About the Instrument:
Sometimes you don’t want to be in the middle of the band, you want to stand out. Tuba is one of those instruments that allow you to do that. Being the lowest brass instrument, easier to play, and having a big, booming sound, makes it appealing for many players. You’ll be holding down the low end, like the bass player in the rhythm section. Your parts will be rhythmic, and you’ll be helping to propel the rest of the band. If you’re in the marching band, you’ll probably be playing the Sousaphone, which is a Tuba that wraps around your body! Just be prepared to carry around a heavier instrument, and have room in the trunk of your car.
Purchase Price: $1,000-$15,000
Rental Price: $100-150.00 per month
How Loud Is It?: 80 dbl.
Difficulty Level: 5
Can the Sound be Muted?: No
Weight: 15-25 lbs.
Additional costs, What else you’ll need: Valve oil, tuba stand if it doesn’t sit at the correct height for you.
Scholarship Opportunities: Yes.
Performing Opportunities: Orchestras, Dixieland, New Orleans Second Line Bands, some Jazz, Movie and TV Soundtracks.
Related Instruments: Bass Trombone, Tenor Trombone, Euphonium.
Pros: Relatively easy to get a sound out of. Fun to hold down the bottom of the band.
Cons: One of the heaviest instruments to carry around.
Why play the Tuba? Click on the movie below.