Re: Future Tuba Improvements???


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Posted by Steve Marcus on July 28, 2000 at 06:14:06:

In Reply to: Future Tuba Improvements??? posted by J.A.D. on July 27, 2000 at 23:56:34:

I enjoy playing piano, but I LOVE playing tuba. Although the piano offers possibilities that a single note wind instrument does not (multiphonics notwithstanding), the joy of playing tuba is that YOU create and manipulate the sound. The sound is not generated mechanically by simply pressing a key, button, switch, etc. There is direct contact and relationship between the physiology of the player and the sound that is produced from the horn. Remember "Song & Wind?" That's what it's all about; that's what the ART of playing any wind instrument is.

The choice of tuba is attributed to a personal affinity for the timbre of the instrument and the role that it plays in ensembles.

What you propose totally negates the joy and art of playing most acoustic instruments. Even on a futuristic sci-fi program such as Star Trek, the crew members are seen playing traditional acoustic instruments in the traditional manner. It is noteworthy and poignant that the "human wannabe," Data, aspires to play violin with more expression and feeling when, theoretically, his positronic circuits could electronically reproduce the sound of a violin, tuba, etc. The writers of Star Trek, musicians or not, acknowledge the HUMAN art of playing an acoustic instrument.

Future tuba developments? Perhaps along the lines of improved intonation, longevity of the horn, etc. But NOT the path of replacing the art of playing the tuba.


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