Re: Playing loud with a good sound


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Posted by Sean Chisham on October 01, 2000 at 18:09:41:

In Reply to: Playing loud with a good sound posted by Tubanator on October 01, 2000 at 15:00:49:

Frequently we confuse volume with projection. It is not difficult for someone playing with a full, controlled, intune sound at a mp to be heard above a high school band trying to play at a ff. To come to a solution to your delimma, you first need to understand the actual goal. Your band director is most likely not after an overall "louder" sound, but instead he/she needs more bass/tuba sound for the ensemble. You need to get a sound which has better projection perhaps. Don't try to play louder by blowing as much air as possible as quickly as possible through your horn and hoping. You probably need more meat or core to your basic sound. Louder doesn't necessarily mean a lot more air, it means a louder buzz.

First thing you need is a good example of quality sound. This requires a live example, such as a lesson with a professional musician. Doesn't have to be tuba, but obviously that would be preferable for you. Once you hear how it can and possibly should be done, depending on who gives you the lesson of course :), you can go back home and begin your practice. Play some slower "easy" tunes such as those in the back of the trumpet Arbans at a healthy forte and focus on making it sound exactly how the professional would do it. Make sure that every note of each phrase is perfect in every way. Not a grace note, or sixteenth note, or whole note must be allowed to be of lesser quality than it's neighbor. Get picky. You could spend a lifetime trying to get a simple phrase like the opening of Holst's Suite in Eb just right. Don't ever let up.

Another good book to invest in would be the Sneddecor Low Etudes book. Playing these lower etudes as strongly and beautifully as possible will beef up your sound and also really help out with breath control.

sean



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