Posted by David L. Allen on January 26, 2004 at 09:22:02:
In Reply to: Tuba-Euph 4tet setup posted by Rommel Cordova on January 25, 2004 at 23:21:22:
Hi Rommel,
Every tuba quartet I have played and coached I set tubas to my right and euphs to my left so that bells are out. In all of the quartets I have coached, I have even gone so far as to set 1st parts in the back 2nds in the front AND have the first parts closer to each other so that maximum bell exposure is achieved. Config looks like:
1 1
2 2
Audience (judge)
I figure:
1. 1st parts are typically higher that 2nds so 1sts in back would naturally carry more - providing better balance.
2. Articulation is more clear with bells forward. If the kids can't art., then it would be that much worse with bells back.
3. 1sts tend to provide tempo when needed so this set up makes it easier for seconds to see.
4. As a coach I can watch everbody better.
Anyway, just a thought - good luck.
David