Posted by Chuck(G) on February 21, 2003 at 18:47:57:
In Reply to: Re: Re: 8va heros posted by Rick Denney on February 21, 2003 at 15:22:10:
I don't think I mentioned a specific Grainger work, Rick. The low notes occur in several if my memory isn't faulty. The problem is that I like to bring my Eb to play the high parts and find out that none of the contrabasses wants to play the low notes. So I end up bringing a BBb or CC and playing the low part myself. But Joe's right--it is a lot of fun.
But Joe's post brings up a point--how do tuba players think of themselves? In band, I see the tuba usually serving the same role as the basses in an orchestra--that of foundation. Nothing flashy, though the occasional exposed part is fun to have and adds a little spice to life. But mostly, I strive to be just a good solid background sound.
If you've got an attention-deprived tuba player who needs to showboat, then perhaps he (I've never witnessed a she doing this) misunderstands his role or doesn't want to accept things for what they are.