Posted by Mark on March 06, 2003 at 22:05:30:
In Reply to: Into the unknown... posted by SHS Tubamaster on March 06, 2003 at 19:50:44:
A tuba in a mirror is abut.
Seriously, I always found Harvey's comment that the tuba is one of two solo instruments in the orchestra interesting. (The harp is the other)
Also, the tuba is the only instrument that is built and labeled as different keyed instruments (BBb, CC, Eb, F, C) but is considered non-transposing (we play what we see). Unlike trumpets, horn, etc... Trombones are labeled tenor, bass, and alto and read different clefs...they also do not transpose (a c is a c) but are not called BBb trombone or G trombone. I love to see trumpet players get all beside themselves when they say we are transposing and we say that we are using different fingerings! I've literally almost got into a fight because of that.
Mark