My summer in a British style brass band

[Conn 2J CC]

Hello -

Just thought I'd share a "feel good" post - I wasn't planning on playing for any groups or productions this summer, but changed my mind when I got an invitation to audition to play Euphonium with the Brass Band of Central Illinois, a British style group based in Bloomington. I'd never played with a British brass band before. They're really good, and I had a blast with them. If you're interested, I found one video of the group on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4U3uxtg7t0) from two years ago, featuring their Bass Trombonist playing a jazz version of "In the Hall of the Mountain King".

Coming up from Bass Trombone and Tuba myself, the Euphonium parts were regularly really high and technically challenging - some of which I couldn't play. Even so, it was just the sort of challenge I've been needing to make myself progress as a musician, so I played everything I possibly could to the best of my ability. I now wish I'd had the chance to play in a group like this years ago, and hope I can do this again. That just made my summer. My thanks to BBCI for a great experience.

Hope you've had a good summer too -

[Dan Schultz]

Did they give you bass clef parts?

[Conn 2J CC]

Dan - No, all parts were in treble clef. Fortunately for me, I already knew treble clef Bb fingerings. Only the Bass Trombonist had parts in bass clef.

[iiipopes]

Only the Bass Trombonist had parts in bass clef.

That is because the part was traditionally played either by a standard trombone or the now-archaic (before F attachments) G trombone.

[Conn 2J CC]

Only the Bass Trombonist had parts in bass clef.

That is because the part was traditionally played either by a standard trombone or the now-archaic (before F attachments) G trombone.

I'm sure you're right, which probably also explains why some Bass Trombone parts in older band music don't go below a Db/C#.

[LCH3]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

You might be interested to know that an International Brass Band Camp was established this year by James Gourlay (tuba player extraordinaire and conductor of River City Brass) at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. The experience was similar to what you report - absolutely awesome! David Childs was there on euphonium and Owen Farr on tenor horn. I play Eb tuba and all music was treble clef just like you experienced. It's tentatively scheduled for the week of July 14 next year. Here's a Facebook link with some videos of the concert: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalB ... WheelingWv" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

This camp would fit right in with what you experienced with the brass band.

Thanks.....LH

[Conn 2J CC]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

You might be interested to know that an International Brass Band Camp was established this year by James Gourlay (tuba player extraordinaire and conductor of River City Brass) at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. The experience was similar to what you report - absolutely awesome! David Childs was there on euphonium and Owen Farr on tenor horn. I play Eb tuba and all music was treble clef just like you experienced. It's tentatively scheduled for the week of July 14 next year. Here's a Facebook link with some videos of the concert: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalB ... WheelingWv" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

This camp would fit right in with what you experienced with the brass band.

Thanks.....LH

LH - That camp sounds really cool, and the videos prove it - my compliments! I wish I could get my hands on an Eb or BBb Tuba, in case I were ever called to play one of them in BBCI (fortunately for them, they've already got real good Tubists) or any another brass band. My smaller bore Conn 2J CC might sound fine with Ebs, but I wonder how well I'd do thinking that all the treble clef Eb music was in bass clef, changing the key signatures and adjusting accidentals. Actually, that's probably another musical challenge I should master!

[MSchott]

Playing Euphonium in a BB will definitely test your technique and range. Playing in the upper range is a frequent occurrence and 16th note passages are the norm. The solo Euph player is nearly as important as the solo Cornet in a BB. It's great! Our brass band is currently getting ready to record Circius by Aagard-Nilsen and both are required as the range is to high Cb concert and odd runs are all over the piece. There's a recording on YouTube.

[Conn 2J CC]

Playing Euphonium in a BB will definitely test your technique and range. Playing in the upper range is a frequent occurrence and 16th note passages are the norm. The solo Euph player is nearly as important as the solo Cornet in a BB. It's great! Our brass band is currently getting ready to record Circius by Aagard-Nilsen and both are required as the range is to high Cb concert and odd runs are all over the piece. There's a recording on YouTube.

Agreed - it is a test of technique and range, and I need to work on both of mine! Most of the songs we played this summer had Euphonium parts that went above high concert F for significant lengths of time, and were quite technical to boot. And after the first rehearsal I went to, the Soprano (Eb) Cornetist (who is a terrific soloist) told me playing Euphonium in a brass band is like playing "1st Trumpet" for the low brass section. Well, as far as high range and technical finesse goes, by jove, I believe he's right....

I also looked up "Circius" on YouTube - very interesting piece! Enjoy recording it. Thanks -

[MaryAnn]

I've had a blast playing 2nd euph and Eb tuba in a British style brass band. It's a great experience if you get the opportunity.
MA

[GC]

I've played in a fair variety of ensembles over 48 years of making music, and British-style brass band has been the most enjoyable by far.

[Teubonium]

I've played in a fair variety of ensembles over 48 years of making music, and British-style brass band has been the most enjoyable by far.

+1000 (But it's been 64 years for me!)