How can I get a good Bb above the staff?

[Todd S. Malicoate]

I don't recall anyone being critical of another poster's "spellin" in this thread. I just find it interesting that a college graduate can't be bothered to use correct punctuation...it's not exactly a one-time thing.

It was just an afterthought (see the N.B.) and wasn't even directed at one person specifically but rather the educational system in general. I hope this comment doesn't derail the entire thread (as one usually does).

Those of you continuing to give "high playing" advice...are you aware you are speaking to a high school student who wishes to be able to play the Bb in the middle of the treble clef staff? Think about it...

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Do you not know that Arnald Jacobs did?
Isn't he the model we all strive for ?
(didn't you?)

Admittedly, yes...I was always a "higher, faster, louder" kind of guy in high school and my undergraduate years. I took me until the start of graduate school to discover low register playing and a focus on good tone quality.

Which is precisely why I am giving out the cautions I am. Looking back (hindsight being 20-20 and all...), I really wish I had devoted more time to fundamentals, low register development, and embouchure strength as a beginner. Sure, everyone was impressed when I could play "Carnival of Venice" in the euphonium octave in high school and that time I wailed on a Maynard-like tuba solo in college marching band on "Tiger of San Pedro." Those things have never helped me "behind the screen" at an audition or in a job interview recital, however.

[Tuba Guy]

todd, thank you!
That was excellent thing for our young OP to here.

And some of us that are young and not the OP

btw, regarding youtube...it's really a bad way to measure anything...most of the stuff on there is made by brain-dead idiots.
...ok, at least a good percentage