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I am looking for a piece of music appropriate for high school band that features the tuba section, not necessarily a tuba soloist. I was asked by a director for ideas for a piece to play on the spring concert. I know there are tuba solos with band accompaniment but this situation is a little different. Any help will be appreciated.

Jason Harrell

Latina by Frank Bencriscutto.

Hit em with a march, Big Joe the Tuba

There are versions of Woodchopper's Ball that feature tuba. The one I played in the 70's more so than this one. http://www.jwpepper.com/2436509.item#.WF142oA8Kf0" target="_blank" target="_blank

I'd like to suggest, "Tiptoe Through the Tubas" — by Jerry Brubaker
click here for link to JWPepper with sound file.

I watched the Inagakeun Sogo H.S. Band from Japan play this one. The 7 tubas came out in front of the band and danced around a bit while playing. They brought the house down.

edsel585960 wrote:Hit em with a march, Big Joe the Tuba

+1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acruyj3Eh9M" target="_blank

Thanks for the suggestions. I will investigate. I like Big Joe the Tuba. I have never heard of that one before.

Thanks.

Anyone know where I might find parts for Big Joe, the Tuba?

Chatfield has it:

http://www.worldcat.org/title/big-joe-t ... /449242320" target="_blank

Or you might try the Community Music listserv:

http://www.community-music.info/" target="_blank

I hadn't heard this either until about four years ago, and neither had our conductor nor any of my section mates. It seems to be a well-kept secret, but shouldn't be.

We do a Tuba Feature with one of my bands called "Devil in the Deep Blue Sea" I believe it's a Karl King piece. It would be very appropriate for H.S. and is fun to play. It also has a nice Euphonium part in the second section.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isMqT0tMIc8" target="_blank" target="_blank

I think that Big Joe the Tuba is one of the best tuba features. When the Bel Air Community Band did it the trombones did not play the final strain, the trombones mostly double the tuba part at this point.

Another tuba feature is Camptown Basses. When I played in the Baltimore Municipal Band we did this piece (this would have been in the late 1970's). I think that Big Joe is a better piece, Camptown Basses just another option.

best,
Mark Chachich
Principal Tuba, Bel Air Community Band

Do "tuba features" that have as much trombone, euphonium, or bari sax as they do tuba not really count as tuba features, but instead as low brass features? Why call it a tuba feature when the entire piece has the tuba part doubled throughout?

Because it would become a tuba solo, and not a "feature!!"

It would be a solo if there was only one tuba.

harrell wrote:I am looking for a piece of music appropriate for high school band that features the tuba section, not necessarily a tuba soloist....

Should have spotted that...

Other the marches may I suggest "Puff the Magic Dragon" - the Peter Paul and Mary tune by Peter Yarrow - tuba setion feature? It was published by MPH and may still be in print. The tubas get a "stop chorus" in addition to the melody on this - very cute and I've used it from time to time for years with my summer concert band with great audience response.
PM me if you can't find it - I would be willing to scan it if it is out of print.

We just did a tuba feature with "Tiptoe Through the Tubas" and "Tuba Tiger Rag". Both are fun pieces to play and the audience really liked Tiptoe.