Edgy (Marching Band) Sousaphone Sound

[Uncle Buck]

I've always like that Balkan type tuba sound.

Play this at full volume. Love it!

Like. Very much.

[Untersatz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUWoRP_ogeE" target="_blank

So far VSU seems to me, to be the only band that knows how far they can go & even tho they push it to the blatty limit, they still seem not to cross the line. There is also so much more "musicality" evident in their playing. Yeah, they do blast some of the time, but they also mix it up by playing in the lower register too & seem to know how to play well as a group & not just individuals out there seeing how loud they can blast on their horns.

[Untersatz]

Actually, that clip is not as nauseating as the rest - there are some decent sounds in there in places - but still, overall:

I know Terry, you nor myself would be caught playing like this in public (or anywhere else for that matter) but this IS what these guys do. I admit it's NOT my style of playing, but I'm trying to keep an open mind here. Yeah they DID blast in some spots, but overall I think VSU at least makes an effort to sound "musical" instead of just blasting as loud as they can. Geez I just thought of something..........I wonder how many injuries those guys have??? I bet there's quite a few! I mean think about it........a lot of those guys are blowin' their damn embouchures right outta the bell I like when some people write ombisher

[Jay Bertolet]

Actually, that clip is not as nauseating as the rest - there are some decent sounds in there in places - but still, overall:

I know Terry, you nor myself would be caught playing like this in public (or anywhere else for that matter) but this IS what these guys do. I admit it's NOT my style of playing, but I'm trying to keep an open mind here. Yeah they DID blast in some spots, but overall I think VSU at least makes an effort to sound "musical" instead of just blasting as loud as they can. Geez I just thought of something..........I wonder how many injuries those guys have??? I bet there's quite a few! I mean think about it........a lot of those guys are blowin' their damn embouchures right outta the bell I like when some people write ombisher

Being an adult = knowing better. I've been kind of amused at how those of us that know this type of playing is both wrong and disgusting have been branded as "older folks" who just aren't hip enough to really know what's going on out there. Pretty laughable. Keeping an open mind is one thing but saying that many groups are playing this way like that is some sort of justification is just funny. Perhaps the general degradation of our music education system is finally bearing fruit.

[Untersatz]

Perhaps the general degradation of our music education system is finally bearing fruit.

Yeah Jay, I have to agree. I think half the problem is the music directors are getting caught up in this too & they themselves must think it's "cool" and "hip"
Good sounding playing & a proper musical education should NEVER get "old school" or go out of style!
I wonder what Arnold Jacobs would think of this style of playing? or maybe he's rolling over in his grave?

[Tuboss2]

Very interesting points from you guys. So I see now that the majority of the blame is being put on the directors of these section due to not teaching these players proper tuba playing. That seems to be the overall vibe I'm getting here.

So lets see if I can sort through all this:
There is a way to be loud but not distorted/overblown/Blatty. But most sections usually end up over blowing and going past that good loud into ugly loud.

Directors are not being accountable for their teaching.

Since this type of playing is mainstream now a days, it's hard to move away from it.


Seems to be the main points being made here, correct? And if you were a tuba instructor to these tuba players, how would you teach them proper tone production. And how to play loud and not sound bad. What about soft playing? Embouchure? Moving cloumns of air through the instrument? How would YOU teach these guys.

[royjohn]

I don't know why it is taking so long to figure this out. There is certainly a place for every kind of tuba tone. Maybe really bad tone is only useful for anarchists and satire and an occasional blatty football routine when the crowd is inflamed and mostly drunk.

An issue to think about is whether you are playing loud and edgy because that's all you know or because you want to make that effect and choose that tone in preference to something else. That is control and artistry. Playing loud and raucous because you are an overgrown adolescent and think it's cool is not particularly amazing or skillful and most people do not like it.

I think the point has also been made that one can play loud and edgy without losing the core of a well rounded sound. There is some depth and sonority left in it, even if there are a lot of high, edgy overtones to give it aggressiveness and allow it to carry.

In another thread we've discuss renditions of the National Anthem. While it wasn't traditional, I would say that Hendricks' famous version, for its time and place, was a work of art. Now there are a million kids in a garage band who can copy it without approaching his artistry.

I suppose one could be the world's expert on blatty tone just like you could be a high note trumpeter who can't play anything else---a curiosity. However, learning how to control the tone and the volume for various types of playing makes you a complete player. If you are a young person and your goal of the month is to learn how to play as loud and blatty as possible, knock yourself out. Just don't expect people who have passed beyond that "phase" to be impressed.

[Untersatz]

bump

bump 186 jinbao

even worse bump 321 Jinbao (JBBB-534) what a pile

[b.williams]

quote="Uncle Buck"]

I've always like that Balkan type tuba sound.

Play this at full volume. Love it!

Like. Very much.[/quote]

wild_and_crazy_guys.jpg

[Tuboss2]

Since this type of playing is mainstream now a days, it's hard to move away from it.

It is only mainstream amoung really crappy bands. If you are a fan of really crappy bands, then learn how to play like that - you just might get into one, cause a good band wouldn't have you with that kind of sound.

So your meaning to tell me bands like Ohio State for example or Oklahoma State, or even Alabama, their tuba sections don't play like that on occasion?

[bigbob]

Since this type of playing is mainstream now a days, it's hard to move away from it.

It is only mainstream amoung really crappy bands. If you are a fan of really crappy bands, then learn how to play like that - you just might get into one, cause a good band wouldn't have you with that kind of sound.

So your meaning to tell me bands like Ohio State for example or Oklahoma State, or even Alabama, their tuba sections don't play like that on occasion?

WHO really cares??? You have heard the experts and still you continue...go practice!!! Kid..............BB

[k001k47]

bump

[tbn.al]

I'm primarily a bass trombone player, so loud, low and edgy is what I'm made of, but I think that sucks, YMMV.

[bigbob]

[quote="KiltieTuba"]So, the sound of a sousaphone is a bit too edgy?

What about this? Sure is loud and edgy...

A interesting group Kilty deep and edgey in some ways ..I didn't like the squeeky notes and how they beat on those fine instruments but I did discover a new way to call ducks<s>..................BB

[bigbob]

[Yummmmmy yummmy heart clogger special movin down the line <s>

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I can't believe that we are using SAXOPHONES to argue a musical point!

[Tuboss2]

I can't believe that we are using SAXOPHONES to argue a musical point!

It was indeed a surprise. Would had been better off with a flute.
Off to practice, been off for 2 days, lets see what sounds I can produce with fresh and rested chops.

[Untersatz]

So, the sound of a sousaphone is a bit too edgy?

What about this? Sure is loud and edgy...

Come on Ian, saxophones are supposed to sound edgy.............they are REED instruments!

[Tuboss2]

Ever have that time where ya practice and it's just just working for you? Like you can't play louder then a MF for some reason. Had that. Even after 2 days rest. Oh well. Gotta get back into the swing of things I guess.

[Tuboss2]

Helps keep up with my sessions but ok then.
And Is it harder to pick up low notes on phone tuners then to an actual tuner? Because I pick pedal F's and all on my actual tuner, but on my phone I can't get it to pick up anything then pedal A...