Kids' Stuff
Instrument of the month
The Tuba
The Tuba is the lowest sounding instrument in the orchestra, it is made up of approximately 16 feet of tubing. It is in the brass family and is made of brass, silver or sometimes gold lacquer. Like other brass family instruments a sound is made by the player 'buzzing' his or her lips while blowing through the funnel shaped mouth piece.
The tuba has four to five valves and is held upright in the player's lap.
Other brass family members include: trumpet, trombone, euphonium, French horn
Meet a Musician
Paul Beauchesne, principal Tuba in the Victoria Symphony
1. Why did you decide to play the tuba?
I started playing tuba in grade 8, after playing violin for about 9
years and also playing trombone and baritone for one year each. When I went to a new school the band teacher asked me what instrument I wanted to play. When I answered trombone he said "We already have four trombone players, how would you like to play tuba? You won't even have to rent one, I'll let you use a school one for free"
2. How long have you been playing the Tuba for?
About 26 years.
3. What is the best thing about playing the tuba?
Playing huge, fat, loud, low notes!!
4. What is the most difficult part in playing the tuba?
Sitting on stage for ages and ages without playing a note and then having to come in and sound great.
5. How heavy is the tuba and do your arms get tired?!!
My CC Hirschbrunner tuba weighs about 26 lbs and my arms do get very tired if I have to play standing up without a strap to help hold the instrument up. I avoid this as much as possible. I generally sit down to play or use a smaller tuba with a strap if I know I will have to play standing up.
6. What is your favourite Tuba piece?
I really like Tony Plog's "Three Miniatures" for tuba and piano.
7.Any advice for budding tuba players??
Listen to as many recordings as you can, lots of different musicians playing all kinds of music. Ask people you meet what some of their favorite recordings are and why, then go check them out.
