Playing from a hymnal on tuba

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hyperbolica
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Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2018 7:31 am

Playing from a hymnal on tuba

Post by hyperbolica »

When playing from a standard hymnal on tuba would you play the bass line as written or down the octave?
Crazy4Tbone86
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Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2020 10:52 am

Re: Playing from a hymnal on tuba

Post by Crazy4Tbone86 »

The answer is…… yes!

You can do either one. A lot of it depends on the particular hymn, the player’s comfort in upper or lower register, the ensemble (if the bass line is doubled by another instrument like trombone, euphonium or bassoon, the tuba should drop it down an octave), etc…. Usually there is a choice that makes the ensemble sound best…go with that choice.
Brian D. Hinkley - Player, Teacher, Technician and Trombone Enthusiast
SimmonsTrombone
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Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 7:43 am

Re: Playing from a hymnal on tuba

Post by SimmonsTrombone »

I agree with Brian. It might also depend on whether you have a BBb, CC, Eb, or F tuba. Play what sounds right.
timothy42b
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Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2018 5:51 am
Location: central Virginia

Re: Playing from a hymnal on tuba

Post by timothy42b »

Often you're playing with organ. If so one or the other choice may disappear in the mix. I think you need to try it both ways and have someone listen.
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