Stupid question

Tubas, euphoniums, mouthpieces, and anything music-related.
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BopEuph
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Stupid question

Post by BopEuph »

So, due to the shrinking orchestras in the US, I've decided to not really put a lot of effort into orchestral auditions when my efforts are better placed on gaining and maintaining my various commercial music jobs. If I can do some orchestral work, the least amount of effort is best.

Of course, that places me out of the best possible jobs, because of the saturated market and a lot of gung-ho recent grads with lots of free time, but I'm okay with that. I decided that practicing 10+ hours/day for upcoming local auditions for the chance at a $30k position isn't really worth the pain.

That being said:

Since I don't own a bass tuba, I have been toying with the idea of sometime getting such a horn when I am able to, in case I decide to take an audition and need a bass tuba. At the same time, I never replaced my stolen euphonium, because it seemed to make no financial sense to blow my insurance check on a replacement that made me less than a tenth of the cost of the horn in a decade. BUT--

Thoughts on using a euphonium on a bass tuba part for an audition/orchestral gig?

I CAN play Die Meistersinger, or Petrushka, or Symphonie Fantastique on my 5/4 BBb, but perfecting that kind of stuff on this horn is a LOT of work. I already know how to play a euph very well without relearning fingerings, I miss my euph, I can nail the music with little effort, and it could kill two instrument desires in one swoop.

Then again, it's probably a dumb thought. A conductor might even be rightly pissed off if they found me trying to pass off a euphonium as a bass tuba.


Nick
(This horn list more to remind me what I have than to brag)
1984 Conn 12J
1990s Kanstul 900-4B BBb
1924 Holton 122 Sousa
1972 Holton B300 Euph
If you see a Willson 2900, serial W2177, it's been missing for a long time. Help me bring it home.
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windshieldbug
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Re: Stupid question

Post by windshieldbug »

BopEuph wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:16 pmA conductor might even be rightly pissed off if they found me trying to pass off a euphonium as a bass tuba.

Doubt it, big time. If it sounds right it IS right!
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BopEuph (Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:00 pm)
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BopEuph
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Re: Stupid question

Post by BopEuph »

windshieldbug wrote: Thu Mar 16, 2023 7:56 pm If it sounds right it IS right!
And there's the rub.

I've always figured that I sounded like a tuba--hell, that was the tonal idea I always had in my head. But I wonder...playing the VW concerto on euphonium...would that sound "wrong"?



Nick
(This horn list more to remind me what I have than to brag)
1984 Conn 12J
1990s Kanstul 900-4B BBb
1924 Holton 122 Sousa
1972 Holton B300 Euph
If you see a Willson 2900, serial W2177, it's been missing for a long time. Help me bring it home.
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