Posted by Joe Lowman on February 22, 2000 at 13:44:38:
In Reply to: Commuting and On-the Road: Tuba Time posted by Charlie on February 21, 2000 at 21:41:16:
Having buzzed to and from work (15 minutes each way) for several years I found the Buzz Aid (sold by Brian Frederickson) a year ago at the Army/Euph Conference. I much prefer it to playing on an empty mouthpiece because it provides a more realistic amount of resistance (more like playing on your horn) and the sound is better. The aids are made from indestructable nylon, fit easily into a mouthpiece bag, and are relatively cheap (around $15 from Song and Wind). I have two, one to keep with my old beat up briefcase mouthpiece and one with my best pieces that I use for warming up with a strong full air stream. Using the buzz aid also helps when trying a new exercise or difficult piece. If you can't play a passage with a strong and seamless air stream with only a buzz aid and a mouthpiece, you probablly can't play with optimum tone and support using the horn.