Introducing Students to the Tuba
It can be challenging to recruit students to play brass instruments in Asia, since brass are not historically part of the musical culture of Asian instrumental music. This is especially true for tuba, which is large and heavy and rarely carries the melody. Nevertheless, the tuba is the harmonic foundation of the band and it is impossible to create a full concert band sound without one. Be sure to treat anyone who shows interest in playing the tuba as a VIP in your program!
Who should play the tuba? When recruiting tuba players, avoid the stereotype of the big, chubby kid who isn't talented enough to play the more technically demanding lines frequently found in high woodwind and brass parts. Given the important role of the tuba in the band, you need your brightest, most reliable leaders in that position. Since the whole band listens to the tuba and adjusts their intonation accordingly, your tuba player should have good ears, being able to distinguish pitch well, especially in the low registers. Stress that this is a leadership position!
Students everywhere listen to their peers even more than to their teachers. If you have an older student who plays the tuba, ask him or her to come demonstrate what they can do for your potential recruits.
If possible, play recordings and especially videos that feature the tuba like the ones below.
Who should play the tuba? When recruiting tuba players, avoid the stereotype of the big, chubby kid who isn't talented enough to play the more technically demanding lines frequently found in high woodwind and brass parts. Given the important role of the tuba in the band, you need your brightest, most reliable leaders in that position. Since the whole band listens to the tuba and adjusts their intonation accordingly, your tuba player should have good ears, being able to distinguish pitch well, especially in the low registers. Stress that this is a leadership position!
Students everywhere listen to their peers even more than to their teachers. If you have an older student who plays the tuba, ask him or her to come demonstrate what they can do for your potential recruits.
If possible, play recordings and especially videos that feature the tuba like the ones below.
Although the tuba forms the most important part of your bass line, it can be a powerfully expressive instrument when it has the melody. Not only that, but this thing can rock! Check out some of the amazing things Norwegian musician Baadsvik Dalhalla can do with his tuba on his piece, "Fnugg". |
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Ask your students if they think it's possible to play fast on a tuba, then give this as the answer! The Canadian Brass have been ambassadors of brass music since they began performing more than 40 years ago. Founding member, Chuck Daellenbach, is featured here on "Flight of the Tuba Bee". |
It's important to show that every instrument can be played by both men and women. Carol Jantsch defies the stereotype of "tubby the tuba". Start the video at 10:49 to hear Carol play. |
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It would be a great idea to have some examples of Asian tubist like Korean musician Cha Yoo Bin. Here she performs Edward Gregson's "Tuba Concerto". Of course, a successful Burmese tubist would be even better if you know one! |
When you really want to drive the students' imagination wild with the possibilities on the tuba, try something really hip like this crazy beatboxing video. Sure, it's a technically a Sousaphone, not a tuba, but why not get them excited about that, too? |
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And who wouldn't want to be part of Tuba Christmas!? |
Tuba pages site map: What Is a Tuba | Setting Up for Success | Making a Sound | Tuba Positions | The Overtone Series | Tuba Intonation | Practice | Buying a Tuba | Caring for the Tuba | Introducing Students to the Tuba | Bibliography & Image Sources | About