The Tribulations of Being a Tuba Player
Throughout the four years of my marching band career with River Bluff High School, I have encountered many tribulations in playing the tuba-or sousaphone- if you are a band nerd. I vividly remember the first time I played the sousaphone during winter training before going to march at Disney World.
To start putting on a tuba/sousaphone (TUBA Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster SOUSAPHONE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster) has a learning curve. If put on incorrectly you could wake up the next day in a world of hurt. But you must learn to put it on and off quickly and correctly or suffer the wrath of an angry band director at practice.
Once you have mastered the art of putting the tuba/sousaphone on without lasting damage, it feels easy to carry at first. The average weight of a tuba/sousaphone is 30 to 40 pounds. Which isn't too bad at first but coupled with the odd shape and that all the weight is on one shoulder, that 30 to 40 pounds can starts to feel like a hundred. I think I kept Icy Hot in business that first summer at band camp.
As time has progressed, I have gotten use to the crushing weight of the tuba/sousaphone on my shoulder. Who needs to lift weights when all you have to do is go to band practice.
Another issue I had to wrap my mind around was the sound difference between playing the tuba and playing the sousaphone. I don't think I will ever get used to that. Simply put, trying to play well on the tuba is far different than trying to play well on the sousaphone. The sousaphone sacrifices quality of sound for sheer volume. Sometimes that can really mess with me. Feels like I have to relearn playing the sousaphone at the start of every marching band season. The Differences Between Playing Tuba and Sousaphone - Denis Wick Products Ltd.
My best advice to anyone that that wants to play the sousaphone is to work on strengthening your core by doing planks. This will help with putting on the sousaphone without hurting yourself or dropping it on unsuspecting fellow band members. The percussion section hates when they are taken out like a bunch of bowling pins. Running to help with increasing your lung capacity. Lastly make sure you invest in some Icy Hot because you are going to need it. Sousaphone Technique – Preservation Hall Lessons
