TubeNet

Has anyone seen a version of flight of the bumbleebee with band accomp for Eb instruments? It doesn't have to be specifically written for tuba, but the Eb version is what I'd like to use to aide in the fingerings on this puppy. I've used the Sheridan version before, but don't think it has a band arrangement.


I'll probably end up having to arrange it myself, but I figured I'd ask here first.


Thanks.

djwesp wrote:Has anyone seen a version of flight of the bumbleebee with band accomp for Eb instruments? It doesn't have to be specifically written for tuba, but the Eb version is what I'd like to use to aide in the fingerings on this puppy. I've used the Sheridan version before, but don't think it has a band arrangement.


I'll probably end up having to arrange it myself, but I figured I'd ask here first.


Thanks.

Wes, I've played the Harry James version before with our local community band. It's quite high the way I did it, but I imagine you could use octave transpositions however it works best for you. The solo part was in treble clef Bb (trumpet), but it would be easy enough to change the solo part to Eb either by hand or on Finale (or your favorite notation program).

I don't have the arrangement in front of me (it's in the community band's library), but I remember the band parts aren't too hard and it's in Bb minor like the Harry James version. You can listen to the original at http://www.tuxjunction.net/media/HJbumblebee.mp3.

I have the original 78 rpm record of the Harry James version, as part of an 8 record album sitting on my shelf (includes such items as Concerto for Trumpet and others) along with if I dig through everything, the trumpet solo and piano reduction accompaniment. My dad (see my signature for his trumpet -- reward offered, no questions asked) tried for years to play it, and probably would have performed it if a good accompanist or community band existed where I live when he was still alive.

It is in concert Bb minor, which translates to C minor for Bb trumpet, 3 flats. That would be G minor for an Eb instrument reading treble clef. For concert pitch notation as transcribed, the next to last note, the long one, would be concert Bb at the top of the bass clef, which should be playable, with the stinger on the Db one ledger line and a space above the staff, which should also be in the range of an Eb soloist.