Using a BAT in Concert Band

[Chuck(G)]

So you're not playing the big CC in brass band, but symphonic band? If so, it'll work just fine, since tuba parts there are pretty much the domain of the contrabass voices and big horns to drown out those clarinets and saxes isn't a bad idea.

Witness the number of 2xJ's used in concert bands...

[Rick Denney]

Our 45-piece band currently has four players of varying skills. I'm using my BAT Holton (though it's in Bb the sound is no different than if it was a CC Holton 345). We have a large 4/4 or small 5/4 Boehm and Meinl 5500 and two new-style King 2341's. That provides a good, rich tuba sound, especially on those rare occasions when we are all in tune.

I have played by myself in that group on many occasions using just the Holton.

Rick "noting that the intonation is improving every week" Denney

[MartyNeilan]

When "symphonic bands" were in all their glory, horns such as the Conn 20J and even bigger Martin were all the rage. Don't think of breaking the mold by playing a 6/4 so much as returning to the roots. Plus, have you ever seen the size of the original Sousaphone section?? Three very healthy 4/4's and 2 absolute BATs!



yeah, yeah, don't even get started on that whole CC vs. BBb thing. A BAT is a BAT.

[THE TUBA]

Last year in the Charlotte Youth Wind Ensemble, the principal played a mira 191 BBb, next played the piston neptune CC, the third chair played a rotory neptune CC, and I played a Kalison CC. I think the end result was quite nice; our section blended well and could put out a ton of sound. Just make sure your massive tuba is nimble enough to tackle some of the more technical band stuff, because there can be some very nasty licks in the harder stuff.

Occassionally, cool conductors will actually tell their tuba sections to 8vb some passages (in To Tame the Perilous Skies at SC all-state this year, some of us got to play down everything we could for three lines: pedal Bb's, Ab's, Gb's,... (not saying that those low Gb's were anywhere close to being in tune )), and big horns sure come in handy during these situations.

[AndyL]

Jonathan "who is finding playing a BAT rather addictive"

Playing a BAT isn't just addictive, Jonathan......"It's the right thing to do!"

When I see a winds band _without_ a 6/4 tuba, I wonder "who they think they're kidding"......because I know the bass presence isn't going to be what I'd hope for.

[tubatooter1940]

IMHO, when it comes to tuba, overkill is always preferable. Big booming basses make my heart go pitter pat.
I would love a bat but have to be content with amplifying the Eb King I have. (Thrugh six 300 watt EONS)

[iiipopes]

IMHO, when it comes to tuba, overkill is always preferable. Big booming basses make my heart go pitter pat.
I would love a bat but have to be content with amplifying the Eb King I have. (Thrugh six 300 watt EONS)

Heh, heh, heh -- power -- more power -- heh, heh

[AndyL]

I for one play a 1968 Bell model MW (.689 bore for the record) and more than keep up with my other BBb bass mate in our brass band (who plays a 6/4 Holton BBb).

That's an interesting observation, but I don't think bore size has much to do with it. I'm not familiar with your Bell MW, but the size and taper of the bows would give me more of an idea of how it might sound compared to the Holton you mention.

Are you saying you can keep up with your 6/4 mate from your OWN vantage point, sitting right next to him, or is that the feedback you've received from the audience point-of-view?

My conductor and audience members have told me they notice the difference (depending on what instrument I'm playing), and having heard back-to-back orchestral concerts myself.....same piece with and without a 6/4.....I've noticed a dramatic difference (the more experienced player in that instance was playing the smaller instrument).

the bass presence isn't going to be what I'd hope for.

Do you see how that statement reflects my personal tastes?

I'm not advocating an arms race (your term)......I'm saying I notice an audible difference when a 6/4 is part of the mix, and my tastes percieve it as an improvement.

there are many fine players of today and yesteryear who didn't/don't play 6/4 tubas and can make huge, dark (bass present) sounds

Perhaps I just haven't been hearing players in that "league".

[tubeast]

Just one side note:
I think there´s a difference between "size" (somewhat equal to volume as measured in dB) and "colour" a team consisting of player and horn can produce.
It´s surely possible to alter both via choice of horn, but if a not-so-great player can´t get even close to the smaller horn´s limits, most probably using a BAT won´t really help to produce a fuller sound.
At least one might say practice would do a much better job, and one could worry about horn size AFTER dealing with the player´s part of sound limitation.

[AndyL]

Well, like Mae West is reported to have said:

"Too much of anything is wonderful!"

She must have been thinking of tubas, and not some trumpet sections I've heard. Maybe trumpets were mellower then..........

[windshieldbug]

Maybe trumpets were mellower then...

Haven't you learned yet? Each generation of trumpet players is MUCH BETTER than their predecessors... in fact, they're MUCH BETTER than each other...

[TubaRay]

Haven't you learned yet? Each generation of trumpet players is MUCH BETTER than their predecessors... in fact, they're MUCH BETTER than each other...

Need proof? Ask them!