Tuba

Tuba

While many believe the tuba is the largest instrument in the band and would be hard to physically manage, the tubas we use for beginners are ¾ size and easy to handle. We will choose 4-6 students to play tuba. Students chosen to switch to tuba will do so at the end of the first semester of sixth grade. Tuba players are generally selected from the beginning trombone class. Every once and a while, an intelligent trumpet player with fuller lips end up becoming an exceptional tuba player!

Physical Characteristics

Tuba players need to have full lips and a large lung capacity. While the size of the student doesn’t matter TOO much, a long torso (upper body) helps a student reach the mouthpiece of the tuba while resting the bottom of the tuba on the edge of their chair or across the thighs.

Other Considerations

The tuba provides the musical foundation for the band and requires players that are self-motivated over-achievers. Students with a history of academic trouble should not consider tuba as we rely heavily on the ability of the tuba players to be consistently academically eligible. Stillwater provides tubas for students at a cost of $50 rental for an entire school year, but students are required to purchase their own mouthpieces. Students selected for tuba are required to take private lessons.