A Tuba Player's Role in a Brass Ensemble
Good morning All!
Today I thought I'd talk about what a tuba player does in a brass group such as, an all brass choir or something like a tuba/euphonium ensemble.
(IUP Tubaphonium Ensemble)
Tuba in a Brass Ensemble?
Like I've mentioned in my last two posts, a tuba player has some expectations when playing in an ensemble. When in a large a ensemble, like an orchestra, tuba players usually provide support, doubling, or harmony for the lowest instruments such as the third trombone, the string bass, or the bassoon. In a smaller ensemble like a brass quintet, a tuba player still provides support and maybe doubling, but they also get to play their own part and act as a more soloistic instrument.
When putting a tuba into a brass ensemble, like a tuba/euphonium ensemble, a tuba player is expected to play with both of these ideas in mind. For example, I play in the Tubaphonium Ensemble here at IUP. We have a concert coming up in March and I am playing a different tuba part for almost every song. Depending on which part I am playing, I have to think about different things in order to alter my level of importance in each piece.
See, when you give 6 tubas the same part in a symphony band, no one may be more or less important than another. However, when you give 12 tuba players in a tubaphonium ensemble 3 different parts, they all get a chance to experience something different in that piece. While the first tuba part may carry the melody, the second part may be providing a harmony, while the thirds provide support and a true bass line. I get to experience all of these parts and roles in our upcoming concert. I am excited to be able to play more than just a bass line, which is actually what I just completed doing in our symphony band concert this past Saturday. To be able to experience two totally different music experiences is pretty cool.
What Key Now?
Large and small ensembles alike, most professional or collegiate level tuba players will use either a C of F pitched horn in their ensembles. These horns provide more ease, comfort, and assistance when trying to play the literature of a collegiate or solo musician. When it comes to playing in a high school or below ensemble, usually Bb horns are used instead. This is an easier horn to play the literature for younger or more inexperienced players.
IUP Tubaphonium Pieces:
Today I thought I'd talk about what a tuba player does in a brass group such as, an all brass choir or something like a tuba/euphonium ensemble.
(IUP Tubaphonium Ensemble)
Tuba in a Brass Ensemble?
Like I've mentioned in my last two posts, a tuba player has some expectations when playing in an ensemble. When in a large a ensemble, like an orchestra, tuba players usually provide support, doubling, or harmony for the lowest instruments such as the third trombone, the string bass, or the bassoon. In a smaller ensemble like a brass quintet, a tuba player still provides support and maybe doubling, but they also get to play their own part and act as a more soloistic instrument.
When putting a tuba into a brass ensemble, like a tuba/euphonium ensemble, a tuba player is expected to play with both of these ideas in mind. For example, I play in the Tubaphonium Ensemble here at IUP. We have a concert coming up in March and I am playing a different tuba part for almost every song. Depending on which part I am playing, I have to think about different things in order to alter my level of importance in each piece.
See, when you give 6 tubas the same part in a symphony band, no one may be more or less important than another. However, when you give 12 tuba players in a tubaphonium ensemble 3 different parts, they all get a chance to experience something different in that piece. While the first tuba part may carry the melody, the second part may be providing a harmony, while the thirds provide support and a true bass line. I get to experience all of these parts and roles in our upcoming concert. I am excited to be able to play more than just a bass line, which is actually what I just completed doing in our symphony band concert this past Saturday. To be able to experience two totally different music experiences is pretty cool.
Large and small ensembles alike, most professional or collegiate level tuba players will use either a C of F pitched horn in their ensembles. These horns provide more ease, comfort, and assistance when trying to play the literature of a collegiate or solo musician. When it comes to playing in a high school or below ensemble, usually Bb horns are used instead. This is an easier horn to play the literature for younger or more inexperienced players.
IUP Tubaphonium Pieces:
I like how you outline different aspects of tuba. How long have you been playing the tuba? Is it hard to play?
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