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Wow! I haven't played since high school and finally got my 22K up and going. No breath support at all. All that muscle memory is still there, though, even after all this time. Ran through the Bflat scale (fingerings at least) like it was yesterday. Had some initial troubles with keeping a consistent tone, but it gets better every minute I practice. One happy camper here.

Cool. Keep going and good luck!

Welcome back!

Congrats! I remember how great it felt to toot on a tuba again about fifteen years ago... AFTER leaving the Navy in 1968.

Congratulations! I started back about 8 years ago, after a 20-year+ layoff. Your experience sounds just like mine!

Dave

I played trombone and then a school tuba in my school's concert orchestra and marching band until I left in 1961. I sing bass in the church choir, but I wanted to take up the tuba again, after my 50 year gap.

My church's small orchestra, mostly strings, plays monthly and will need a bass of some kind when the elderly 'cello player retires. I discussed it with the leader, who agreed that a trombone would be out of place, but was concerned that a full size tuba might be overwhelming. I bought an F/Eb 'Bubbie' travel tuba from Neptune and have been practising on it (using the Eb tuning slide) every evening for a couple of weeks now. My lips are beginning get into shape, but I will need to work on my breathing. I am enjoying playing the exercises and tunes in 'Learn as you Play Tuba' and hope to progress enough to join the orchestra some time next year.

Mark I

Now that you are started, find a group to play with. Your interest will continue longer. Find an instructor and set up regular lessons. Set up to play solos in church. All of these things will give you goals and commitments to sustain your hobby. Just playing gives me those moments of peace and joy each day which I suspect motivate you. The commitments and goals I've set for myself keep me striving to be better. I hope they do the same for you.

BTW.... if you have difficulty finding a group to play with in your area.... START ONE! You'll never regret it.

Dan Schultz
The Old Dam Community Band
http://www.olddamband.com" target="_blank

Welcome back to the fold Dave. I just started back this past February after 38 year layoff. Last played my junior year in high school (1973). It's great to be back playing. Have fun with it.

Jim

I was out for over 20 years until a circulation/clotting issue put an end to the weekend bar bands. So I came back to tuba. Welcome back!

Brian and Dan, thanks for the advice. I am lucky to live in a musical area, so I wont need to start a group: I know of two brass bands within range. I am seeking an instructor, perhaps from a local school music department or one of the bands.

Mark I

Welcome back to the tuba world!

I visited Windsor Castle last week and walked past a small park near the entrance. This park was for the 50th anaversary of Queen Elizabeth's reign. Anyway, there is an area there for bands to play. They used to have regular concerts there but now don't because there aren't military bands available. You might inquire about playing there once you have a group and are ready.