Beginning Band: Playing the Tuba

INTRODUCTION

Meet tuba player Jacob Grewe! He will tell you about his instrument and why he chose to play it.

FUN FACTS

• The tuba is the largest member of the brass family, which means it is able to play the lowest sounds of any brass instrument.

• There is a special type of tuba called a sousaphone. Tubas and sousaphones basically work the same way, but they are shaped differently. The sousaphone is circular and wraps around the player’s body, which makes it easier to play and carry while marching with a marching band. The sousaphone is named after John Philip Sousa, a composer known for composing marches.

• Tubas can weigh from around 20-30 pounds.  

LISTEN and WATCH

Here is some more music for the tuba.