Some questions about euphonium playing

[thetubalover]

Hi everyone on the forum,

I have been playing the BBb and C tuba for 7 years and I would like to learn how to play the euphonium now. I have a few questions about how to improve my euphonium playing.

1) Often when I go notes above middle C, I feel slightly stuffy and cannot really articulate well from notes above middle C. Yes, my sound get thinner and I couldn't play notes above middle C in softer dynamics. How do I settle myself well in that register and probably expand my range until octave above middle C for now? Would really appreciate if anyone could suggest any exercises for to solve this problem..

2) I often feel my face getting red and my chops getting tired after probably 30 mins of euphonium playing? Any suggestions on any exercise I could do, to improve my chops stamina on the euphonium?

3) I feel inefficient as air always get leaked out of the sides of my chops as I play notes below low F(the note at the bottom of the 5 lines), with the euphonium. This never happened when I practice pedal tones with tuba so I was wondering how can I focus my air and make sure I improve my efficiency in this matter? And also for the notes above middle C, I feel tired easily playing those notes. I think it is a efficiency issue as well. Any suggestions of exercises/methods I could do, to increase my efficiency and smoothen my playing?

Thank you to all that have taken a couple of minutes to read this post of mine and hope to hear some replies if possible!

[Bombardonier]

Slowly but surely work your way through Arban's interval exercises (octaves, twelfths, etc.)...first focusing on wind and sound...then fluency. Each time you master an exercise...go up a half step and repeat.

[thetubalover]

Slowly but surely work your way through Arban's interval exercises (octaves, twelfths, etc.)...first focusing on wind and sound...then fluency. Each time you master an exercise...go up a half step and repeat.

I'll do it, thank you!!

1/ If (??) you're using an extra-extra deep euphonium mouthpiece (or lord-forbid, one of those bari-tuba mouthpieces) put it in your sock draw and pull out a "normal" euphonium mouthpiece.

I am using a SM3 on a Yamaha 642. Is it okay?

[Bombardonier]

The SM3 is on the bigger side of things...but not necessarily too big for euphonium. Perhaps more importantly...have you tried any other pieces for comparison? Bigger is not necessarily better.

[Bombardonier]

I "feel" better playing a 57...but get a more characteristic sound on a 52E2. I don't switch back and forth "all the time," but I do like the option to switch if it makes sense.

[Bombardonier]

I also keep a 6.5al around in case I need a more consistent baritone sound (I.e., brighter) for a concert/set.

[Biggs]

or lord-forbid, one of those bari-tuba mouthpieces

Question(s) for bloke:

Are you referring to mouthpieces that have euphonium cups with tuba rims?

If so, can you elaborate as to why these are bad? Is it just because they're not the intended mouthpiece for the instrument/what euphonium designers had in mind when making their instruments?

Just asking for my own edification.

[pgym]

or lord-forbid, one of those bari-tuba mouthpieces

Question(s) for bloke:

Are you referring to mouthpieces that have euphonium cups with tuba rims?

If so, can you elaborate as to why these are bad?

Easy: wrong sound and lousy intonation.
[/end discussion]

[pgym]

or lord-forbid, one of those bari-tuba mouthpieces

Question(s) for bloke:

Are you referring to mouthpieces that have euphonium cups with tuba rims?

If so, can you elaborate as to why these are bad?

You mean besides the resultant sound and intonation?

[ghmerrill]

http://www.dwerden.com/forum/forum.php

[Biggs]

Thanks for all of the replies, "bloke."