Band Directors Who Are Tubists

[BavarianFanfare]

When I was growing up, my band director played trumpet and drums in my class from the sixth through eighth grade. For specific classes we had beginning, intermediate, and advanced bands. In each grade, I went from beginning up each level through each year. In class, he would play his trumpet with us most of the time while standing at the front of the band. If a band director is a tubist and is teaching these grade levels, what would you folks recommended? How would you approach this if you wanted to play with your classes? Looking back on this now when I was a middle school student, I think this was a very good approach for practicing as a class. Please note, he did not do this in formal concerts, or public performances, just in class. I am not sure what we be best approach if the teacher is a tubist. Thanks.

[josh_kaprun]

One word...sousaphone.

[LoyalTubist]

Noooooo!

When I used to teach beginning band I used my Mirafone 186 CC. I didn't start tuba players and I had a score in front of me so I could read all the parts in concert key. Use a strap (I used a nylon rope), it's easier.

[Mike Finn]

I've been known to play anything along with my classes, usually trumpet but sometimes french horn, trombone, or bass drum. Rarely tuba though, simply because our school doesn't own one and I don't want to lug mine back and forth. Just as frequently as playing along I'll sing their parts with them, or count and clap, or dance around madly waving my arms. Seriously.
If you're studying to be a band director (or plan to) you will learn to play ALL the instruments and can choose which works best for your situation.
MF

[brianggilbert]

The one thing I suggest - before sticking yourself "out there" in front of an impressionable group, be sure you are modeling proper technique and sound. Being able to get a sound out is not enough. Whether elementary, middle or high school, students should always have a strong musical example.

The other thing to do would be to try to bring in area "experts" to expose the kids to proper sound and techniques. It's a lot of fun for the kids too and some instrumental teachers in your area/district would probably be glad to trade time with you.

I'm sure that other local directors would probably be thrilled to have YOU stop by and positively "rub-off" on their low brass sections! What directors wouldn't love to have MORE BASS!

[Bill Troiano]

I would play euphonium in lessons a lot. I found that, especially with upper woodwind classes, and trumpets, that they had difficulty relating to the tuba's range, being that most of the time, I was playing 2-3 octaves below them. The euph was a good middle ground that most everyone seemed to be able to hear.

[Carroll]

I use the sequential method of "count - clap - model - perform - monitor - adjust" with all of my beginning and intermediate classes. These classes are small (12-16) mixed instruments and mixed experience levels. I do not teach by rote. The kids learn to count the rhythms show understanding of the rhythms by clapping them, finger the notes while hearing a model performance, and then play the exercise. I then monitor their performance and re-teach the mistake areas. We follow this pattern on unison exercises, and even then... not every time. Most often I will model the performance, but sometimes a kid will really get the concept being taught and I will ask them to model. We have weekly playing quizzes and frequent multi-class concerts.

Anyway, I most often grab the trumpet beside my stand and demonstrate with that. I can play any part on any axe, but the trumpet is convenient and in a range all of the kids can relate to.

[bearphonium]

My nephew's MS band director had three bands and two choirs that she taught; and beginning band was split into "blue" and "silver" groups that met alternate days M-Th, and together on Fridays. Having never sat in with them, I don't know about how she taught, but I do know that not one of the kids knew what her primary instrument was. Like the two mentioned above, she could out play every first chair on every instrument, and the three kids that I know well from her bands have outstanding fundamental knowledge.

My nephew only discovered that she was a flute player when he went to the retirement concert for Max McKee (American Band College) that I played in, and discovered she was one of the first 50 ABC grads...on the flute. His best friend (a tuba player) wasn't able to go to that concert because she was subbing in the Ashland City Band for one of Max's first tuba plaers at SOU...she is going to SOU as a music major, having just gotten her first CC tuba.

Ally"who got to play in the alumni band with all of her band directors from school"House

[BavarianFanfare]

If I was able to play with the band, and the school had limited tubas, do you think a Conn 5J would be o.k. for that? Because I start thinking that if I had to use a sousa, this would be rough.
Thanks.

[Chadtuba]

If I was able to play with the band, and the school had limited tubas, do you think a Conn 5J would be o.k. for that? Because I start thinking that if I had to use a sousa, this would be rough.
Thanks.

Up until this last week I used a 5J with my 5th & 6th grade bands that I had borrowed from an other school so that I could have a tuba out to practice in between classes. The students appreciated hearing the different instrument playing their part. Most often I'll use a trumpet or clarinet because of the size, they're easier to stash in the corner when the younger grades come in. I'll also use a marching baritone when I have one available. Again, the size and I like that I can model proper trumpet playing/holding technique with a similar, albeit, larger instrument.

With my HS & JH bands I play my tuba or euph often in class to fill in missing parts.

[phaymore]

When I want to demonstrate something on an instrument, it is hardly ever with the tuba. While I am a tuba player and I love my instrument, I find it that it is too big and awkward to have in front of the room and around my podium. I personally always have my clarinet ready within arms length (clarinet is something I learned in college) or sometimes I have a euphonium ready to go. To each their own. Of course, I teach middle school and I can play their music on these other instruments. Perhaps if it were high school, I would feel that a tuba is necessary.