Epic Sousaphone battle - not like most of the others!

[Wayne Rice]

I have two degrees in performance. (Michigan and Manhattan School). And I've played with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and once with the San Diego Symphony Pops, as well as a lot of experience playing in brass quintets over the last 30+ years, but most of my work now is on the sousaphone, on which I'll probably play at least 50 paying gigs this year. (A strange and wonderful trip . . ., but I digress.) I certainly play nowhere near as loud as these young fellas, although I probably could . . . for about five minutes.

That said, I thought this was awesome! The sound may not be the "musical norm" that most of us seek on the tuba, but that sound is not what is called for in this particular art form. Listen to the last chord of the first tune. Really something.

Those guys are justifiably proud of what they do. I'd be proud to hear my son (or daughter) in a group like that.

[Tuboss2]

Y'all(well most of yall) know my position on Sousa sound. I think this type of sound is freakin' amazing. I've worked up my chops over the past couple of years and I my self am able to play this loud for a long time. Anyways, gotta love anybody playing the Tuba. Weather it be a battle or the Chicago Symphony. It's Tuba playing, one way or the other.

[Tubaryan12]

The discipline, dedication, and teamwork required to put on performances such as these--from memory in a competitive environment--will serve these young men well regardless of what profession they enter and regardless of whether they play tuba ever again or not.

Yep.

And when's the last time a crowd of people listened to 18 straight minutes of TUBA MUSIC???

...and cheered.

Heyyyyyyyyyy, Tuskegee...........

[bigtubby]

Just imagine how a "Trumpet Battle" ssounds.

EDIT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4GA8Cx8qgA

I wonder if there are triangle battles

I prefer this "battle" more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMG7vjwZiOM

(note Paul's circular breathing for most of the first minute)

[dmmorris]

Those sousa-tunes?,....I dig 'em! Thanks for sharing.

Yo Bloke - if your gonna engrave that picture of Slim ridding the Bomb on a mouthpiece, I'm buying.