Over the last 1X years, we have worked hard to make the tuba quartet a viable performing ensemble in Dallas. We developed our own book, used the contacts we had, developed our own contacts, played odd venues... we did whatever we could think of. We have played local TV morning shows, drive time commercial radio and local public radio trying to develop our audience.
Our initial gigs were in a hardware store. Granted, it's a great hardware store, Texas sized, but we've played in countless other types of venues from "high society" birthday parties (for people whose names you probably have heard) to store-openings and concerts.
Here is a picture of part of the crowd from the gig last Saturday, we were told the attendance is just under 500, and they all stayed for the two hour performance. It was a very appreciative audience... and we got paid.
This is our fourth or fifth year at this venue. This concert series starts in July with different types of ensembles playing in an outdoor setting. They have scheduled us as the closing performance for the last three years because the audience actually looks forward to hearing us.
Our pay is just often union scale but we still take the short, cheap gigs when we can get them. The first gigs included playing Christmas gigs in stores and we built up the repertoire, the venues and the pay.
My point: opportunities are there. Harvey Phillips opened the door for all of us to be working tuba/euphonium players (as entrepreneurs) but we have to take the initiative.
You do not have to play for free: your skill and your time have value; the product you offer can be pleasing to a surprising number of people and retail stores will pay for that.
Here's a picture of the Dallas Wind Symphony Quartet "in action" at the gig.
Pictures courtesy Michael Presley, Wolfe City, TX.
Members of the DWS Tuba/Euphonium Quartet are: (l-r) Brian Davis (Hirsbrunner euph), David Strand (Canadian Brass euph), Alex Cauthen (Yamaha YFB621), Jason Wallace (MW 45 SLP)
