should tubists play euph too?

fpoon · Post by **fpoon** » Sun May 21, 2006 7:47 pm

Uhm...

Only if he/she wants to?

joshwirt · Post by **joshwirt** » Sun May 21, 2006 8:17 pm

I don't think one should have to, but if you can, why not? I've played euphonium (and trombone) for as long as I have played the tuba. I still play euph because it just came easy to me and had no serious effect on my tuba embouchure....and btw, I play my euph with a EUPH mouthpiece. I've tried the 'tuba cup with bass shank' stuff and while it might be fun to play pedal notes on, my face REALLY doesn't like it.

Do I have blazing technique on the euph? No.

Can I play the standard euph lit? Maybe if I worked at it.

Do I practice it regularly? Yes, enough to keep a high-enough level of proficiency for my students and if I get a call for something, I can do it....and that has happened several times.

When I was in undergrad, I played euph in the 2nd wind band at my undergrad just to learn some rep and work on my technique. I think it's a great idea for those of you out there who can do it to spend some time on an auxillary axe.....but if I had it to do all over......double bass.....

MartyNeilan · Post by **MartyNeilan** » Sun May 21, 2006 10:09 pm

FWIW, I would suggest the doubles of bass trombone, electric bass, upright bass, and maybe bari sax first. The reason being that these are instruments you may use in ensembles where tuba wouldn't usually fit in - (traditional) jazz big band, rock combo, chamber orchestra, etc.
While euph is certainly a related instrument, the types of ensembles it is common in very much overlaps with tuba. Learning other doubles first may get you more gigs, get involved with different styles of music, and put more money in your pocket. If I hadn't learned a few of the above instruments I might never have played Basie or Haydn.

Or you could just be "loyal" to the tuba and refuse to double at all.

LoyalTubist · Post by **LoyalTubist** » Sun May 21, 2006 11:03 pm

I am the LOYALtubist and I play euphonium and bass trombone. It's up to you whether you want to do it or not.

Z-Tuba Dude · Post by **Z-Tuba Dude** » Mon May 22, 2006 6:34 am

I find that playing euphonium in concert band, is a refreshing change of pace. Having the chance to play melodies, and counter-melodies, is a lot of fun, especially after playing bass lines, all of my life!

From a monetary point of view, it doesn't make a lot of sense, since there are few professional euphonium opportunities.

In summation:
Money? Not really....Fun? YES!

windshieldbug · Post by **windshieldbug** » Mon May 22, 2006 11:01 am

Although, oddly enough, that was why I switched from euphonium to tuba... the best euphonium players in the school of music had monster chops, from studying with such a tuba teacher for a year. By the time I started, we had a "smile"ing trombone teacher. The only way to get to study with the tuba teacher was to major in tuba.

So I did.

iiipopes · Post by **iiipopes** » Mon May 22, 2006 1:34 pm

I wouldn't say, "have to," but any musical instrument you can double on to performance quality will, of course, make you much more flexible and open musically to a whole lot more opportunities!

As far as teachers, especially in band, you better at least be able to get a recognizable noise out of it so you can demonstrate to students.

Rick F · Post by **Rick F** » Mon May 22, 2006 1:40 pm

iiipopes wrote:As far as teachers, especially in band, you better at least be able to get a recognizable noise out of it so you can demonstrate to students.

Ha-hmm! Please, no noise coming from the euphonium section.