step-up
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- bloke
- Mid South Music
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step-up
Right now, all I have is a tuba.
...so should I upgrade to a concert tuba...??
Also...
If I get an iPad, can I play that music on a tuba or a concert tuba, or do I need to get an iTuba?
...so should I upgrade to a concert tuba...??
Also...
If I get an iPad, can I play that music on a tuba or a concert tuba, or do I need to get an iTuba?
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
You didn't have to tell me that. Mine is old school and it has springs. I already knew that I have to wind it.
- russiantuba
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Re: step-up
For the iPad, if you’re looking to be a professional, get the iPad Pro, 13”. I would recommend the 2TB one since some of those file size scan very large to be readable. The nano-texture glass I hope is enough to keep you from the glare on stage. I would recommend the cellular option for when you have an outdoor tuba ensemble concert to ensure you can download the music. Get the Apple Pencil Pro if you want to be a pro.

As for tubas, all the serious pros have 6/4 Yamayork CC tubas, but the new trend is to use a rotor PT6 for auditions only. You’ll want a Thein BBb for the rare time when you need that BBb sound, and either get a Meinl Weston 2250F or a PT 18P F tuba because that’s what everyone is using.

As for tubas, all the serious pros have 6/4 Yamayork CC tubas, but the new trend is to use a rotor PT6 for auditions only. You’ll want a Thein BBb for the rare time when you need that BBb sound, and either get a Meinl Weston 2250F or a PT 18P F tuba because that’s what everyone is using.
Dr. James M. Green
Lecturer in Music--Ohio Northern University
Adjunct Professor of Music--Ohio Christian University
Gronitz PF 125
Miraphone 1291CC
Miraphone Performing Artist
www.russiantuba.com
Lecturer in Music--Ohio Northern University
Adjunct Professor of Music--Ohio Christian University
Gronitz PF 125
Miraphone 1291CC
Miraphone Performing Artist
www.russiantuba.com
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
My orchestra got a grant and we're all going to be able to enjoy using those next year. They're doing us another big favor too. They're cutting out one of the rehearsals, and giving us a 5% raise on the other rehearsals. Just think: less work, and - being paid 5% more per rehearsal - we'll get 15 more percent done.russiantuba wrote: ↑Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:09 pm For the iPad, if you’re looking to be a professional, get the iPad Pro, 13”. I would recommend the 2TB one since some of those file size scan very large to be readable. The nano-texture glass I hope is enough to keep you from the glare on stage. I would recommend the cellular option for when you have an outdoor tuba ensemble concert to ensure you can download the music. Get the Apple Pencil Pro if you want to be a pro.
As for tubas, all the serious pros have 6/4 Yamayork CC tubas, but the new trend is to use a rotor PT6 for auditions only. You’ll want a Thein BBb for the rare time when you need that BBb sound, and either get a Meinl Weston 2250F or a PT 18P F tuba because that’s what everyone is using.
As far as auditions are concerned, I just order those required models on trial from music and arts, and then - when I don't get selected for a job - I return them with the comment that they play out of tune in the upper register.
Re: step-up
According to the old MW catalogs... my model 20 is a symphonic tuba... that's better than a concert tuba right?
As amateur as they come...I know just enough to be dangerous.
Meinl-Weston 20
Holton Medium Eb 3+1
Holton Collegiate Sousas in Eb and BBb
Conn 20J
and whole bunch of other "Stuff"
Meinl-Weston 20
Holton Medium Eb 3+1
Holton Collegiate Sousas in Eb and BBb
Conn 20J
and whole bunch of other "Stuff"
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
Symphonic as in symphony orchestra versus concert as in concert band?
...so are you telling me to get a C tuba for college?
...so are you telling me to get a C tuba for college?
Re: step-up
Of course he is! You can’t play any of the legit tuba rep on anything else! And don’t listen to those German guys either, they all have bad sounds and play out of tune because of their BBb tubas.
Re: step-up
So I have a regular tuba. Do I need a "sports" tuba to go with it? You know....the kind you wear for playing on the go? What about a pocket tuba.....for playing on the plane?
