TubaForum.net

Hello! I'm new to TubaForum and came on here to ask about some advice!
To start off, I'm pretty new to tuba. I started on flute, but decided to switch and I've been playing tuba for around two years or so and I practice pretty regularly.
I go to a fairly small school, I'm the only tuba in my symphonic band and only sousaphone in my marching band, so I've definitely had a lot of practice and pressure when it comes to that!
I specifically wanted advice on getting better and overall improving. Where I live, tuba teachers are very limited and the nearest one is like, 2-3 hours a way so I really look up to friends, books, and others for advice.
I guess specifically, I wanted to try out for Drum Corps soon, or other things like all state band, but I'm afraid I'm not good enough since they only accept the top of the top players. I think I just need to get better with things like sight reading, tone, breath support, playing at faster tempos, higher notes, etc.
Any advice helps, and I'll really appreciate it.
Thank you!

You actually have an advantage, because all the sound that is made in your band on the tuba is made by you. Regarding the other things, it sounds like something to consider might be Zoom lessons with really good microphone and really good speaker or headphones. I've never done any of that, so I'm sort of speaking out of ignorance. That haven't been said, my granddaughter placed (finalist) in an international youth instrumentalist competition, and her lessons are Zoom lessons.

Well, where do you live? You would be surprised—some rural areas have low brass teachers that aren’t well advertised.

bloke wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 8:02 pm You actually have an advantage, because all the sound that is made in your band on the tuba is made by you. Regarding the other things, it sounds like something to consider might be Zoom lessons with really good microphone and really good speaker or headphones. I've never done any of that, so I'm sort of speaking out of ignorance. That haven't been said, my granddaughter placed (finalist) in an international youth instrumentalist competition, and her lessons are Zoom lessons.

That's awesome! I'm happy to hear about your granddaughter!
I have tried Zoom lessons with a tuba professor from a college, and it went pretty well! I just worry that it'll be expensive, but I'll probably work my way around that. I was able to order a few books on tuba though which should definitely help!
Thank you! I appreciate it.

russiantuba wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:11 pm Well, where do you live? You would be surprised—some rural areas have low brass teachers that aren’t well advertised.

I don't know if you want an exact location but a pretty small town in Colorado next to Colorado Springs! I have looked online several times and all I could find was clarinet, trumpet, flute teachers, etc, but I bet I'll find someone! I've been having some of my friends teach me a little too!

Tim Hoffman teaches tuba at the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs campus. You could try contacting him. He might be willing to take you on as a side project. Or point you to a different teacher who would be good for you.

As for drum corps, my experience was that they are looking for people who are willing to show up and work hard. It is more like an athletic sport. Also very expensive. Tons of fun. Probably the most influential thing of my youth.

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Grumpikins wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 8:27 am As for drum corps, my experience was that they are looking for people who are willing to show up and work hard. It is more like an athletic sport. Also very expensive. Tons of fun. Probably the most influential thing of my youth.

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Thank you! I've been saving up! I've had a somewhat experience as far as drum corps, as one of the colleges hosted a band camp with about 200 people. I was one of the 9 sousaphones and we worked from about 7am to 10pm. I think the hard work is worth it if you're passionate about band!

DonO. wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 6:34 am Tim Hoffman teaches tuba at the University of Colorado- Colorado Springs campus. You could try contacting him. He might be willing to take you on as a side project. Or point you to a different teacher who would be good for you.

Thanks! I'll look into it!

Catalina's_Alleyway wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 1:33 pm

Grumpikins wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 8:27 am As for drum corps, my experience was that they are looking for people who are willing to show up and work hard. It is more like an athletic sport. Also very expensive. Tons of fun. Probably the most influential thing of my youth.

Sent from my SM-S367VL using Tapatalk

Thank you! I've been saving up! I've had a somewhat experience as far as drum corps, as one of the colleges hosted a band camp with about 200 people. I was one of the 9 sousaphones and we worked from about 7am to 10pm. I think the hard work is worth it if you're passionate about band!

If you’re used to Sousaphones and you’ve never handled a contra, you are in for a bit of…um…adjustment!

Your post brought back some memories for me. When I was in high school (when dinosaurs ruled the earth ) you could say I was the only “real” tuba player. But we had a squad of 4 for marching band. It was a popular thing for woodwind players to switch to brass because all the brass marched but woodwinds would sometimes end up as “alternates”. So someone had to teach these switching woodwind players how to play tuba. Do you think the band director did that? Nope. ‘Twas moi. I taught a flute player, clarinet player, and saxophone player so we could have a full section. You know, you would think the band director would have said “thank you”. Still waiting.

The Airforce Academy Band should have some tuba players who could give lessons: https://www.music.af.mil/usafaband/.

Catalina's_Alleyway wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:37 am

russiantuba wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:11 pm Well, where do you live? You would be surprised—some rural areas have low brass teachers that aren’t well advertised.

I don't know if you want an exact location but a pretty small town in Colorado next to Colorado Springs! I have looked online several times and all I could find was clarinet, trumpet, flute teachers, etc, but I bet I'll find someone! I've been having some of my friends teach me a little too!

Jeremy Van Hoy is a bass trombonist in Colorado Springs. He actually has a euphonium degree under the tutelage of Fritz Kaenzig. Charles Ortega is in Pueblo. They may have students who could teach if cost is a concern.

Jeremy here. I suggest contacting Charlie Ortega here: sircharlso@gmail.com

Also, check out our summer camp here: www.summerbrass.org

Best of luck!

russiantuba wrote: ↑Thu Jan 11, 2024 11:49 am

Catalina's_Alleyway wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 12:37 am

russiantuba wrote: ↑Mon Jan 08, 2024 10:11 pm Well, where do you live? You would be surprised—some rural areas have low brass teachers that aren’t well advertised.

I don't know if you want an exact location but a pretty small town in Colorado next to Colorado Springs! I have looked online several times and all I could find was clarinet, trumpet, flute teachers, etc, but I bet I'll find someone! I've been having some of my friends teach me a little too!

Jeremy Van Hoy is a bass trombonist in Colorado Springs. He actually has a euphonium degree under the tutelage of Fritz Kaenzig. Charles Ortega is in Pueblo. They may have students who could teach if cost is a concern.

I had an online lesson with Mr. Ortega and also met him at one of my symphonic band group festivals! I Love The guy a lot!

Well, in that case You seem to be well connected already, and already have some tuba-mileage under Your belt.
So if You want "advice-by-wire" over forae like this one, maybe You have some more specific questions.
The answers to many of these are just one entry into the "search" function away, and many of us will be pleased to discuss what You found / are still missing despite search.