Posted by one of many Scotts on June 20, 2003 at 14:47:23:
I'm subbing with a municipal band this week. We're doing Holst's 2nd Suite for Band in F. (One of my favorites!) We get to the end of the Dargason, and the full-time tuba guy muffs the solo. It then falls to me. I've played it before, but I don't quite get it cleanly, so the conductor (who, admittedly, isn't that fond of tubas for some reason) gives it to the bari sax player.
That's fine, he's the conductor. But during a later conversation, he mentions that the solo is "a bear to play" and that we shouldn't feel bad about it. Frankly, I've never thought of it as being that difficult, except perhaps the phrasing.
What do you think of that particular piece? Is is being a bit condescending, or is it actually hard to play? Maybe I just need to get what little ego I have in check? :)
Scott