Todd Morgan
Besson 995
Robert Tucci RT-45
Various others
Besson 995
Robert Tucci RT-45
Various others
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
- Mary Ann
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Re: step-up
According to the 2018 youtube by Chris Olka about the 297 Hagen, that is the BBb tuba you need for those 6/4 orchestral works.russiantuba wrote: ↑Fri Mar 14, 2025 4:09 pm As for tubas, all the serious pros have 6/4 Yamayork CC tubas, but the new trend is to use a rotor PT6 for auditions only. You’ll want a Thein BBb for the rare time when you need that BBb sound, and either get a Meinl Weston 2250F or a PT 18P F tuba because that’s what everyone is using.
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
...if I could just get my line of mouthpieces included in some sort of legislation or regulatory bureau...
Re: step-up
Nah, those are currently being put out of work, so don´t waste your energy before the dust settles and you find out who ultimately will survive the redistribution of greasing-opportunities.
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
Just imagine if tens or hundreds of thousands of people "regulating" the rest of us - who have been prairie-dogging for years in cubicles, while doing things that didn't need to be done - we're trained to do one of those millions of well-paying always-open private sector jobs that aren't ever filled (because no one knows how to do them). It would help some.
Just imagine if 40 or 50 of those people who are checking to see if you underpaid your taxes by $200 were doing something productive, like polishing restored sousaphones for lacquering or plating. They might even go home at night feeling fulfilled.
Yeah, I've listened to Mike Rowe speak a few times...
Just imagine if 40 or 50 of those people who are checking to see if you underpaid your taxes by $200 were doing something productive, like polishing restored sousaphones for lacquering or plating. They might even go home at night feeling fulfilled.
Yeah, I've listened to Mike Rowe speak a few times...
Last edited by bloke on Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Mary Ann
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Re: step-up
I just saw a news blurb recently that said that Gen something-or-other was going after the trades instead of the college education. There may be hope yet.
After I found I could do nothing with a college degree in music that I couldn't also do without a college degree in music, I went back and got a degree that did give me something I couldn't do without it, and had a grand time thereafter as well as being useful and productive.
After I found I could do nothing with a college degree in music that I couldn't also do without a college degree in music, I went back and got a degree that did give me something I couldn't do without it, and had a grand time thereafter as well as being useful and productive.
- bloke
- Mid South Music
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Re: step-up
Here's the big secret about orchestra audition resumes:
Applicants with a whole bunch of schooling, degrees, adjunct teaching jobs, and all that jazz have their resumes tossed during the first sort, because it's assumed that they kept going back to school because they failed to prevail in auditions.
Applicants with a whole bunch of schooling, degrees, adjunct teaching jobs, and all that jazz have their resumes tossed during the first sort, because it's assumed that they kept going back to school because they failed to prevail in auditions.
Re: step-up
Nailed it!bloke wrote: ↑Mon Mar 17, 2025 8:28 am Just imagine if tens or hundreds of thousands of people "regulating" the rest of us - who have been prairie-dogging for years in cubicles, while doing things that didn't need to be done - we're trained to do one of those millions of well-paying always-open private sector jobs that aren't ever filled (because no one knows how to do them). It would help some.
Just imagine 40 or 50 of those people who are checking to see if you underpaid your taxes by $200 were doing something productive, like polishing restored sousaphones for lacquering or plating. They might even go home at night feeling fulfilled.
Yeah, I've listened to Mike Rowe speak a few times...
1977(ish) Mira"fone" 186
- sdloveless
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Re: step-up
I currently work at a votech for regional high school students. 10 years ago, this place had empty seats in every classroom. Now, every program is completely full and most have wait lists. 3 or 4 years ago they added on to make room for an expanding health care program. This Summer they're starting on a new building that will house the robotics and electrical trades programs. The space those two programs vacate in the existing building will be taken up by two new programs. I think one is a firefighting course. Not sure about the other.
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- bloke (Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:43 pm) • Mary Ann (Mon Mar 17, 2025 6:59 pm)
Scott Loveless
Pennsylvania, USA
1939 King 1240, JP179B
"When life knocks you down, stay there and take a nap."
Pennsylvania, USA
1939 King 1240, JP179B
"When life knocks you down, stay there and take a nap."
- Casca Grossa
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Re: step-up
You need one of those 6/4 shoulder Yorks. That is the ultimate step up.
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- bloke (Mon Mar 17, 2025 12:43 pm)
Mirafone 184 CC
Blokepiece Imperial
Soon to be 5 valve Lignatone/Amati Eb
Blokepiece Solo
Blokepiece Imperial
Soon to be 5 valve Lignatone/Amati Eb
Blokepiece Solo