Euphonium & Tuba
Euphonium
The euphonium is known for its distinctive tone colour, wide range of notes, variety of character and agility. Its pitch range is similar to the tenor trombone, but has a much gentler sound.
The euphonium was invented in 1843 by Sommer of Weimar and derived from the flugel horn and cornet. It is rarely used in orchestras but features prominently in brass bands and concert bands, where it is often used for solo melodies or counter-melodies, as well as providing a low brass accompaniment with the tuba and trombones. You can hear the euphonium quite clearly in marches and military music.
It has a wide conical bore resembling that of the tuba, is held vertically with the bell upward, and is considered the solo instrument of the bass section. In addition to the three valves found on trumpets and cornets, the euphonium has a fourth valve that allows it to reach lower notes.
Fact: The name Euphonium is derived from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding".
The euphonium is known for its distinctive tone colour, wide range of notes, variety of character and agility. Its pitch range is similar to the tenor trombone, but has a much gentler sound.
The euphonium was invented in 1843 by Sommer of Weimar and derived from the flugel horn and cornet. It is rarely used in orchestras but features prominently in brass bands and concert bands, where it is often used for solo melodies or counter-melodies, as well as providing a low brass accompaniment with the tuba and trombones. You can hear the euphonium quite clearly in marches and military music.
It has a wide conical bore resembling that of the tuba, is held vertically with the bell upward, and is considered the solo instrument of the bass section. In addition to the three valves found on trumpets and cornets, the euphonium has a fourth valve that allows it to reach lower notes.
Fact: The name Euphonium is derived from the Greek word euphonos, meaning "well-sounding".
Tuba
The tuba is the largest and deepest member of the brass family, and the primary instrument of the bass section of the band. Its deep sounding low notes provide the foundation for the band's sound.
Tubas play in concert bands, are often used in orchestras and are popular in marching bands. They come in a variety of sizes, some of which also play in brass bands. Another bass instrument in the brass family is the sousaphone, which is a tuba which wraps around the player’s body, and is particularly popular in American marching bands.
Like the euphonium, the tuba is played in an upright position. Tubas measures between 4.1m and 5.5m when uncoiled, depending on the pitch. It has a conical bore, which makes it more closely related to the cornet than to the trumpet.
Even though it is bulky and plays in a low register, you can play very fast notes or light and airy tunes on the tuba, but rarely gets to feature as a solo instrument.
Fact: The Sousaphone is named after its inventor, American march composer, Jean Philippe Sousa.
The tuba is the largest and deepest member of the brass family, and the primary instrument of the bass section of the band. Its deep sounding low notes provide the foundation for the band's sound.
Tubas play in concert bands, are often used in orchestras and are popular in marching bands. They come in a variety of sizes, some of which also play in brass bands. Another bass instrument in the brass family is the sousaphone, which is a tuba which wraps around the player’s body, and is particularly popular in American marching bands.
Like the euphonium, the tuba is played in an upright position. Tubas measures between 4.1m and 5.5m when uncoiled, depending on the pitch. It has a conical bore, which makes it more closely related to the cornet than to the trumpet.
Even though it is bulky and plays in a low register, you can play very fast notes or light and airy tunes on the tuba, but rarely gets to feature as a solo instrument.
Fact: The Sousaphone is named after its inventor, American march composer, Jean Philippe Sousa.
Tuba (Left) Euphonium (Right)
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