good range

[tubadude08]

Just kind of wondering what would be considered a good range, low and high?

[WoodSheddin]

whatever is required to play the music

[tubadude08]

well, i have 7 years of experience and am about ready to go to college as a freshman in august

The reason i am asking is because i have only looked at one peice that stretched my range, although i do not remember the name of it, and i was just wondering what the norm is high and low wise for a PROFESIONAL tubist

[MikeMason]

well, the range you will commonly encounter as a pro tubist would be from Low Eb(2Eb's below the staff) to high Bb(2 Bbs above the staff).There are of course pieces that go beyond that,but not on common audition rep.

[MartyNeilan]

What's the ideal range? Virtually subsonic to unbearably high, if we are to believe composers.

I am still trying to get my double high C (octave above middle C) decent and consistent. It occurs several times in the 1st and 3rd movements of Kansas City Dances by Holsinger. Right now, I can only nail the second movement (and with a good accompanist.) I have been working on that note for the last two years, but I seem to tap out around Bydlo Ab - high Bb. Anything beyond that just doesn't sound "tubalike," on the days I can even get it securely.

FWIW, I have given up on being able to truly play the double pedal C (well below the piano keyboard) as a real note in Encounters and will just "fake it" as some tubists are apt to do if I ever have to perform that piece.

Disclaimer: These pieces were each written with a specific tuba virtuoso in mind (Steve Seward and Roger Bobo) who was capable of playing those extreme notes, and playing them well every day of the week.

[chevy68chv]

When I was going into college about 2 years ago may range was about from pedal Bb to about Eb above the staff. If your range right now is better than that, you are in great shape. Most of the other tubists I knew in high school could play up to around middle C. You will have lots of time next year to work on it (I'm assuming your a music major?) One thing I will tell you about range is work for consistency. The biggest difference in my range since high school has been in that area. Its one thing to be able to squeak out a high note sometimes, but you want that note to be solid and ready whenever you need it.

[smurphius]

I agree on several points in this post. Mr. Chisham is definately correct that you just need to be able to play the music.

Range is one of those topics like BBb versus CC versus Eb versus F. Someone will have a different answer every time.

When I went into college, my range was very, VERY small. I can't remember exactly what it was as that was four years ago, but I've since then improved drastically.

Range is all a matter of psychology I do believe. As I look back over the years, a note was only high in my mind because I was telling myself it was. As I've gone through training and hours and hours of practice, I overcome my fears of range usually one half step at a time.

I know my high range has improved a whole octave over 4 years, and I would imagine my low range probably has improved nearly an octave too.

Pick music that is going to always challenge various points in your playing, including range. This is the best way to see where you fall. Get a recording of every piece of music you're playing. Get a recording of one of the masters. Listen to them play it. Then maybe record yourself playing it if you can. Compare, and adjust. (Wash, rinse, repeat.)

Now if only practicing tuba were as easy as bathing... well... Bathing myself, not a tuba. Bathing tubas is equally hard in my opinion. LOL.

[ahowle]

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[TexTuba]

Well I'd say for more of the standard rep. going up to F above middle C and playing down to the pedal Bb is good. Yes, you'll have to play higher on some solos but not too many. Just practice to be consistent.







Ralph