I have been invited to play my tuba at a business Christmas function. If I do (I am yet to accept), I would be unaccompanied.
Has anyone done this? What have you played?
I am looking for suitable Christmas music for solo unaccompanied tuba. Preferably not too demanding, considering I will likely to have already had a drink, or two when I play
I haven't done this myself, but since a am partial to mediaevel carols, I would suggest something along the lines of Adam lay ybounden or the German Maria durch ein' Dornwald ging.
You could even add drone by singing into the tuba, and thus provide your own accompaniment.
Studies On Christmas Carols
12 unaccompanied etudes transcribed by Arthur Frackenpohl
Published by Kendor
Contents:
O Come, all ye Faithful
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Away in a Manger
Go, Tell it on the Mountain
Angels Have We Heard on High
The Friendly Beasts
Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
What Child is This?
Jingle Bells
Fum! Fum! Fum!
Deck the Halls
Each of the etudes is a page long and begins with a simple statement of the tune followed by a short variation or two. They vary pretty widely in style and some are jazz influenced. They all ought to work well for E-Flat.
I know this book was mentioned in the other linked thread, but I wanted to add my endorsement and give you an idea of the contents.
I think the best idea is to use either lead sheets (as mentioned earlier) or a church hymnal. Try playing the songs in their written keys, so that the audience can sing with you as you play.
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You only have one chance to make a first impression. Don't blow it.
I have used the Frackenpohl addition of Unaccompanied Christmas Carols with much success. While some of the charts are not the best others in the book are quite good.
Each year for the last few years, one of our tubenetters, Carroll Gotcher, has sent free copies of many tuba solo Christmas pieces he has compiled/arranged. They are excellent for tuba, very well-done. Try contacting him to see if he plans on sharing them again this year. I would send them along to you but for his request that I enjoy them myself but not distribute them. I have this for his e-mail: euphie@multipro.com
Really will fit your needs!
scottw wrote:Each year for the last few years, one of our tubenetters, Carroll Gotcher, has sent free copies of many tuba solo Christmas pieces he has compiled/arranged. They are excellent for tuba, very well-done. Try contacting him to see if he plans on sharing them again this year. I would send them along to you but for his request that I enjoy them myself but not distribute them. I have this for his e-mail: PLEASE PM INSTEAD Really will fit your needs!
I will be glad to send these along... please PM me (spam stuff, you know)
