Posted by Rick Denney on December 08, 2003 at 11:29:45:
In Reply to: tuba advice needed posted by Lena on December 08, 2003 at 10:43:08:
Yes, the tuba is really designed as an ensemble instrument, but that doesn't mean it is any less useful as a solo instrument as any other. If your son has fallen in love with the sound of a tuba (and this is what keeps so many of us playing the instrument despite lack of ability), then find a way to keep him involved. No other instrument offers that same feeling.
If the advice in the post below turns out not to be available to you, then look into a local youth symphony and local community bands. Community bands vary all over the place, and many try to stay oriented to adults. But many others would welcome a student with basic skills, who is committed to improvement and to the group. They usually rehearse once a week in the evenings, and perform often enough to be motivating.
Despite limited talent, I was far enough along by the ninth grade to play in many community bands.
Rick "who knows of at least one home-schooled tuba player who got his ensemble playing in community bands" Denney