Video on Developing the High Register for Tuba

[MackBrass]

Hi All,

I put together a video demonstrating some exercises that help develop and improve the upper register. The upper register has always been a weakness for me until I started focusing on it. In doing so I have been able to increase my range considerably, although its not like Pat Sheridan who I think has the best upper range capability and flexibility on the tuba, I am happy with the results. The purpose of this video is not to show off but to pass on some ideas to help others and to show that there is no limit to how high you can actually play. I must admit that there is no real practical purpose to the extreme high register but it is nice to know that it can be developed.

One thing I am still looking to develop is endurance. Once I have played for about an hour or so, my upper register goes out the door. Please feel free to add your comments as well as any other exercises that you do to help improve expanding the upper range as well as endurance.

http://www.youtube.com/user/hthomasmcgr ... Fgh2oCpYLM" target="_blank


Regards,

Tom

[Dutchtown Sousa]

unfortunately I can not hear what you are saying. You might need to redo the video with a separate lapel mic, I don't know though it may be something else

[MackBrass]

Your right, I had the mic placed for the horn and not for me speaking, try turning your volume up to see if that helps.

Tom

[Dutchtown Sousa]

Your right, I had the mic placed for the horn and not for me speaking, try turning your volume up to see if that helps.

Tom

I had the volume of the video and my computer turned all the way up and could still barely make out what you were saying. Nice playing though

[MackBrass]

Is that a Chinese tuba ?
If not, why not?
Also on the serious side here, who is this video for ?
Aren't you afraid that kids will try to imitate it before they have their fundamentals learnt ?

This is not a horn made in china, its an older B&S PT8. With the exception of a few Euphoniums, I don’t own a horn made in China yet because I keep selling them out. My goal is to have one of the BBb and a CC that i can call my own some day. I can say that if I ever do another audition, my main axe will be the 186 clone, but that does not mean that one day I will not own a Thore or another Alexander as well.

The video is for anyone who is interested in learning a few new exercises to help with upper register. I wish I had someone when I was young and dumb to show them to me.

As far as kids imitating them goes before fundamentals are developed, I am not concerned because who is to say this can not be learned from the start, I am putting out exercises that can be used at any level of playing ability. It doesn't matter where your starting point is, just start it. It’s the concept of the exercises that should be looked at and what can be achieved through them. If done properly, you will not only develop the upper register but you will also develop a good buzz in your playing which will result in a better sound, air control, air support and flexibility.

As teachers and instructors it is up to us to figure out different ways to improve playing within our students and ourselves. Part of my original post was asking for other to post exercises they have found useful.

[k001k47]

His speaking in this video sounds like my high range, barely audible and questionably there.