Posted by Rick Denney on December 20, 2002 at 11:54:27:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Scanning Music? posted by Frank on December 19, 2002 at 09:28:21:
Reading string-bass parts down an octave isn't nearly as hard as you think. Don't let your brain get in the way. And it isn't an issue of voicing--string bass parts are intended to be played down an octave even on a string bass.
I've never had trouble doing it on BBb tuba, but for some wierd reason, it's much more difficult when playing F tuba. I wondered why, and it occurred to me that I'm used to playing parts in the octave as written on F tuba, and the fingerings down an octave are more complex. It's easier to bring a high part down to where you normally play than to bring a part in your normal range down an octave lower.
Octave transpositions are not on the same planet as clef and key transpositions in terms of diffulty. No need for college classes--the more you do it the easier it gets.
Rick "who values the skill highly when doubling on euphonium" Denney