British euphonium in American bands

[leedummer]

I believe that Arthur Lehman purchased his first Boosey & Hawkes euphonium in 1947. He was a student of Harold Brasch at the time (even though they were approximately the same age). Harold had learned of the British euphoniums after one British ship had come into Washington for refitting after fighting the German battleship Bismarck, off loading all unnecessary equipment (including band instruments). Harold picked up the B&H, using it in lessons, etc, but wasn't allowed to use it in the Navy Band. Arthur tells the story that it was some time for the Marine Band to accept his new instrument (it being nonAmerican and all), and he performed on both his military issue double bell Conn and the B&H for approximately a year. After Marine Band acceptance, the Navy (and Harold) started using them, and then after that, other groups started picking up on them.. This is how it was related by Arthur to myself.

Bloke is correct in stating that Arthur is quite approachable, enjoys visitors, and discussing euphoniums/his past, etc.

[tubatooter1940]

It was simply a case of Brasch or brass envy.