Posted by Sean Chisham on January 11, 2000 at 08:04:05:
In Reply to: Why not start new players on CC or F ? posted by Tom Brekhus on January 10, 2000 at 23:00:13:
Here are some reasons I can think of:
1. Sousaphones are all in BBb (Jay pointed that out already)
2. BBb's were historically less expensive
3. Trombones, trumpets, and euphoniums are in Bb also. (teaching is easier)
4. Switching a student from trumpet to tuba is simple because fingerings are the same.
5. Most all the beginner texts are geared towards BBb.
6. Intonation tendencies can be more closely matched with similiarly pitched instruments (especially with beginners)
7. 3 valved Jr High tubas are cheaper and less confusing than 4 or 5 valve models. No manufacturer that I know of makes a 3 valve CC tuba.
Historically, brass bands use Eb and BBb pitched instruments to allow any instrumentalist to switch with any other to fill needs. Perhaps this tradition was influential here in the US.
sean