Do you really practice euphonium?
- MStarke
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Jan 01, 2019
This may be a bit provocative, but do you (/those of you who need to play it from time to time) really practice euphonium?
I need to/get asked to play euphonium max a few times a year, typically in a wind orchestra or brass ensemble setting.
I do not aim to be the next Steven Mead, but of course don't want to embarass myself.
While I kind of keep all my other doubles "warm" and e.g. practice some alto from time to time even if there is nothing concrete coming up, I absolutely don't feel that need on euphonium.
Playing-wise it's so easy, that I feel comfortable to pick it up more or less any time.
With e.g. alto I would need much more acclimatization if I had not touched it for months and even for weeks.
How do you handle this? Do you need to consistently maintain your euphonium skills? Or do you just take it out of the case?
BTW I don't want to provoke any full-time euphonium players, my aspirations are a bit lower than that...
I need to/get asked to play euphonium max a few times a year, typically in a wind orchestra or brass ensemble setting.
I do not aim to be the next Steven Mead, but of course don't want to embarass myself.
While I kind of keep all my other doubles "warm" and e.g. practice some alto from time to time even if there is nothing concrete coming up, I absolutely don't feel that need on euphonium.
Playing-wise it's so easy, that I feel comfortable to pick it up more or less any time.
With e.g. alto I would need much more acclimatization if I had not touched it for months and even for weeks.
How do you handle this? Do you need to consistently maintain your euphonium skills? Or do you just take it out of the case?
BTW I don't want to provoke any full-time euphonium players, my aspirations are a bit lower than that...
- harrisonreed
- Posts: 6479
- Joined: Aug 17, 2018
It's not called euphonium for nothing. It basically makes you sound decent no matter how sub-par you are, so I think you are right on not focusing on practicing this easiest of instruments.
- PhilTrombone
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Nov 06, 2018
I moved over to euphonium recently in the concert band that I participate in. It has required a renewed attention to technique. Yes, simple pieces make for an easy double, but many marches have pretty challenging passages.
Also the resistance/blow is quite different than trombone (for me, anyway).
So yes, I do practice it. btw, Brad Edwards' Intermediate Euphoniumist book is fantastic.
Also the resistance/blow is quite different than trombone (for me, anyway).
So yes, I do practice it. btw, Brad Edwards' Intermediate Euphoniumist book is fantastic.
- MStarke
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Jan 01, 2019
I totally see practicing specific pieces or parts when needed and would do that myself when it comes up.
(The most challenging thing I had to play in the last years on euph was an arrangement of the Flying Dutchman overture which seems to mostly have the cello parts in the euphonium. Challenging and in my opinion not a good idea to play this with a wind orchestra - there is so much better original literature.)
(The most challenging thing I had to play in the last years on euph was an arrangement of the Flying Dutchman overture which seems to mostly have the cello parts in the euphonium. Challenging and in my opinion not a good idea to play this with a wind orchestra - there is so much better original literature.)
- hyperbolica
- Posts: 3990
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
I pick it up now and then as a "comfort instrument". I sit in a recliner and lean back when I play euphonium, but I sit up straight on a stool when I play tbone. My wife prefers the sound of the euph certainly over bass bone. I "practice" it probably at least once a month to make sure the valves still work, and to keep my fingers going. I don't play it in public much. Maybe at Christmas time and occasionally with my quintet. I'm much more casual about euphonium than I am about trombone.
- MStarke
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Jan 01, 2019
I can totally relate to taking it much easier on euphonium.
- Burgerbob
- Posts: 6327
- Joined: Apr 23, 2018
one of my goals for this year was to really dig into euphonium more. Turns out my intonation was much worse than I thought it was, and it’s made a big change in my playing just doing it more. Still lots of room for improvement.
- bwilliams
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Apr 25, 2018
[quote="harrisonreed"]It's not called euphonium for nothing. It basically makes you sound decent no matter how sub-par you are, so I think you are right on not focusing on practicing this easiest of instruments.[/quote]
Au contraire!
Most casual sub-par euphonium players I encounter make me want to scream: The :horror:!!! :lol:
Au contraire!
Most casual sub-par euphonium players I encounter make me want to scream: The :horror:!!! :lol:
- BrassSection
- Posts: 424
- Joined: May 11, 2022
Practice mine only if doing a high or difficult (to me anyhow) solo or small group. It usually gets used about every week for my normal playing. Main practice horn is trumpet. If I’m up on that, trombone, euph, and French horn all good to go.
- musicofnote
- Posts: 367
- Joined: Jun 03, 2022
Two weeks before my trombone final exam (1996), my trombone teacher asked me, because he was filling out the paperwork he needed to submit when one of his students was registered for the final, if I wanted to include Euphonium on my degree. Having been a profession trumpet player just a few years before, he thought it was a cheap, easy addition. He said I only needed to include a euphonium piece on my program. So I added "Bride of the Waves", my favourite cornet solo of the time. I'd kept a lovely Besson 4 valve compensating Euphonium from my time with a brass band which went defunct, so the instrument was no problem. It was a gas and very relaxing in the middle of my program.
