The tuba is a brass instrument and requires blowing/buzzing through a mouthpiece to produce sound. Multiple pitches can be produced with one finger combination, so it is important that students wanting to play tuba are able to match pitch (singing, buzzing on the mouthpiece, and playing).

At Sabetha, we don't usually start students on tuba because it is a large instrument that requires a lot of air (powerful lungs and large air capacity). Beginning band students are usually too small to manage the size of the tuba as well, and their lung capacity and power needs to be built up before they can effectively play tuba.

It can be easier and more effective for students to get a couple years of experience on trumpet or trombone and later move to tuba.

A person's success on an instrument is largely influenced by the effort and time that is dedicated to learning and practicing the instrument. However, there are some physical characteristics that can make playing the flute easier. Click on the link below to read more.

Tuba students in 7th grade and up will play on a sousaphone, the marching band version of a tuba, for football and basketball games (pep band and marching band performances). They will need to purchase a flip folder; there are tuba lyres (metal pieces that connect to the instrument), but the school will provide it if the student decides they want to use one. Sousaphones are often be played while the student holds the flip folder with their left hand. The link below is for Amazon, but you can find these flip folders at any music store.

UPGRADED SUPPLIES

Mouthpieces - There is one type of mouthpiece that is universally recommended for tuba players: the Conn-Selmer Helleberg mouthpiece is the preferred mouthpiece for tuba players in school. The two different models, 120S and 1207B, have different cup depths which affect the tone. The 120S is the more standard mouthpiece and has a deeper cup and a darker tone. The 1207B has a more shallow cup and a brighter tone.

For a student who is looking for something different than the Helleberg and wanting to pursue tuba in college, the Denis Wick DW8126 (Heritage Series) is another brand to consider. The 2L and 3L are good choices for older students as well as 2SL (more funnel-shaped) and 2XL (wider rim). The 4L is good for younger students.

Tuba stand - Especially with tubas, it's nice to have a stand that can hold your instrument when you need your hands to be free, or when you need to set it down safely. It can also hold the tuba while you are playing it.