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Brass Clinic

Developing Euphonium Tone BY BRIAN L. BOWMAN

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usicians often use the words deep, rich, smooth, warm, and lyrical to describe the euphonium's characteristic tone. Producing this idiomatic sound, though, can be difficult. To produce a characteristic euphonium tone a student first needs to refine his concept of the instrument's sound by listening to fine performers, both in live performances and on recordings. The next step is to work on breathing and embouchure, the two basic physical elements of tone production. Many tone production problems are caused by a lack of breath support and control, to which incorrect posture contributes heavily. Far too many players rest the instrument on the lap and then slouch to adjust the

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