Posted by Chuck Jackson on December 20, 2000 at 21:03:00:
In Reply to: BB flat tuba for some excerpts posted by SD on December 20, 2000 at 16:41:12:
I don't think it really matters what key tuba you play as long as your the best one at the audition. I played CC for 18 years and switched to BBb because it fit my sound concept. I have no problem playing the standard literature on BBb. Some things are easier(Prokofiev, Shostakovich) some are harder(Meistersinger, but I play the whole overture on F now). CC tubas have become the norm because all the heavies have played them starting with Bell and Jacobs. Herb Weksellblatt did just fine playing BBb full time at the Met, the gentleman in the Minnesota Orchestra plays BBb as did Eve Gilmore in Dallas. When you get to that level, the horn is just the vehicle, the music is made,horn nonwithstanding. I love the sound of a great player and then look at the equipment. Personally, the BBb fits my concept of how I want to sound. Results will vary for different people. Good Luck.