The Trials

Welcome to The Trials!

This is the final portion of your training before you begin to play and make music!

POSTURE - SITTING

In a normal practice session, concert band or orchestra rehearsal, you will be seated while playing.

It is crucial that you develop good habits with posture early on in your playing.

1. Feet and Legs: You might hear your teacher say "feet flat on the floor!", but what if you have very long legs?

The important thing here is to make sure your knees end up below your hips so that you can still breathe a full breath.

If you can put your feet flat on the floor and your knees are still below your hips, great!

If not, try sliding your feet back a bit, placing them underneath you, maybe even crossed.

2. Body Placement: Sit up on the edge or at least the front half of the chair with your back not touching the chair.

This will help you sit up straight, allowing you to take a full breath.

3. Tuba Placement: You should be able to cradle the tuba between your two legs so that it sits at an angle,

bell pointed out to your left.

If that is not working, you can try resting it on the chair in between your legs or invest in a tuba stand like this one:

4. Angle: This is different for every player. Try sitting in the chair the usual way,

but also try rotating the chair and sitting at an angle.

You never know what is going to be more comfortable unless you try, so experiment!

Is your Tuba slipping away from you?

Try putting a piece of kitchen cabinet mesh material on your leg where the tuba rests.

This rubbery material sort of "grasps" the metal surface and holds it in place.

You can get this material in almost any color, but consider getting at least one in black for performances.

HAND POSITION

Right Hand

Your right hand is going to be in charge of the valve work, so place it over your keys or buttons as follows:

First finger / Pointer finger for the the first valve

Second finger / Middle finger for the second valve

Third finger / Ring finger for the third valve

Fourth finger / Pinky for the fourth valve

If your tuba includes a thumb ring, try using it.

If using it is very uncomfortable or makes it difficult for you to use the valves,

there is probably a better place for your thumb to go. Just ask your teacher for advice.

LEFT HAND

Your left hand is going to be in charge of working the first valve slide while

simultaneously helping to balance the tuba on your left leg.

POSTURE - STANDING

In some rare situations, you might be asked to stand while playing the tuba.

Many tubas come with a couple brackets designed to accommodate a strap.

If you do not have a strap, these pictures should help you figure out what to do.

Your left hand and arm are the only things keeping your very expensive instrument

from needing a very serious repair, so proceed with caution!

Come now......

Come TUBA Dark Side!

KNIGHTHOOD