the tuba

The Tuba  Alex Pobocik Devin Farris

History ●

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Like the Euphonium, predecessors to the tuba include inclu de the Serpent and the Ophicleide The first patent for a tuba was filed in 1835 by Wilhelm Friedrich Weiprecht for a “bass tuba” in F1. Adolphe Sax also invented brass instruments called Saxhorns, which included a tuba like instrument.

Left: Contrabass Serpent (Anaconda)

Right: Contrabass Ophicleide

Left: Weiprecht Tuba

Right: Bass Saxhorn

Modern Usage ●

The tuba is an extremely versatile instrument that can be used in many different types of ensembles such as ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Orchestras Wind band Brass bands/quintets Traditional jazz ensembles Brass bands Marching Bands Polka/German Bands

Modern Tuba Design ●

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The tuba is one of the few instruments whose design has not n ot been standardized. Designs vary in regards to tubing, bell facing, valve type, valve facing, size, and number of valves. Tubas are sized much like string instruments in that they come in sizes based on ¼ increments. The 4/4 is standard in most schools, while whil e the 6/4 is used for most orchestral work.

A tuba with a front facing removable fiberglass bell

Left: A tuba with 4 front facing valves Middle: A tuba with 3 upward facing valves Right: A tuba with 4 rotary valves

Types of Tubas ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Euphonium* BB-flat tuba CC tuba Eb Tuba F Tuba The Sousaphone BBB-flat Tuba

An F Tuba next to a CC tuba for comparison.

The Sousaphone ● ●

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Created in 1893 by J.W. Pepper for use in John Phillip Sousa’s band Primarily used in marching bands but also can be seen in brass bands, polka bands, and traditional jazz bands. Sousaphones are being replaced in marching bands with marching tubas

Hand Positions

Embouchure Some people believe the lower you play, you use more bottom lip then top lip.

Choosing a Tuba Small

Medium

Full Sized

Besson 797

Conn 5J

Mirafone 1864U

Yamaha YBB-103

Conn 12J

Besson 997 Yamaha YBB-301 Meinl-Weston Model 20

Accessories Straight mute and cup mute

Valve oil

Slide grease

Playing Stand

Assessment 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

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