Euphonium & Tuba
About Euphoniums and Tubas
Types of Valved Low Brass
Baritone - Similar to Euphoniums, but a little smaller. They sound similar to trombones, but have 3-4 valves.
Euphonium - Similar to Baritones, but a little larger. Their tubing is more cone shaped and gradually gets larger throughout the instrument tubing. They sound similar to trombones, but have 3-4 valves.
Tuba - The largest and lowest brass instrument. It will have 3-4 valves and can rest in your lap or be wrapped around you (Sousaphone).
Maintenance
Oil the slide carefully and consistently. If you don't oil your slide, it will start to scratch and feel slow.
Make sure you lock the slide in place when not using the slide so that it doesn't fall out.
Be very careful with the trombone slide so that it doesn't get bent or dented. If that happens, the trombone might not ever work properly again.
Make sure you do not let your cheeks fill up with air.
Equipment Needed
Buying (or Renting) a Euphonium or Tuba
Buying a Euphonium or Tuba
Buying your student an instrument is the best way to get them involved in the school band program; however, Euphoniums and Tubas can be very expensive. There are many options and instruments can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Make sure you look at user reviews and find an instrument that will work well. Spending extra money on better quality now will prevent you from spending hundreds on repairs later. Below are a couple of good resources for finding instruments. Please contact the band director to make sure the instrument you purchase is the right model and a good fit.
Renting a Trombone
If you are unable to purchase an instrument, local music stores normally have some that you can rent. There's normally a monthly rental fee of $35 or more. You will want to contact multiple music stores to see if they have any available. Please contact the band director if you have questions. With larger instruments, it can be harder to find rentals. Below are links to some local music stores.
Borrowing Instruments from School
Gridley Unified School District has a select number of instruments that can be loaned to students. Normally these instruments have been donated or well used by previous students. There is a limited number available. When students first start on their instrument, it is normal for them to borrow from the school; however, after 1 year the school hopes that students will be able to rent or buy their own instrument so that incoming students will be able to play on school instruments. The holiday season (November and December) is a great time to buy an instrument - especially if there are holiday sales. Please contact the band director if you have questions.