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I am 17 years old, a senior in high school. I practice my tuba daily, I do daily scales and exercises, I am very good for my age. I am auditioning for the Honor's Performance Series on September 28. I am working on a Blazhevich etude and a Rochut etude (which I have been working on for a few months), as well as the etude they have provided. Now, all I need is a solo with piano accompaniment, about 4-5 minutes in length. I don't want to spend too much time searching for a solo as I have these past few days.

I am looking for a solo that is quite advanced, but not at a professional level. Probably something more advanced than the solos in the "Concert and Competition Collection" book by H. Voxman. Does anybody have any suggestions or recommendations for tuba solos?

The first movement of the Gregson Tuba Concert would fit your time constraint and may be your abilities. It also works well on a contrabass tuba, assuming that is what your are using.

Many folks have the tendency to try to pick the hardest thing they can possibly play. Although you want to showcase your skills, you also want to choose something you can play really well. I suggest picking a solo that you dig musically that you can make some great music out of. Here are some of the classics for players around your age:

Maybe a movement or two from the Haddad Suite

Either the Andante or Rondo from Capuzzi's Andante and Rondo could work.

A few movements from Marcello's Cello Sonata #1 in F Major.

A few movements from the Vaughan Williams 6 Studies in English Folk Songs would be nice if you're looking for more lyrical solo selections.

Lento from Paul Holmes gives a nice contrast.

Honor and Arms is an old standby for high school players.

THE TUBA wrote: I suggest picking a solo that you dig musically that you can make some great music out of. Here are some of the classics for players around your age:

A few movements from the Vaughan Williams 6 Studies in English Folk Songs would be nice if you're looking for more lyrical solo selections.

The English Folk Songs are a great suggestion. I played them for years. They really invite, encourage and demonstrate musicality, phrasing and expression. They may not be the most complex - but there ain't nowhere to hide, either.

A Marcello might work:

http://www.cimarronmusic.com/sonata-2

I also really like the Haddad Suite. Also look into Introduction and Dance by Barat. It is originally for Euphonium but there is a tuba transcription. Its a great high school level piece.

My new favorite, the Effervescent Ballroom by Gulino

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyoPUvGs0lY" target="_blank

Roger

Lots of good advice and suggestions in this brief thread.

I'm just gonna repeat one concept that's already been said, but just in slightly different words. In an audition, you need to show off what you "can" play, and play well. It doesn't do anybody any good to show what you can't play, or what you can just-barely-almost play.

Roger Lewis wrote:My new favorite, the Effervescent Ballroom by Gulino

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyoPUvGs0lY" target="_blank" target="_blank

Roger

That is beautiful and very well played!

Alec Wilder's "Effie Suite" has a high enjoyment factor for the player and the listener. You can play as many movements as you wish.

Roger Lewis wrote:My new favorite, the Effervescent Ballroom by Gulino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyoPUvGs0lY" target="_blank" target="_blank"

This is very nice. Thank you for making us aware of this solo.

Uncle Buck wrote:Lots of good advice and suggestions in this brief thread.

I'm just gonna repeat one concept that's already been said, but just in slightly different words. In an audition, you need to show off what you "can" play, and play well. It doesn't do anybody any good to show what you can't play, or what you can just-barely-almost play.

Yes!!

Is tuba playing like diving??

I don't think one should get more points for poor execution of technically more difficult "dives"

and besides, it's so hard to listen to!!