The Tuba

Alex Pobocik
Devin Farris
History

● Like the Euphonium, predecessors to the tuba include the Serpent and the
Ophicleide
● The first patent for a tuba was filed in 1835 by Wilhelm Friedrich Weiprecht
for a “bass tuba” in F1.
● Adolphe Sax also invented brass instruments called Saxhorns, which
included a tuba like instrument.
Left: Contrabass Serpent (Anaconda) Right: Contrabass Ophicleide
Left: Weiprecht Tuba

Right: Bass Saxhorn

Modern Usage

● The tuba is an extremely versatile instrument that can be used in many

different types of ensembles such as
○ Orchestras
○ Wind band
○ Brass bands/quintets
○ Traditional jazz ensembles
○ Brass bands
○ Marching Bands
○ Polka/German Bands
Modern Tuba Design

● The tuba is one of the few instruments whose design has not been
standardized.
● Designs vary in regards to tubing, bell facing, valve type, valve facing, size,
and number of valves.
● Tubas are sized much like string instruments in that they come in sizes
based on ¼ increments.
● The 4/4 is standard in most schools, while the 6/4 is used for most
orchestral work.
A tuba with a front facing removable fiberglass
bell
Left: A tuba with 4 front facing valves

Middle: A tuba with 3 upward facing valves

Right: A tuba with 4 rotary valves

Types of Tubas

● Euphonium*
● BB-flat tuba
● CC tuba
● Eb Tuba
● F Tuba
● The Sousaphone
● BBB-flat Tuba
An F Tuba next to a CC tuba for
comparison.
The Sousaphone

● Created in 1893 by J.W. Pepper for use in John Phillip Sousa’s band
● Primarily used in marching bands but also can be seen in brass bands, polka
bands, and traditional jazz bands.
● Sousaphones are being replaced in marching bands with marching tubas
Hand Positions
Embouchure

Some people believe the lower you

play, you use more bottom lip then top
lip.
Choosing a Tuba

Small Medium Full Sized

Besson 797 Conn 5J Mirafone 1864U

Yamaha YBB-103 Conn 12J Besson 997

Yamaha YBB-301

Meinl-Weston Model 20
Accessories

Straight mute and cup mute Valve oil Slide grease Playing Stand
Assessment
1. What other instrument used in today's band's is closely related to the tuba?
2. Who made the first patent on the tuba?
3. Tuba sizes are based of increments of what?
4. Name a few types of tuba?
5. What are a few accessories for the tuba?