MUSE 250: Brass Tech Michael Palmer, Ph.D.

  What are key differences between the two? Baritone/Euphonium

  Baritones from British/European manufacturers have narrow bores  Bell flare of the baritone is less than the euphonium  Baritone timbre is lighter in color and weight than euphonium  Used in British brass bands and school bands  Video of a baritone soloist playing “The Swan” Video of a baritone soloist playing “The Swan” Baritone

  Larger bell flare than baritone  Darker, heavier tone than baritone  Developed to emulate human voice and blend with other conical instruments in British brass bands  Becoming more standard in American bands  Featured in some orchestral pieces  Solo instrument Euphonium

  Euphs have intonation issues; what to do?  Alternate fingerings, use of fourth valve, use of compensating euphonium  Difficult to lip down or up to adjust  To produce a resonant sound, use the proper mouthpiece (deep cup and back bore)  Euph players should read bass clef (primarily), treble clef, and tenor clef/treble in Bb Characteristics and Considerations

The Tuba King of the Brass Section

 Many Kinds

 Sousaphone & Contra

  Types: Eb/F (smaller); BBb and CC (larger)  BBb used in concert bands; CC and Eb/F in orchestra  Great variation in size of tubas, in bore and bell diameter, overall dimensions and weight  Typical sizing: 3/4 (small tuba), 4/4 and 5/4  Four to five valve tubas are best  Notation mainly written in concert pitch  Tubists learn the correct fingerings based on type of tuba Tuba Characteristics

  Depending on age/year in school and size, start students on baritone/euphonium  Talk about the tuba early and often  Have 3/4 size tuba(s) in your inventory  Issue tuba players two instruments: one for home and one for school  Encourage listening to recordings Tips for Teaching Young Players