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Since the bands I usually play with are stuck on 'pause' I've been asked to play with another community band starting Monday. I asked the director what they are requiring covid-wise, and find that in addition to masks when not playing they require "nylon bell covers". I have until Monday supper time to find or build one. What have you been using? My talented wife will tailor one for Mr Holton, but what manner of fabric allows the music to exit my horn while still appearing to keep everyone safe from germage (real or imaginary).
Not here to argue the pro/con of the requirement, I just want to comply in order to play.
Advice, please?
Thanks, much, in advance!
Tim

Back in high school, my sousa section used Spandex for bell covers with elastic waistband string for the rim.

Had no impact on sound, and I'm sure it will fulfill the requirement of keeping at least the largest droplets from spewing out.

I sure hope the clarinet, sax, and flute players can keep all of the holes covered on the sides of their instruments!

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:58 pm I sure hope the clarinet, sax, and flute players can keep all of the holes covered on the sides of their instruments!

Don’t be silly Bort, they’ll be using long socks...

These won’t get to you by Monday, but perhaps the description will be of help:

https://www.mccormicksnet.com/Instrumen ... 070010.htm

It even has some info from the “Performing Arts Aerosol Study”...

Shower cap...put a small hole in it...

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Thu Sep 10, 2020 9:58 pm I sure hope the clarinet, sax, and flute players can keep all of the holes covered on the sides of their instruments!

Ha!
Yeah, I'm wondering whether I need to bring a big pickle jug or something for emptying my spit valves!
Tim

tofu wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 1:12 am got one of those nylon laundry bags with a draw cord - that would for sure work. Don't have your local dry cleaner may have some old ones siting around you could have for free. Those things would even fit a wide sousaphone bell.

Excellent, simple suggestion. I know we have one or two, I'll see if they fit! Just hoping they don't smell like dirty socks.
Tim

bisontuba wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 3:26 am Shower cap...put a small hole in it...

For the tuba or for the tuba player??
Tim

I had my first rehearsal last night using the bell cover for the first time. I played my PT-10 with a bell cover from McCormick.
Horrible! It changes the tone quality of the tuba, as well as changing the intonation and response. My mute has less effect on playing.
Hope we can stop using these monstrosities soon!


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Seavine makes bell covers in a variety of sizes. I have one on order now that our community band has gone back to sectional rehearsals. It's taking a while to get here, so I don't have any first-hand experience yet, but since they're a long-time supplier of marching band and DC accessories, I'm hopeful it won't be terrible.

If you know someone who sews, you can make your own using these instructions: https://www.ehow.com/how_8357310_make-t ... cover.html
We did that for our tuba group. Then there is this post on Facebook about a no-sew tuba bell cover: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2548408 ... 419456943/. The graphics on the t-shirt make the visuals a little confusing. Wish he'd just used a white shirt.

Yes, I know they are for "show" as much as for effect, but if it's the only way you are allowed to play...

tofu wrote: ↑Fri Sep 11, 2020 1:12 am got one of those nylon laundry bags with a draw cord - that would for sure work. Don't have your local dry cleaner may have some old ones siting around you could have for free. Those things would even fit a wide sousaphone bell.

I put one on Mr. Holton last night, fits just fine! Played for about an hour - don't like it! Being soft cloth, it does descend into the bell maybe an inch or so, and it does change the response and tone quality - not on every pitch, but on a bunch. There were a number of pitches I had a very tough time locking-in. Maybe it'll just take more practice, we'll see. For now, at least I'm 'legal' for tonight's rehearsal.
Bonus - the bag is long enough that if necessary I can cover my head, neck, and shoulders! If I cut eye-holes I can be like the Unknown Comic! The Unknown Tuba Guy! Bring on the Gong Show!

Was it better, worse, or about the same as playing with a mute?

bort2.0 wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:14 pm Was it better, worse, or about the same as playing with a mute?

Brett,
I've never played tuba with a mute (gasp), but I can tell you it's worse than playing trumpet or trombone with a mute.
Tim

bort2.0 wrote:Was it better, worse, or about the same as playing with a mute?

It’s worse, Brett. Changes tone quality and response.


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jonesbrass wrote: ↑Mon Sep 14, 2020 12:27 pm

bort2.0 wrote:Was it better, worse, or about the same as playing with a mute?

It’s worse, Brett. Changes tone quality and response.


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No such things as Tone Quality and Response, all it is is large vibrating columns of air On a more serious note, yeah these IMO are useless. I'm just waiting til this is all over.

We had our rehearsal Monday night. With the bell cover, I had a tough time 'feeling' like the sound was getting out there, but apparently the conductor was satisfied. I noted bell covers, both commercial and home made, on all the brasses. Saxes and clarinets had sock-type things slipped over the bells. Guess I didn't pay much attention to the flutes, except that most of them were playing with face shields on. There were about 50 of us in the band room, 6 feet (more or less) apart, and another (implied) 30-50 participating on-line. I guess it was ok, but the experience wasn't as fulfilling as it should have been. I'll stick with them thru this fall concert in November, then see what happens with my other bands, though I suppose everyone will be running these covid-compliant rehearsals until someone decides what the end-game will be and we achieve that.
Any of you out there in South Dakota doing band rehearsals? What's the report?
Tim "covid-schmovid, soon to be a rebel" Tuba