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I loved "Mr. Tuba." I understand the original MS was twice as long, so a lot has been left out. You have to infer a lot with the material that was left.

Harvey was very generous in his mention of other musicians, especially tuba players. So many opportunities he had and that he created are now lost. Younger players should read the book just to get an historical perspective on where the present jobs came from. It will take almost that same amount of energy, effort and intelligence to keep them going for another generation.

Harvey Phillips was a visionary who was able to put into reality many of the dreams he had for the tuba. His modest beginnings belied an intense spirit and a belief that he had about expanding the literature for the instrument. I enjoyed the book immensely, especially the interactions he had with such giants as William Bell and Arnold Jacobs. The book is a testament to the strength of character that Harvey had. The storytelling in the book is wonderful. His recollections of his early circus years with Barnum and Bailey were great. Of course he was intimidated upon hearing Johnny Evans warm up, Evans had played with Sousa! I loved the book.

"Mr. Tuba" is a GREAT story of a man to which tuba players of today and the future owe much. Distinguished Professor Phillips was a visionary with creativity and drive that was responsible for many of the employment opportunities and much of the tuba literature that we today enjoy.

Thank you Harvey Phillips for your pioneering efforts and your wonderful autobiography.

I haven't finished the book, so I don't know if this is addressed or not: does anyone know what the horn is on the left side of the cover picture, a removable bell instrument sitting bell-down?