time giving all those women back their jewelry!