Which is better for tuba? Chicago or DC? -- Update

[bort]

I may have a chance to take a new job, either in Chicago or Washington, DC. Which of these cities is "better" for a decent amateur tuba player like me?

I am mostly talking about community bands and orchestras. I know bands will be everywhere, but I've also really enjoyed all of the orchestra gigs I've had in the past few years in NYC, and I'm not sure what the amateur orchestra scene is like in either place.

I have lived near DC before, so I sort of know the scene, but not very recently. For DC, I'm most interested in things *close* to DC, and not farther away in VA, Gaithersburg, or any farther north in MD. The radius in Chicago is a little more flexible, but it would also be downtown(ish) there too, and not in a suburb.

OR... I could end up staying here in NYC. I do love this place!

Thanks!

[Bob Kolada]

Chicago kinda blows. Most of the amateur groups seem to have the same few guys, there's not a lot of semi pro groups, and all the brass bands are in the suburbs. There's not a lot of bands either. I could probably get you in a quintet.

[swillafew]

There are a lot of good musicians. As a tuba player, I wish more of them were trumpet players.

[Rick Denney]

Orchestras in the DC area seem to be scarce, and those that do exist do so for the string players. The orchestra in my area has amateur strings and professional winds and brass, whose job it is to make an orchestra possible for the benefit of the string players. And there is a large supply of pro-quality tuba players in these parts (in the military bands, sure, but not just in the military bands) to snap up such gigs.

There are lots of bands and lots of tuba players, both in Maryland and in Virginia. You'll find places to play wherever you live in this region--they just probably won't have a wire choir.

Rick "who has had only a handful of opportunities to play in a real symphony orchestra, none of them around here" Denney

[bort]

Thanks everyone. This is good information, and more or less confirms what I already knew about DC and would have guessed about Chicago. If anyone else has more to add, I would certainly appreciate it!

Oh, and Dale, my teacher said "You should ask TubeNet!"

[luke_hollis]

If you enjoy freezing your tucus off most winters, then Chicago may work for you. There are opportunities if you look for them.

[chronolith]

There are chances to play around Chicago for sure. The issue (no matter where) is finding your way in. I got the seat in my orchestra here in Chicago by pure chance and some good timing with an email to the orchestra's personnel manager. Don't be afraid to reach out and get yourself on the sub list. Be ready for a surprise audition at all times. Once you start playing you can start networking. Since I joined the orchestra I have had chances to play in several other groups on a regular basis.

Bob is right that there are a lot of the same faces in the groups around Chicago, but in a way this is what allows the networking to take place. Wherever you end up I think getting a quintet going is a good start. I formed a quintet from members of my orchestra and another orchestra. We are constantly networking gigs that way.

One thing I can say about Chicago is that the amount of playing you can do is directly proportional to the amount of driving you are willing to do. Some of these groups in 90-120 minutes away. If you are willing to drive you should not have trouble find a permanent gig before too long.

I suspect that the cost of living in Chicago is lower than DC but I have no numbers to back that up. I lived in a few east coast cities and found most of them to be overpriced. YMMV.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

[Alex F]

Bort,

As far as bands go, there are very few in the city of Chicago proper but many in the suburbs. The ones I'm most familiar with: Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, North Shore, Palatine, Wheaton Municipal, Wilmette, Naperville, and many more. Some of these are top notch ensembles, others are decent.

You will also find a large number of community symphony orchestras. Here, there are several in the city itself, including the Northwest Chicago Symphony (NWCSO), Ravenswood Community Orchestra, Chicago Bar Association Orchestra (they have some non-lawyer ringers), Chicago Businesmens' Orchestra (they actually have a new name that I forget), the North Shore Symphony, Northwest Symphony (DesPlaines), Park Ridge Symphony, and Oak Park-River Forest Symphony.

Some of these pay their brass a "stipend" and some do not. Of course, as has been pointed out, there are already many fine tubists in the area. But opportunities do exist if you are willing to throw your mouthpiece into the ring (who knows? you might take out a violist).

[chronolith]

The Chicago Businessmen's Orchestra became the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (CMSO) a few years back.

[Bob Kolada]

I'm always looking to start up a low brass group, Brett. Trombones and tuba, tuba quartet, any low wind, trombone cimbasso and tuba quartet,...

[Alex F]

The Chicago Businessmen's Orchestra became the Chicago Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (CMSO) a few years back.

Ah . . . yes. Thanks. Do they still rehearse at Merit School of Music?

