JOHN Williams Tuba Concerto - Range?

[WoodSheddin]

I'm a high-schooler (about to be a senior) and I'm looking for an extra hard tuba solo.

I did Beelzebub two years ago and the first movement of the Vaughan-Williams this year, so I was wondering if I would be able to pull off the John Williams.

Does anyone out there know the range of this piece? I've heard parts of it are "sky-high", so I was just wondering if anyone knew exactly.

I realize there might be quite a jump in difficulty from the Vaughan-Williams to the John Williams, but I'm determined to do something awesome this year.

The range of this piece is similiar to the Vaughan Williams. What makes the John Williams challenging is the size. It is a 20 minute piece without breaks between movements. The intervals within the melody lines are challenging as is the amount of playing being done within.

[WoodSheddin]

It's a cool piece, but it is just a showy piece, it really isn't that musical. There is plenty of stuff out there to spend your time on. Some more lyrical pieces are actually more impressive. Listen to some Gene Pokorny. It is much more satisfying to play something that makes an emotional impression than to play something that just makes people go" oooh, it's fast". I am a senior as well and I had the John WIlliams down(at least the first two movements) pretty cold, but I much prefer six studies in english folk song. My advice, listen to Gene Pokorny and listen to Arnold Jacob's philosophies.

I would have to disagree about the musical aspects of the John Williams. It takes longer than 1-2 months to get past the technical challenges and really dig into the interpretation. This piece is one of the most satisfying pieces for an audience to listen to when played well. It also has lots of variety and beautiful lines. I wish more tunes written for us were as well done as this one.

Give yourself 6 months - 1 year to really find this tune. It is well worth it.

[WoodSheddin]

by the way I love jazz and I would not be against John Williams writing the sacore to every movie, as I said, he is an incredible man and the John WIlliams tuba concerto is a great edition to our growing repertoire.

Don't get too offended by bloke. He is a "Grumpy Old Man". You are entitled to your opinion and have every right to not like the John Williams Concerto. I took classes with James Barnes while at KU, but I don't care much for the James Barnes Tuba Concerto. I have great respect for Mr. Barnes as a composer, teacher, and especially conductor, but I just don't care for his concerto.

Hold firm on your beliefs if they are honest.

[WoodSheddin]

btw, Does Jim still have that big ol' BBb Alex in his office?

When I was there, many moons ago, he had it and used it regularly in Lawrence Town Band. I understand his dynamics are measured with US Geological Survey earthquake equipment.