Re: Re: Mute use


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Posted by Leland on September 18, 2003 at 19:21:53:

In Reply to: Re: Mute use posted by John Swadley on September 18, 2003 at 15:54:54:

I once had to add a mute DURING a note -- in the first part of The Big Apple, I think.

The effort was helped by having two tubas, though (Tabor was in on this, too). We laid our school-owned H&B aluminum mutes sideways on the floor with the handle pointed up, and held them against the chairs' legs with our left feet.

Prior to the insertion, we took turns reaching down for the mute (about 1 or 2 beats each) while the other held the note. Then, when the time came, we reached up and quietly put them in.

THEN, while still holding the note, I held the 3rd valve down with my left hand (it was even a rotary) and pulled out the slide about two inches with my right hand, checking the new gap by feel.

No other way around it, but it worked. BUT, we were both big guys, and had little trouble reaching to the floor. It was even easier to guide the mute into the bell, though.

Mary Ann, where's the handle on your mute?


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