Equipment implied by a piece

[WVUtubaman12]

I was handed a piece by one of the graduate conducting students at WVU that is for percussion ensemble with a small group of wind instruments. I leafed through the part and, due to the range, could tell that a bass tuba would be the best choice of equipment for this piece as most of my notes were in the Bb in the staff to the d above the staff range, with a few low notes involved (wouldn't be a tuba part w/o them right?). I could do this on my CC, but I think for the best overall tone quality and least wear on my chops (did I mention the piece is 30 minutes long, most of which I play in?) I should use a bass. To the real reason I'm posting. Anyone in the Morgantown, Pittsburgh, Charleston WV area's have a bass tuba they would be willing to allow me to rent for a few months?

Thanks and happy practicing,
Andrew

[Bob Kolada]

What is the music and instrumentation like? A euphonium with a large mp could work.

[WVUtubaman12]

I thought about it, I don't really know the instrumentation yet, as far as brass goes I think it's trumpet, horn, tuba, and if that's the case a euph might work, but I'll have to see. Thanks Bob.

[jamsav]

down an octave ? maybe ?

[jon112780]

What is the piece? Perhaps someone on TubeNet has played it...



Based on your info, you have a couple options:

1.- Get a hold of the score and a recording (if possible); then take the part down an octave (in spots) if you need too, if appropriate.

2.- Practice your high register on your current axe until the concert and show off your newfound 'mad skills'.

3.- See if it is actually playable 'as is' on euphonium/bass trombone and discuss it with the conductor. If you can convince him the part was 'mis-marked' or sounds better on another instrument, then your problem is solved.

4.- A bass tuba will be more flexible and help slot the upper notes, not help you play higher. Playing in the upper register on a horn you are less-than-confident-on during a performance is usually a bad idea.

Ask you applied lesson professor, usually it's the easiest way to get the best answer for this kind of situation!

[The Jackson]

Ask you applied lesson professor, usually it's the easiest way to get the best answer for this kind of situation!

↑↑↑ THIS. ↑↑↑

But, to offer another suggestion, why not try and contact the (assumed alive) composer of this work?

[Bob Kolada]

"yeah...and I walked to school 23 miles in the snow every day as well"

Carrying an F tuba?

[windshieldbug]

"yeah...and I walked to school 23 miles in the snow every day as well"

Carrying an F tuba?

Uphill both ways, half an hour before he went to bed, and when he got home his dad would kill him and dance about on his grave singing "hallelujah!"

[Tom]

I think it's kinda funny that you "decided" to play it on bass tuba but you don't have a bass tuba to play it on or have access to one through a teacher or other students.

To me, it is pretty simple...

Play it on what you have or decline the invitation if you can't or won't do it because of range/endurance issues.

The other option, I guess, is to buy a bass tuba. If I were in your position, I'd start practicing the piece on what I had. You'll build endurance and "high chops" and will have greater mastery of the CC tuba in the end.

[WVUtubaman12]

I'll just hack it on my CC. The rehearsals are at the end of the day, around when I usually hit the studio, so it doesn't matter if it kills my chops for a while, I'll get used to it.

[TubaTodd]

I was handed a piece by one of the graduate conducting students at WVU that is for percussion ensemble with a small group of wind instruments.

Does this imply that the student wrote it or did they just hand it to you? If they wrote it, I wonder if they were familiar with the tessitura that a tuba part is typically written in. For example, the Symphony #1 (Lord of the Rings) for wind ensemble by Johan de Meij has a tuba part that is written clearly in the trombone range. Any group I've ever performed that with dropped the tuba part down an octave. He is a trombonist so I think the common thought was that he was writing the part as if it were being read on a trombone.

Someone correct me if I am wrong on that one.

[WVUtubaman12]

Todd, He did not write the piece, it was composed by a Mexican composer whose name currently escapes me. It has only been played on it's premier, at the University of Houston. I am not even sure that there is a recording of the piece for me to look up. I think the composer comprehends the tuba range, because the line doesnt go above a d above the staff or below CC below the staff, I just think he intended it for a bass tuba with the range in which he wrote it, but I have no confirmation.

[WVUtubaman12]

Sounds like very good advice bloke. Nice shameless plug as well, lol. That is a really good idea, although I am not sure how I feel about playing the mouthpiece game. My philosophy has always been to find one that I like my sound on, and use it for everything. I am about to let go of a G&W bayamo that was my piece before i was persuaded to try the schilke. It is also a possibility that I may have to buy a PT-50 as that is the required mouthpiece used by The Carolina Crown DBC (I'll know that in two weeks). I don't really know that I can Justify buying 2 mouthpieces in 2 weeks to the people holding the purse strings. The advice is good, and I may attempt it, but it will be tough to do.

Andrew "Friggin loves the amount of good advice on this forum" M.

[Bob Kolada]

It is also a possibility that I may have to buy a PT-50 as that is the required mouthpiece used by The Carolina Crown DBC (I'll know that in two weeks).

[WVUtubaman12]

Carolina Crown requires all players of like instruments to use the same mouthpiece. Trumpets VB-3c etc. The tubes have to use a PT-50. I think they are doing this to try and take out as many variables in tone production as they can. If we all use the "same" horn, "same" mouthpiece, and their very detailed technique program for playing, we should all sound exactly alike, right? Well, I wouldn't judge because they skyrocketed from the mid tier of World class DBC' s in the last 3 years to winning the Jim Ott (best hornline) trophy last year.

[bort]

...we should all sound exactly alike, right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PijbSFmzuUc" target="_blank