Posted by Mark E. Chachich on May 27, 1999 at 17:22:38:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Re: Re: Beethoven posted by Dennis Morris on May 27, 1999 at 11:40:26:
I learned contra bass as a double and was in an orchestra bass section for about six years. The best part was that I was able to play Beethovan, Mozart, Handel (playing the Messiah was a real musical treat) and other composers that we miss as tubists. I agree with Dennis that playing works by these composers can improve musicianship. I also found that being a part of a string section gave me a somewhat different perspective then I had in a brass section. I still play folk music on the bass.
Tuba/bass doubling also avoids possible embochure problems that can occur when doubling on another brass instrument or a woodwind. I know there are people that are very successful with brass or woodwind doubles, there are also people (like me) that have embochure difficulties switching.
good luck,
Mark E. Chachich
t570466(AT)vm.sc.edu