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This spring I get to play a piece arranged for brass trio (trumpet, trombone, and tuba) and band. Should we either all stand or all sit? The other two guys seem to want to stand, but I'd prefer to sit. Does it even matter?

Sometimes the brass quintets I play in want to stand at a performance. I have no problem standing while I play, I do it all the time in practice. The only problem is that I am unable to do much slide manipulation.

Naturally, the trumpet and trombone player will want to stand. You have options here. You can sit while the rest of them stand, this is OK. The audience will recognize that the huge piece of metal you are carrying is not made for standing with.

Another option is to force the other two guys to sit. They might not like it, but tell them that is just too bad.

Or, you can stand along with them. If you aren't physically able to stand while playing (PROPERLY) then you need something to help you. You could try attaching some sort of strap to hold your instrument up. You could also get a chair to rest your foot on - then rest the tuba on your knee/thigh. Look into using a tuba stand (that goes up high enough) so you won't have to hold the tuba while you stand.

Another thing you can do is get a tall stool, like a bar stool (double bass players use these). Sit on the stool while the other guys stand. You will be at the same height as them, and have maximum playing comfort.

Keep in mind that the most important thing is the quality of YOUR performance. Do whatever you need to do to ensure you will perform to the best of your ability.