Tuba Solos in the Real World

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I have seen a lot of postings over the years, by people who are searching for the best tuba to cover wind ensemble, orchestra, and solo applications.

My question is this: How often do you actually get to play solos is the "real"* world? *(However you would like to define that...)

I guess that most of the aforementioned posters are in, or about to enter college, where solos are a definite reality, but how many of us get to play solos after college?

Please fill in the details! (w/piano? band? orchestra? What music?...etc.)

[winston]

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[Lew]

In the 11 years since I began playing again I have played exactly 2 tuba solo pieces with the community bands with which I play, Beelzebub and Tuba Tiger Rag. OK, not too impressive, but as a rank amateur I had fun.

[Gorilla Tuba]

I perform solos very often. Usually, with a piano accompaniment, but as my reputation grows, my opportunities to solo with bands and orchestras greatly increases. I will perform with 3 high school bands next spring and at least one college band.

Besides being artistically and emotionally enjoyable, performing solo recitals is an essential part of my promotion dossier. Further, I see that the work I put into improving on my horn directly translates into my musicality on the podium (I am also a band director).

We may not all need to develop solo skills for our livelyhood, but I would imagine that developing these skills would greatly add to the musical experience for people who play their instrument primarily for fun. Simply, soloing is about you taking a bunch of notes and making them your own. It is fun to play in a band or orchestra, but soloing is where you get to take artistic control over the performance, even if that performance is just for your cat.

I do not believe that most people need to go out and buy a solo specific horn or anything like that, but expanding beyond orchestral repertoire, method books, and medlies of show tunes in the key of Eb can be very satisfying. The vast majority of literature can be played just fine on the same instrument you use in quintet or in that 110 piece orchestra.

So, for me, the "real world" includes soloing, and it icluded soloing long before I bought an F tuba.

[winston]

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[Stefan Kac]

As a jazz player, I've done at least as much "solo" playing in the real world as I do in school. In fact, nearly every paying gig I've ever had has involved playing improvised solos. It is the major determining factor in choosing equipment in my case. It would be nice to get to play classical solos professionally on some sort of regular basis, but that's a lofty goal for anyone these days (not saying we shouldn't aspire to it; I do)..

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I think a player can do as much or as little solo playing as they want. I also know it has more to do with seeking out, setting up, "hustling" and knocking out solo opportunities than "getting" to do it. If you want an opportunity to play, make it happen.

Very true, and great advice!

If you want a rewarding experience, go play at some retirement homes or nursing homes.

A wonderful idea.

[Z-Tuba Dude]

I think a player can do as much or as little solo playing as they want. I also know it has more to do with seeking out, setting up, "hustling" and knocking out solo opportunities than "getting" to do it. If you want an opportunity to play, make it happen.

Very true, and great advice!

If you want a rewarding experience, go play at some retirement homes or nursing homes.

A wonderful idea.

[Tubatoad]

I'm actually more comfortable in an ensemble, there's more people around to help cover up my mistakes.

I felt the same way in my church ensemble until I found out the rest of them liked having me and my horn there to cover their mistakes!