Page 1 of 1

alternative to “Tubby the Tuba”

Posted: Mon Jul 08, 2019 6:20 pm
by kathott
Hi. Is there a suitable replacement today for Tubby the Tuba? The occasion is a series of education performances with a full time professional orchestra - this particular search is for younger grades, but I am looking for a variety of options for the older grades as well.
I would consider narrated works, tuba as a soloist, or something more inclusive as in Britten’a Young Persons Guide etc. An eco storyline would be great (example: in which which Tubby clears the oceans of plastic and crushes Big Oil with a well placed pedal Bb).
Tubby was a landmark piece back in the day, but is heavily dated now, setting the tuba backwards 50 years every time it’s performed. No sermons please.

Apparently, Harvey Phillips penned a script to accompany the orchestral version of the Effie Suite. I believe the original titles were by Wilder himself, and not from a childrens book. Babar is a great piece too, but is being rotated out for now.

Thanks for suggestions,
K.

Re: alternative to “Tubby the Tuba”

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2019 1:05 am
by kathott
Thank you, I have hopefully clarified my post somewhat. The “Hendrix” piece sounds intriguing.
K.

Re: alternative to “Tubby the Tuba”

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2019 2:16 am
by Reptilian
I'm uncertain as to whether your interest is in asking questions, or making statements.

Re: alternative to “Tubby the Tuba”

Posted: Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:38 am
by Tubaru
I performed "Tubby" a few years ago with my community orchestra. It is quite a good piece when used for what it was intended. That being said, If you are wanting something that introduces the instruments of the orchestra and is geared to older children, may I suggest The Composer is Dead by Nathaniel Stookey with text by Lemony Snicket. I have never played it but was given a recording by a friend. It's a fun piece and available as a rental from G. Schirmer.