TubeNet

If you have to go on a long trip, two weeks or so, without access to a tuba. What do you do as a substitute to keep everything in working order, per se?

Take a break.

Seriously. It's good for you. You'll forget bad habits and come back to the tuba only knowing the fundamental stuff.

I don't go tubaless on the road unless I want to anymore. http://www.wessex-tubas.co.uk/category/ ... avel-tuba/. Not being a very good F player (yet) I mostly play scale patterns on it. Recently it was suggested that I use CC fingerings and practice other things as well, even though the notes are off.

But if I do go off without a tuba, I take a mouthpiece and use Arnold Jacobs's idea of buzzing simple tunes as musically as possible.

On the other hand, if I really need to stay in shape for a heavy gig when I get back, I take my pBone. It doesn't weigh anything, and if it breaks or gets stolen it's not the end of the world.
True, not a tuba, but it keeps my air and chops in brass playing routine.

And if I'm anywhere near a music shop I try out their tubas. You get practice and you orientate yourself with other tubas.

I guess it depends on where you are as a player. The professionals and a few others find it helpful to take a break. I am not at a place as a player where I find that not practicing makes me better.

Taking a week (or several) off is a good way to find out if you are over-practicing. What Wade said about playing injuries is also apropos. I personally find that if I have solid technique, taking time off may affect my endurance but it affects little else.
MA

I don't mean to be dismissive or talk down to you on this.

You're a high school sophomore, possibly at this point. Near or at the end of your freshman year of high school.

Don't worry about it.

Don't haul a horn around. Take a mouthpiece if you want, buzz on it a bit. forget about the tuba for a while, and don't sweat it. Enjoy your trip.

If I'm on a trip and want to keep on being productive even without a horn, I dedicate ~20 minutes per day to breathing exercises. You can do them anywhere, with or without a metronome, and get some work in that, while really important, often (for me) doesn't make it into my regular practice sessions.

Here are some from Tubenet users:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13473