Life before TubeNet?

[Tortuba]

I've been visting this BBS since early 1999 and I've learned a ton of stuff about music, equipment and technique. Contributors have helped me find a horn, mouthpieces, oils, lubes, gig bags and fingerings.

I was wondering what the tuba community did before the advent of the internet and especially TubeNet. How did folks exchange information, ideas and opinions on the the tuba? Was there an industry publication that became established as the true source of everything tuba?

Perhaps some of the more experienced contributors can shed some light.

[TexTuba]

Well I'm not an experienced person, but what about TUBA? It's now known as ITEA...there's GREAT info. there.






Ralph

[tubatooter1940]

I started tuba at 13,am now 63 and I have never had a resource as valuable as Sean's Tubenet.I have been helped many times and I am so grateful.
Dennis Gray

[ThomasDodd]

Prior to TubeNet, I knew about BBb and CC tubas, and BBb sousaphones. Never heard of a helicon, Eb, or F tubas. Never new tubas had more than 4 valves. Knew a little about touring quintets like CB and Dallas Brass. Never though anyone would record a solo tuba CD. Had never heard a tuba-euphonium quartet.

Sure I'm new to this stuff, starting in high school in the mid 80's. But I no clue how much I didn't know, even after 5 years at college (non-music major like most of the band). Recently learned about DCA (senior drum & bugle corps), again something I never knew existed. I only had passing knowledge of DCI.

TubeNet has opened a whole new world to me.

[Rick Denney]

How did folks exchange information, ideas and opinions on the the tuba? Was there an industry publication that became established as the true source of everything tuba?

Perhaps some of the more experienced contributors can shed some light.

I started out in school at age 12, like many folks, and played up through college, learning what I could from band directors. Until I got to college, I was always the best tuba player in my school could not afford lessions, which means I had little in the way of good examples to follow. That first year in college was an eye-opener--I was blown away, quite literally. I stopped. But I studied science in great depth during the years I was not playing tuba.

Then, in the 80's, I picked it up again. I was a member of TUBA, and I pored over every issue for a couple of years until they started repeating themselves (this happens with all special-interest magazines, by the way, and also with Tubenet). I went to music stores and collected their advertising poop. I played in groups and drank beer with other tuba players in those groups. I took lessons and made friends with area professionals. I attended an ITEC when it was within striking distance, and played every horn there. A few years later, I lived in a different city and joined a bunch of groups, drank beer with more tuba players, and talked shop whenever we weren't playing or admiring women. I took lessons and made friends with local professionals. I took advantage of the opportunity to visit and play instruments at a local importer (Orpheus Music). I hung out with a guy who was starting a repair shop and learned what he would teach me. I attended music educator conferences (with "borrowed" credentials when necessary), and listened, listened, listened.

All that took 28 years (minus an 8-year break) and added up to about a quarter of what I now know. The other 75% came from Tubenet and TubaEuph. But Tubenet accounts for a much smaller share of what I can do as a player--perhaps 10%. The other 90% comes from that personal contact with better tuba players, and the formal and informal advice they gave me, based on what we were both hearing.

Rick "for whom drinking beer with tuba players is now only a rare treat" Denney

[Benjamin]

I knew alot about Tubas be fore Tubenet. Before I bought my Tuba I wanted to learn as much as I could. I joined after a guy who was in charge of a master class at a honor band told me about the place. I've learned a ton of new things. And now when I got questions I don't have to bug my band director with a bunch of stuff. I've got you guys to bug. LOL
Benjamin.

[TubaRay]

And now when I got questions I don't have to bug my band director with a bunch of stuff. I've got you guys to bug. LOL
Benjamin.

Now, THAT is comforting!