TubeNet

Hi,

Besides playing euphonium, I'm learning to play the BBb tuba (new Willson 3100 RZ-4).

I have been playing BBb for 10 years, but only in concert band. Now I'm getting lessons.
I first had to tackle the classic tuba notation (non-typical for our region, over here the transposed bass clef is common) and I'm getting along with that little by little.
My teacher got me to start learning tuba classics like Gregson, Vaughan Williams and Hindemith, but all of this literature is quite high on BBb.

It sure is difficult enough to keep me busy, but I don't feel like performing that stuff on BBb once, because it just doesn't sound nice and comfortable in that high register all the time. It's like playing the brassband Eb cornet part on a normal Bb cornet, it's just above the normal range where it sounds good...
Also, it doesn't help me practice in the lower register, where the band music for tuba is most of the time.

Are there any suggestions on books, sheet music or solo's where the BBb range is more respected ?
I have blazhevich and 'low etudes' already.
I'm looking for things like brassband BBb tuba solo's (if any?), transposed Bach fugues (I have the cello suites), transposed things originally for other instruments...

Thanks guys !

Wim

I am no expert on the repertory for contrabass tubas.

Beethoven wrote some duets for clarinet and bassoon. I have transcribed the first one for several permutations of two instruments, among these also a version for bass tuba and contrabass tuba, which may be downloaded from here:

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/Yo ... b%20major/

The contrabass tuba moves from low F to Bb on top of the staff (cannot promise there are no C’s).

This music was not originally written for tubas, still it is entertaining music with some technical challenges. You may be interested in the bass clef version. In the same folder there is a version for Eb and BBb tuba written in brass band style treble clef. (There also are versions involving euphonium).

If you identify yourself with name, instrument, ensemble, and school, I will approve you for my download project.

Klaus

Those of us who studied with the disciples of William Bell (and Bell himself of course) learned to read the trombone edition of the Arban method down an octave. Not just the scales and chord studies - the whole book including the Characterstic Studies, etc. Nowadays you can get a tuba clef version and read loco. I defend the trombone book (despite the errors...) because it sets you up to comfortably read string bass parts at sight, and cover trombone and bassoon parts, etc. when the need arises.

Brass Band players used to transposed treble clef ( up a step, add two sharps) can use that skill to read bass clarinet, contrabass clarinet and bass saxophone parts. Don't laugh; I've kept food on the table doing that.

Plus, I recomend the Herbert L. Clarke Characteristic Studies and Setting Up Drills - the cornet book - on tuba. So your treble clef ability is not wasted.

As for BBb books, the Kopprasch book (Robt King edition) and the Vasiliev books are useful, too. Of course, they're originally cornet books.

Try and find a good local band that rehearses once a week and reads a lot of material - things should click in. Don't be a one-clef cripple. This goes double for euphonium players - it's a two-clef instrument, minimally.

Good luck!

Mark Heter

imperialbari wrote: The contrabass tuba moves from low F to Bb on top of the staff (cannot promise there are no C’s).
Klaus

A C or D on top of the staff are not really problematic.
I'm having trouble with the G- A or even B above the staff in things like the Vaughan-Williams.
I can play those notes (euphonium chops...) on BBb but it is not nice to play, nor to listen to.

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Wim

I would try the Bruce Broughton concerto. Doesn't go any higher than an E above the staff but, has its share of low notes. Most of the piece stays pretty much in the comfortable range of the horn without it sounding like you're trying to kill an elephant. It's a pretty cool piece if youre looking for something to work on your entire range on the horn.