Posted by Gerald on June 12, 1999 at 10:45:29:
In Reply to: Using a sousaphone in an orchestra posted by Jacob on June 11, 1999 at 23:32:21:
I think a sousaphone would be greeted in most orchestras about the same as showing up for concert in a clown suit (unless costume was part of the program). I suspect the effect would be equal in either case, no further invitations to play.
Based on sound alone a sousaphone should be capable of playing the part just as fine as a vintage York tuba, with intonation dependent on the capabilities of the player.
The tuba my HS had was something barely resurrected from a junk yard, and not suitable (either in quality or in looks) for public appearances so we did everything on the two sousaphones. There was no orchestra, but had there been one the sousaphone would have been played.
I don't think a bell front tuba would be accepted in most orchestras despite its great sound.
Gerald