Also, for those who enjoy playing but who are in need of a "tune up" I highly recommend the DePaul U. New Horizons Band (There are also two NH Bands in the 'burbs) and the - almost - unknown Chicago Citywide Symphony, located in the Jefferson Park part of Chicago and sponsored by the Chicato Park District. There are rumored to some retired CSO members that can be found playing there.

[Ken Herrick]

Another PLUS for Chicago is that there are some very fine teachers there as well as a not too bad pro band called the CSO to listen to. There is also plenty of great pizza and beer..............

[MartyNeilan]

Another PLUS for Chicago is that there are some very fine teachers there as well as a not too bad pro band called the CSO to listen to. There is also plenty of great pizza and beer..............

I thought good pizza only came from NYC?

[Ken Herrick]

No offense, Marty, but that only looks like a cheesy focaccia. Where is Brian F when we need him for a pic of a Ginos or Uno - REAL pizza.

[bort]

Well, not to ignite a pizza war, but I would certainly miss the pizza in NY. Deep dish is fine, but give me a good ol' foldable slice and an irresponsible amount of napkins and I'm good to go. Plus, I work in SoHo, which is an awesome place to be for NY pizza!

Seriously though, thanks for the good info, it's all very helpful. Just like when I moved to NY, I know it takes a bit of time to get established and build up a network. I'm ready for all of that, just want to make sure it's even possible. When I lived in Baltimore, frankly, it felt like there really just wasn't too much going on. Then again, I'm older and wiser now, or some crap like that.

[Dean E]

I may have a chance to take a new job, either in Chicago or Washington, DC. Which of these cities is "better" for a decent amateur tuba player like me?

I am mostly talking about community bands and orchestras. I know bands will be everywhere, but I've also really enjoyed all of the orchestra gigs I've had in the past few years in NYC, and I'm not sure what the amateur orchestra scene is like in either place.

I have lived near DC before, so I sort of know the scene, but not very recently. For DC, I'm most interested in things *close* to DC, and not farther away in VA, Gaithersburg, or any farther north in MD. The radius in Chicago is a little more flexible, but it would also be downtown(ish) there too, and not in a suburb.

OR... I could end up staying here in NYC. I do love this place!

Thanks!

A good list of volunteer-based, DC area bands, orchestras, and other arts organizations is here:

http://kingsparkband.org/links.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

[bort]

Cool, thanks Dean!

[Dean E]

I may have a chance to take a new job, either in Chicago or Washington, DC. Which of these cities is "better" for a decent amateur tuba player like me?

I am mostly talking about community bands and orchestras. I know bands will be everywhere, but I've also really enjoyed all of the orchestra gigs I've had in the past few years in NYC, and I'm not sure what the amateur orchestra scene is like in either place.

I have lived near DC before, so I sort of know the scene, but not very recently. For DC, I'm most interested in things *close* to DC, and not farther away in VA, Gaithersburg, or any farther north in MD. The radius in Chicago is a little more flexible, but it would also be downtown(ish) there too, and not in a suburb.

OR... I could end up staying here in NYC. I do love this place!

Thanks!

A good list of volunteer-based, DC area bands, orchestras, and other arts organizations is here:

http://kingsparkband.org/links.html" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

A few more DC area community groups:

Virginia Grand Military Band
http://www.vgmb.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Arlington Community Band
http://www.arlingtoncommunityband.com/" target="_blank" target="_blank

National Concert Band of America
http://www.nationalconcertband.org/History.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank

Mount Vernon Community Band
http://www.mvbands.com/mvcb/Mount_Verno ... _Page.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra
http://www.obco.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Capital City Symphony
http://www.capitalcitysymphony.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Capital Wind Symphony
http://www.capitalwinds.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

McLean Symphony
http://www.mclean-symphony.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

Falls Church Concert Band
http://www.fallschurchconcertband.org/" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Dan Schultz]

One of the best (and nicest) tuba players I know is Ron Keller... director of The Naperville Community Band (a suburb of Chicago). Send me a private email and I'll give you his phone number. I'm sure Ron could give you full information about music in Chicago.

[The Big Ben]

Another PLUS for Chicago is that there are some very fine teachers there as well as a not too bad pro band called the CSO to listen to. There is also plenty of great pizza and beer..............

I thought good pizza only came from NYC?
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What is that? It looks like a piece of the side of a cardboard packing box, coated in melted grease with some ketchup on the top.