Brass Clinic

Weighty Problems for Low Brass

By Thomas Bough

he bulky nature of the tuba and

euphonium often makes it difficult for students to play with
good mouthpiece placement, embouchure, and posture. For either instrument a simple three-step method
taught by Sam Pilafian, my tuba
instructor at Arizona State University,
will solve this problem.
First, students should hold a mouthpiece with one hand, form an
embouchure, and place the mouthpiece on the lips at the most comfortable spot. For some students this will
be an equal distance from the nose and
chin and an equal distance from side to
side, but other students may play better with the mouthpiece slightly higher or off center because facial structures differ.
After good mouthpiece placement
has been found, students should put
the mouthpiece in the instrument,
pick up the instrument, and hold it in
playing position while standing. The
aim is to verify that the mouthpiece
placement and embouchure are the
same as when the student was only
holding the mouthpiece, and young
tuba players who might struggle with
the weight of the instrument need
only hold it long enough to do this.

This circumstance is fortunate but

untrue for most students.
Tall euphonium players may find
that if the instrument rests on the leg

towel, place it in the lap and set the

euphonium on the towel. When the
best number of rolls or folds to bring
the instrument to a good playing position has been found, wrap some electrical tape around the towel to preserve
this thickness. When not in use the
towel can be stored inside the bell of
the instrument.
Tuba players have many problems
simply holding the instrument and are
prone to developing physical tension
in the arms, neck, and shoulders. This
tension in turn impedes the amount of
air that can be blown. Using a tuba

Slouching can cause neck and

back pain.
the mouthpiece is at throat level.
Many students compensate for this
problem by hunching the upper body
to meet the mouthpiece, but this posture drastically reduces the amount of
available air, will almost certainly distort the embouchure, and can cause
neck and back pain. Slouching can also
give an audience the impression that
the player is not interested in the performance. The solution is to use a stand
to elevate the instrument so it is no
longer necessary to slouch; commercial
euphonium stands cost $80 to $200.
Another solution is to simply roll up a

stand is the best way to avoid or relieve

this tension.
As with the euphonium, a student's
height can make playing the tuba difficult. If the bottom bow of the tuba

A rolled-up towel works wonders

as a euphonium stand.

A tuba stand will bring the

instrument to the right height.

Resting the tuba on the chair

often leaves it too low.

Mouthpiece placement is the

same whether sitting or standing.
The final step is for students to sit
while keeping the same mouthpiece
placement. For some students this is
simple because the height of the
instrument fits the body size and type
quite well, resulting in nearly perfect
mouthpiece placement and playing
posture with little or no alteration.
54

THE INSTRUMENTALIST / JUNE 2006

rests on the chair the mouthpiece can

be too low, but if the bottom bow sits
on the leg, the mouthpiece can be too
high. Tuba stands are adjustable, so
this problem is also easily solved.
Tuba and euphonium stands should
be considered a necessity rather than a
luxury. Cello and bass players use an
end pin to bring the instrument to a
good playing position, as do bass clarinet players. Bassoonists use a strap to
hold the instrument at the right
height, and saxophonists use a neck
strap. Tuba players could use just as
much help holding their instrument as
the people who play these other
instruments.
D

IF YOU MISSED IT,

WE WILL BRING IT TO YOU!

RAY CRAMER'S RETIREMENT CONCERT CD!

Order on our website: www.markcustom.com
click on the spinning CD labeled "Music Search"
on the conductor line type "Cramer."
By phone:
(716) 759-2600
Through the mail:
Mark Custom
P.O. Box 406,
Clarence, NY 14031-0406

Only $15"
Delivered!

JALEN PUBLISHING
"Making Your Band Sound Even Better"
Listen to our new 2006 tunes at

www. matrixmusic. com

Jalen Marching Band
Jalen Jazz Band

Matrix Marching Band

Matrix Concert Band

888-585-2536
2114 Plantation Drive, Macon, Georgia 31211

Thomas Bough is director of Athletic

bands at Northern Illinois University. He
has received masters and doctorate
degrees in tuba performance from
Arizona State University, and he directed
bands at Westwood High School in Mesa,
Arizona, from 1991-1999,
Anna Schweitz, Jackie Fischer, and Justin
Schmidt, members of the author's method
class at Northern Illinois University,
posed for the photographs,

Not Bowling Alone

Bowl Games of America and the
FedEx Orange Bowl will once again
give school bands a chance to perform
at events associated with the annual
game in Miami, Florida. During the
festivities from Decembgf- 30, 2006 to
January 3, 2007, groups'-'can participate
in a field show competition, a junior
Orange Bowl parade, and a mass band
during the halftime show on January! 2.
Students can also attend a New Year's
Party, ceremony, and dinner dance.
For additional information, visit www.
bowlgamesofamerica.com.
JUNE 2006 / THE INSTRUMENTALIST 5 5