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Hey everyone

I'm trying to start something new(as far as I know, there aren't any) in the phoenix area- a Mexican brass band. Does anyone know where I can get charts or lead sheets for this kind of ensemble and style, or is this something I should bust out the old pencil and staff paper and transcribe some licks for the ensemble? As far as instrumentation, I'm thinking:

1 singer
1-2 clarinets
2-3 trumpets
1-2 trombones
1-2 Percussionists (bass drum/cymbals and snare drum)
1 accordion
1 tuba

Anyone play in a group like this? How does your group run? Is there a reason why fiberglass sousaphones are so popular in Mexico, or are they just cheaper/easier to come by?

Thanks,

Andy

When i played in a norteneo group for a short bit I had to write out all the stuff.
It's like reading guitar tabs you have the 1st 2nd and 3rds so you're just playing with chords and if you want to see actual sheet music then you're going to have to write the music out.
As far as fiberglass tubas being popular it's because they are cheap and metal ones are hard to come buy and usually way more expensive no mater the brand.

Jose the tuba player wrote:It's like reading guitar tabs you have the 1st 2nd and 3rds so you're just playing with chords and if you want to see actual sheet music then you're going to have to write the music out.

Thats interesting. I don't even like reading actual guitar tabs haha.

amg123 wrote:

Jose the tuba player wrote:It's like reading guitar tabs you have the 1st 2nd and 3rds so you're just playing with chords and if you want to see actual sheet music then you're going to have to write the music out.

Thats interesting. I don't even like reading actual guitar tabs haha.

It's a lot of memorization and a lot of thinking power since many untrained tuba players play Ab or A I don't remember as their Bb on the sousaphone so the chart I've made correctly lining things up would be wrong if I didn't play on the next note down so my Bb chords would have to be in Ab for it to sound right with the band.