Making a living with composing

[Nick Pierce]

Guess its 5.3333 octvs

but Pedal Pedal E to the C above a middle C

I still get 4 octaves and a minor sixth out of that. How's your math working on that?

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Guess its 5.3333 octvs

but Pedal Pedal E to the C above a middle C

What is "Pedal Pedal E"???

Is it an octave below pedal E on your F tuba? How do you finger that?

I'm going to assume you mean regular old pedal E on your C tuba. I'll suspend my own disbelief that what you get when you put down 2-4-5 and blow in the pedal register comes out sounding like a real note, and take your word for it. To have a five octave range, you would have to claim the E which is top space in the treble clef staff in your usuable range.

I suppose it depends on how you define your "range." I can squeak out notes two octaves above you by rolling my top lip under and blowing hard with LOTS of pressure. I can even do it with some accuracy. Does that count? I would rather count notes that have a characteristic tuba tone quality that I can play securely with nearly 100% confidence and accuracy. Using that as a standard, I can play from pedal G (on a C tuba) to Bb in the middle of the treble clef staff - a bit more than a four octave range.

You might think about that before you go claiming a five octave range in your signature on here. It makes you sound like an egotistical trumpet player, and I'm sure that wasn't your intention.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Psst...Wade...do you go on up to the high Bb in Fantastique? I've always wanted to do that, especially in an audition, just to see the reaction.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I agree completely, Wade...dropping down an octave for the last three notes of the run ruins the moment to me, as well. I've always assumed the change of octave reflects a limitation of the originally scored instrument...the ophicleide.

I'm just surprised to hear someone (especially someone with your gravitas) to say it's expected to alter the written part in an audition in this way. I have consistently been told exactly the opposite. To hear that playing the part as notated on the page would actually hurt my chances in an audition...well, that actually might explain a few things to me.

But, as I always say on here, these are the things they don't teach you in school.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Thanks, Wade.

And sorry, you don't get to decide whether or not you have gravitas...that's determined by other people's perception of you and what you say. I'm quite certain I speak for many folks on the forum by insisting that you do.

And you can take that to the bank. $$$

[Todd S. Malicoate]

So, after that wonderful post about pieces with high notes, Oystein Baadsvik (how did he come up?), and the proper fingering for a low E, you still have the five octave thing in your signature. Nice.

Thanks for the tip, though...I guess I won't be programming the Woodward anytime soon...what, with that pesky high C and all.

So, what's your range on the F? You say you have the range on both tubas...you must really be able to play high on the F.

[TubaRay]

This thread seems to be taking us deeper and deeper into the clear, concrete world of definitive answers. You know, this could be even scholarly, after all. Have you noticed how we have someone who speaks authoritatively? And what credentials! I'm still working to get my credentials up to par so that I can speak with such authority.

One further thought: Shame on you, Todd. And you know why.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Sorry, don't get it. PM me if you want, and I'll be happy to apologize for what I did to shame myself.

I have this nasty habit of calling BS when I see it. It probably doesn't bother anyone else, but I don't appreciate people inflating their own self-worth with unsubstantiated claims. So sue me.

Todd S. "I suppose the OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, for those of you in Rio Linda) is bad today" Malicoate

[TubaRay]

I have this nasty habit of calling BS when I see it.

Exactly!

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I do feel ashamed...dirty, really. Thanks, Ray.

Sorry, James...enjoy your 5 octave range and your Pedal Pedal E. Could you let me know how you finger that on your F tuba? I can't seem to figure it out. Thanks.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I believe that pedal pedal E is fingered second on an F tuba.

YES!!!

Now I get it! All I need now is to pinch out that dang high C!

5 octave range...here I come! WHOOO-HOO!!!