Tuba Tempos

[KevinMadden]

In a similar vein as the recent pitch problem thread, I would like to seek advice about an argument that arose in our tuba ensemble rehearsal today.

Its the Christmas season and therefore most of us are preparing for various 'tubachristmas' type events and what-not and the IC ensemble is no different. So as we begin to read some charts we, as most tuba groups often do, slowed down. Our bottom tubas spoke up to complain about this fact, and in fixing the problem began to rush...a lot. The upper tubas and euphoniums are now quite upset at the high speed of these tunes. I suggest that the problem can easy be solved by bringing a metronome to the rehearsal for a week or so until we can all agree on a steady tempo, this idea was shot down as a completely unmusical device for a chamber ensemble setting. So basically the bottom tubas want it fast, the euphoniums slow it down and wont agree to using a metronome, and the top tubas just want it right... any thoughts?

[KevinMadden]

I'm with you Kevin...it got too fast and the tempos were already pretty good. However, I cannot be overly critical, because yesterday's F tuba display wasn't exactly stellar on my part.

meh thats not the problem though, tempo > notes

[BVD Press]

Hi Kevin,

Is Dave conducting or do you have a conductor? If the metronome is not an option, maybe a conductor would help?

Dave used to have a drum machine that made excerpts quite fun. If he still has it, maybe that would be an option as well!

Good luck,

[Bill Troiano]

Kevin,
Is it Dan's fault????? Seriously, use a metronome. We often use one with the Long Island Tuba Quartet in rehearsals. It helps! Except, in a large ensemble, it might be difficult for all to hear. If you can get one, try some sort of percussion rhythm machine and run it through an amp. Alan Baer often uses one when he is practicing. It's easy to hear and more to play along with than a metronome.

BTW - for you LI people, the Long Island Tuba Quartet is playing a holiday concert at the Mineola Library this Sat., Dec. 8 @ 2pm.

[windshieldbug]

a completely unmusical device

You don't HAVE to use a saxophone, perhaps something easier on the ears, like bagpipes or a crumhorn...

If the euphoniums are offended, turn the sound off but leave the light on. If people can't watch something else (a conductor comes to mind), then they're in the wrong business. And music making IS a cooperative endeavor. There are already too many euphoniums in the world. Try some others...

[TubaRay]

a completely unmusical device

You don't HAVE to use a saxophone, perhaps something easier on the ears, like bagpipes or a crumhorn...

Valid point!