I could never figure out why anybody would want to learn how to play a tuba. If I was in high school and desired to join the marching band, my instrument of choice would be a flute......
“...my instrument of choice would be a flute......”
Or a harmonica...maybe even a Jews harp.
The percussionist with the least seniority had to play the cymbals in marching band. In seventh grade I weighed 98 pounds-the cymbals were heavy. I thought my arms were going to fall off after holding them out in front of me for so long. The flute would have been a better choice!
“ I could never figure out why anybody would want to learn how to play a tuba. ”
I learned to play tuba in high school because trumpet was not available. I was in a jazz band. When I moved and started at my new school, the marching band was short a tuba player. I decided I would rather play football so bye bye tuba.
So, over the next couple of months, I spent my lunch hour and one hour after classes down in the band room with a sousaphone and sheet music learning to play the tuba/sousaphone, all 5'6" and 125 pounds of me. By football season, I had learned it well enough to march with the band ... by band competition time, we received all 1's in the competition.
Playing the tuba at Michigan Boys' State that year, I received the Outstanding Bandsman Award. I was also nominated for and received the John Philip Sousa National Band Award that year.
I guess, if you really want to be noticed, be the only tuba/sousaphone player in the band ...
By the time I graduated, I was also playing baritone sax in the Jazz/Stage Band ...
My son for one: Wanted to play “something loud, Some thing with a big blat.”
His aunt, then a trombone player, convinced him that a trombone was louder. Had the only instrument you take apart in band.
Sure enough, a few years later making a turn, one of his buddies threw the slide out on the field.