Thread for Tuba Players Only

[vernon]

I'm tubby enough to be a tuba.

 

[postman]

I'll just take out both hearing aids.That's better

 

[Fnaar]

I looked up the "Low Frequency Tuba Band", who I'd heard of, but their "Voodoo Chile" on YouTube was, quite frankly, disturbing enough for me to seek counselling.

 

[Thomk]

I'm not sure that you are all taking this as seriously as it deserves.

I have no direct experience of any of the brass section, but Mrs Norm plays clarinet and the sax n the band I played in was cute, if that helps.

You say that you are thinking of taking it up "again". What experience do you have and why did you stop playing before? Do you have a tuba (or are you just pleased to see me ) and do you have the space (physical and temporal) to commit to playing and practicing?

This is one of the most discerning replies though. Yes Norm I played up to the age of 18 in various bands/orchestras including a couple of tours and a concert at the Albert Hall. I can borrow a tuba if needed but yes practice is a concern (or it will be amongst the neighbours when they hear about it - or hear it). There is a national shortage of tuba players which needs addressing and i'm the one to do it.

I'm tubby enough to be a tuba.

Looking past the flippant comment is a tuba player ready to break out. Have a listen to this and be amazed...

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIa6o8x0qEQ&feature=related

I'll just take out both hearing aids.That's better

 

[Scoosh]

Haven't heard that in many, many years !

My daughter played the bassoon, which is also on the 'at risk' list of instruments and recently bought herself her own instrument (they ain't cheap either ) and will take it back to uni next semester.

With a son who plays baritone sax (though never practises ), we have a good bass section available ...

If you can ...

• commit to the practice
• find a band/orchestra in which to play and get motivation/ tuition

... I say go for it.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

Flippant remarks aside- go for it! Being able to play a real instrument (instead of playing bass like I do) is a really special thing.

 

[Night Train]

I don't can't play but I do like the sound of deep bass instruments, tubas and bassoons, cello and double bass. I have built, and played in a band, a couple of electric bass guitars.

Enjoy playing, Thomk, and ignore the detractors!

 

[Amanda P]

Yes. Do it. There are nowhere near enough tuba players around.

I'm a trombone player, and used to sometimes double on tuba for musical theatre pit bands and things. Trombone parts sometimes require you to double, and I'd just learn to play the bit I needed to play on tuba and borrow a little B flat bass to play it on. (I hope this is sufficient qualification for me to reply in a thread headed "for tuba players only").

Just about every outfit I've ever played with that called for tubas couldn't find enough players. Go for it.

 

[Thomk]

Thanks for your kind comments (not the first lot who were beneath contempt with their cruel jibes but the classier, better looking and more intelligent recent lot). I will post a Youtube clip in a month or two when I've remembered how to play.
Uncle Phil - You are indeed the only person who actually qualifies to contribute to this thread. I am aware of the habit of coaxing trombone players to play the tuba parts so have some sympathy for you. Like the facial hair!

 

[Fnaar]

I meant it about the counselling
You have been warned:

 

[Hover Fly]

That is the most disgusting thing I've seen anyone do with a metallic object.

 

[swansonj]

That is the most disgusting thing I've seen anyone do with a metallic object.

Well, to be fair, tuba players don't have much else to do with their time.*

(*dictated to me by my trombone-playing daughter)

 

[Thomk]

That is the most disgusting thing I've seen anyone do with a metallic object.

Sheltered life...

 

[Bayerd]

Just as I was about to start a thread entitled 'For Bass Trombonists only'...

In all seriousness, playing a low brass instrument myself, I'm bound to say 'go for it!'.

Are you still based in the midlands? What type of group would you like to be involved in? As others have said, there is a big shortage of tuba players in the UK presently. One more added to the ranks can only be a good thing.

I can help you find a brass band if you like...

 

[Thomk]

Just as I was about to start a thread entitled 'For Bass Trombonists only'...

In all seriousness, playing a low brass instrument myself, I'm bound to say 'go for it!'.

Are you still based in the midlands? What type of group would you like to be involved in? As others have said, there is a big shortage of tuba players in the UK presently. One more added to the ranks can only be a good thing.

I can help you find a brass band if you like...

Thanks.There is a local band which I will join when I find myself able to read music again and make a decent sound. I have some friends in it already and plan to have lessons with the bandmaster. Once I am brilliant again I will charge huge sums for my services