High note help

[acjcf2]

I have a part for a Bach Fugue that has a Bb and a B above staff and also three middle C (C above staff) half notes.

On a good day I can reach the Bb above staff. Middle C however, is out of reach at this time.

G and A are attainable with reasonably good musicallity.

Any hints as to how much I could drop these notes without butchering the piece?

Thanks,
Jim

[Mark]

Are you playing a BBb tuba? If so, try playing that C open.

If you can play the Bb, you can play the C.

[acjcf2]

Yes it is, an old Jupiter 378 3 valver.

[Mark]

Yes it is, an old Jupiter 378 3 valver.

Playing the C open may make it a little easier. Also trying playing the B-natural as 2 instead of 12.

With a little practice, you can play these notes. Play a chromatic scale from the BB below the staft to the Bb in the staff a few times. Then play a chromatic scale from the Bb below the staff to the Bb at the top of the staff a few times. Then play a chromatic scale from the Bb in the staff to the Bb aove the staff a few times. Once you have that working well, try continuing on up to the B and C. Each time you get a good tone on the B or C, hold that note for a little while and just listen to it. Rinse and repeat.

Once you get that C working, you really ought to try to get that high range higher. Playing parts that contain the highest note you can play is not a good long-term practice. (You would not want to drive a car at its maximum speed for long periods of time.) Playing that C would be a lot more comfortable if you could play up to the Eb above it.

Another great way to work on your high range is to buy an easy/beginner trombone "song" book that has tunes you know in it. Play them down an octave until you can hear them in your head and then try playing them as written. Since they are for beginning trombone students, they should not go too high.

[Bob Kolada]

Do you have a piano? Play the pitches on there and sing/hum with them. The biggest part of high notes, for me, is just "knowing" the notes. Don't get tensed up, relax!

[acjcf2]

Thanks to all. I have no clue how to play the piano. I'll get someone at church to help there.

I am trying hard to keep relaxed and not pull the tuba into my mouth too hard. As I said in an older post, I'm getting into playing for the first time in 38 years. I;ve only been plying since the second week of Feb.

My chops are not the same and whatever I "had" is not there. Some of it is back but not all of it.

But damn, I sure like playing the tuba. I'll keep working, I know it will take time.

Jim

PS: I sure learn a lot here, maybe too much.

[Roger Lewis]

Try reading this and thinking about it for a bit. These may help. First you have to believe that it is NOT hard. All the best. Roger
viewtopic.php?p=29184#p29184" target="_blank
http://www.chisham.com/tips/bbs/jan2003 ... 20672.html" target="_blank

[k001k47]

Worst advice I've heard: more air.

[Rochester2013]

Practicing the low range helped my upper range more than I can tell you. YMMV.

[Dean E]

Just as everyone said, it can be done. And practicing the lower register actually helps with the high notes.

I'm afraid to start a firestorm by suggesting a mouthpiece with a sharper rim and smaller backbore to gain more control with high notes. I didn't see mention of your mouthpiece.

[ScotGJ]

I came back to playing tuba after laying off for a couple decades. Because of a lack of tuba players in my area, I had many performance opportunities that really stretched my re-emerging chops. I would agonize over if I should bring things down or play them as written. I found out that I usually was the only one who noticed when I brought something down an octave. Everybody noticed when I fracked a high note (or hit a high note with a stretched or out of tune sound).

Look at phrases and the line of a part. If you bring something down, try to bring down a whole phrase, or at least a part of the phrase that does not lead to unusual or awkward lines. Use your ear. Do what best serves the music at the time. Meaning, if it is very likely you will sound bad playing it high, bring it down. You want a performance to sound as good as you can make it at the time. Trying to be sure you play the part "as you are supposed to" but putting yourself in a situation where you are playing beyond your current ability, will not serve the music.

My high range came back with (surprise surprise) lots of time spent playing high during regular practice. A couple lessons with a respected pro teacher was also an invaluable part of my tuba rehab. You need to know the correct techniques and you have to put in the time.

Again, this is just my opinion, but do what is necessary for the music to sound as musical as it can at this time in your playing.

Have fun with your tuba adventure.

[jonesbrass]

First you have to believe that it is NOT hard. All the best. Roger

+1 Some good advice in this thread, but I think Roger hit it on the head: if you think it's too high and too hard, it is. If you think you can do it, you can.
I also agree with bloke. If you are familiar with the Bordogni/Rochut "Melodius Etudes" for trombone, practice them in three different octaves: an octave down from the original trombone, two octaves down from the trombone, and as written for trombone. Focus on the melody and making music with it . . .

[acjcf2]

AAgain many thanks. I updated my signature and added my dope. I have thought about a mp with a sharper rim and an even smaller bore. I went from 8.4mm *24AW) down to 8mm (TU-21), and am considering a mp with a 7.8mm bore.

However, as some others have said too many mouth pieces I can, "chase a moving target."

I'll master it. I have to remind myself, the four letters in American are "I CAN."

Jim

[tubadavid94]

First know that these notes are not very high and if played right there will be no strain or tension and is will feel natural. Dont think about the chops and there function as you get higher. increase the velocity of air(imagining "blowing down" may help) and instead of tightining the face and the chops make a point to relax as you acent and keep your chops open and make it a point to play high every day so you can develop your chops. the skys the limit!

[Wu299]

I cannot conceive of a mouthpiece much worse than a 24AW. See if someone on tubenet will sell you a decent knockoff-brand #18 for a low price. That's an OK place to park yourself for a while.

Slightly off-topic: what blokepiece would you recommend for BBb tubas used for all playing (solo, orchestra and quintet)? I asked you in PM but received no response.
Thanks for your help.

[acjcf2]

I don't use the 24AW anymore Bloke. In fact, I might give to one of the local schools. I will look into the reference materials and try the suggested exercises.

Cheers

Jim