I know--just 'cause!
Brass Band Tubas
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Chuck(G)
- 6 valves
- Posts: 5679
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:48 am
- Location: Not out of the woods yet.
- Contact:
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AndyCat
- 3 valves
- Posts: 484
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 4:11 am
- Location: Preston, UK
- Contact:
I'd like to say a few things here, hope I don't offend anyone!
I'll preface it with the info that I'm a UK BBb player with a besson 992, have played at every level of brass band from beginner/youth to National and European champions, as well as in 10 piece, big band, orchestras and shows etc.
A full set of Sovereign right facing basses blend the sound better, not because of the way they face, but the sound they make, even a Yam Maestro can stick out, and I have personal experience of this!;
The set the band possess will probably be less in tune than your tuba, but will be less in tune together (!);
It isn't a completely unbreakable tradition, as I've played both a B&S and St.Pete in top brass bands over here, with well respected name BB conductors. It didn't work from a sound and technical facility point of view, but noone told me to change;
As many have said, the band has a perfectly serviceable and in their eyes preferable instrument, so bite the bullet and give it a shot!
I'll preface it with the info that I'm a UK BBb player with a besson 992, have played at every level of brass band from beginner/youth to National and European champions, as well as in 10 piece, big band, orchestras and shows etc.
A full set of Sovereign right facing basses blend the sound better, not because of the way they face, but the sound they make, even a Yam Maestro can stick out, and I have personal experience of this!;
The set the band possess will probably be less in tune than your tuba, but will be less in tune together (!);
It isn't a completely unbreakable tradition, as I've played both a B&S and St.Pete in top brass bands over here, with well respected name BB conductors. It didn't work from a sound and technical facility point of view, but noone told me to change;
As many have said, the band has a perfectly serviceable and in their eyes preferable instrument, so bite the bullet and give it a shot!
Andy Cattanach, UK
Fodens Band, Intrada Brass Ensemble.
Yamaha Neo BBb x 2 (2011 and 2016), B+H 3v Imperial BBb.
Yamaha YBL613H Bass Trombone.
Mercer and Barker MB5 Cattanach, Yeo Signature Mouthpieces.
Fodens Band, Intrada Brass Ensemble.
Yamaha Neo BBb x 2 (2011 and 2016), B+H 3v Imperial BBb.
Yamaha YBL613H Bass Trombone.
Mercer and Barker MB5 Cattanach, Yeo Signature Mouthpieces.
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vmi5198
- bugler
- Posts: 80
- Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 10:28 am
Thanks Andy, this is by far the most reasonable explanation yet! Finally, someone who simply looks for an answer to my question rather than giving me the run-around by trying to play psychiatrist! Regards,AndyCat wrote:The set the band possess will probably be less in tune than your tuba, but will be less in tune together (!);
It isn't a completely unbreakable tradition, as I've played both a B&S and St.Pete in top brass bands over here, with well respected name BB conductors. It didn't work from a sound and technical facility point of view, but none told me to change;
Mark Preece
BE 983
VMI 5198 Neptune
BE 983
VMI 5198 Neptune
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Allen
- 3 valves
- Posts: 404
- Joined: Fri Mar 19, 2004 12:29 am
- Location: Boston MA area
Mark, I had an almost-encounter with a British Brass Band. There was to be an audition for an opening for BBb bass. I thought it would be interesting to try, and got in touch with them. I figured that even though I was now playing a CC tuba, my treble clef reading was fine. Untransposing from Bb to C slowed down my reading, but I figured that, with practice, I could do that OK.
They said that it was fine with them if I wanted to audition using a CC tuba, but if I won the opening, I would be expected to play a BBb tuba -- and that I could use one owned by the band. It was some Yamaha copy of a Besson 3+1 compensator of the sort used by British Brass Bands.
Well, I had to think about it. Even though I liked the people, I decided I didn't want to make the commitment to playing an instrument I wouldn't otherwise pick to play. I gave the audition a pass.
There are many musical traditions, and the British Brass Bands are an example of a very particular tradition. I won't pass judgement on whether some traditions are better than others. However, I will decide where I want to put my efforts. I suggest you have the same kind of decision to make for yourself.
Best,
Allen Walker
They said that it was fine with them if I wanted to audition using a CC tuba, but if I won the opening, I would be expected to play a BBb tuba -- and that I could use one owned by the band. It was some Yamaha copy of a Besson 3+1 compensator of the sort used by British Brass Bands.
Well, I had to think about it. Even though I liked the people, I decided I didn't want to make the commitment to playing an instrument I wouldn't otherwise pick to play. I gave the audition a pass.
There are many musical traditions, and the British Brass Bands are an example of a very particular tradition. I won't pass judgement on whether some traditions are better than others. However, I will decide where I want to put my efforts. I suggest you have the same kind of decision to make for yourself.
Best,
Allen Walker