Posted by Doug Whitten on March 25, 2002 at 22:28:52:
In Reply to: Middle School Tuba posted by Don on March 25, 2002 at 20:15:50:
First, let me say that I really like Conn 5Js. Many public schools have them and like them. From a purely tonal standpoint they are a good choice. Having spent a number of years teaching middle school I have found the most success with 3/4 sized tubas with upright valves. The reason for this is not a musical issue, but rather a defensive issue. With upright valves being encased by tubing they seem to get bent less often. Front action pistons tend to get damaged more often by careless 7th graders.