And while I as over-the-moon with my "5" grade (of possible 6) as a total for my tenor playing - I'd only been playing trombone at that point for a little more than 4 years - I got a 5.5 on the Euphonium playing. I'd stopped playing bass trombone about 3 months before the exam. After the exam, with the freshly printed diploma in my pocket, I pretty much switched 95% to bass trombone after the exam. And have never touched a Euphonium since.
And while I as over-the-moon with my "5" grade (of possible 6) as a total for my tenor playing - I'd only been playing trombone at that point for a little more than 4 years - I got a 5.5 on the Euphonium playing. I'd stopped playing bass trombone about 3 months before the exam. After the exam, with the freshly printed diploma in my pocket, I pretty much switched 95% to bass trombone after the exam. And have never touched a Euphonium since.
- Finetales
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: Mar 23, 2018
If I have to play euphonium coming up, then I practice euphonium. Same with any other instrument.
I also view euphonium as a "home base" since it's what I started on, so when my playing is in a rut practicing euphonium often gets me out of it.
I also view euphonium as a "home base" since it's what I started on, so when my playing is in a rut practicing euphonium often gets me out of it.
- Wolfgang
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Oct 29, 2024
Of course I practise euphonium before I perform with it! The instrument requires a completely different playing style to the tenor trombone. I could never master the demanding technical passages and the required range of modern literature without intensive practice. My tonal ideal on the euphonium is in the direction of "singing". I can only get there by practising, practising, practising. If I had to compare it, I would say: as a piano player, I do really practise the organ.
Übersetzt mit DeepL (https://dee.pl/app)
Übersetzt mit DeepL (https://dee.pl/app)
- Pezza
- Posts: 221
- Joined: Aug 24, 2021
It's what I mostly play, so I do a lot of practice on it.
Easiest instrument? You must be kidding.
Easy to honk on, hard to play well.
I've heard many good players, of other instruments, get thrown onto euph at short notice and play the notes well. Just doesn't have the sound or presence etc of a euph player.
Easiest instrument? You must be kidding.
Easy to honk on, hard to play well.
I've heard many good players, of other instruments, get thrown onto euph at short notice and play the notes well. Just doesn't have the sound or presence etc of a euph player.
- Crazy4Tbone86
- Posts: 1654
- Joined: Jan 14, 2020
Yes, I practice euphonium when I am called to perform on it. Euphonium was my first instrument and I remember playing it for hours every day as a kid. Thus, the fluency and ease of playing comes back pretty quickly. However, there are points of refinement that I need to address when I get the euphonium out.
For years, I would only play it with groups during the summer. Every year I would give myself a week of playing to acclimate before “euphonium season.” After several years of this cycle, I figured out that there were specific things that required most of my attention to be in peak condition. That’s when I changed my approach to the instrument and I could get in great condition in only 3 or 4 days. The things I focused on were:
*Rapid slurred scales of 2 or 3 octaves in all of the sharp keys (G, D, A, E, B). It is important to practice these scales slurred because the imperfections in the rhythm are much more obvious in slurs…..any articulation can cover up those imperfections.
*Technical drills and exercises in those same sharp keys (Herbert Clarke, thirds, fourths, etc….). The sharp keys tend to have all of the trickiest fingerings, especially when working on the two-hand coordination needed for a 3+1 compensating euphonium.
*A lot of practice with a tuner at different pitch centers (A=444, A=438). This may sound unusual, but there is a reason I do this. My summer concerts tend to be in two temperature zones…..very hot outdoor concerts (I perform in the mid 90s Fahrenheit at least 3 or 4 times each summer) or overzealous air conditioning (which can be in the high 60s Fahrenheit).
As Aiden stated, intonation can be a concern on the euphonium. To compound the problem, I have found that the euphonium can be more sensitive to temperature/pitch issues than the trombone. Maybe there is a scientific explanation (higher surface area?) or just my imagination? Nonetheless, I try to be prepared for performing in groups that could be rather sharp (heat) or drifting flat air conditioning). Still, I find myself spending the first couple of rehearsals searching for the pitch center and it usually settles in by third rehearsal/performance.
For years, I would only play it with groups during the summer. Every year I would give myself a week of playing to acclimate before “euphonium season.” After several years of this cycle, I figured out that there were specific things that required most of my attention to be in peak condition. That’s when I changed my approach to the instrument and I could get in great condition in only 3 or 4 days. The things I focused on were:
*Rapid slurred scales of 2 or 3 octaves in all of the sharp keys (G, D, A, E, B). It is important to practice these scales slurred because the imperfections in the rhythm are much more obvious in slurs…..any articulation can cover up those imperfections.
*Technical drills and exercises in those same sharp keys (Herbert Clarke, thirds, fourths, etc….). The sharp keys tend to have all of the trickiest fingerings, especially when working on the two-hand coordination needed for a 3+1 compensating euphonium.
*A lot of practice with a tuner at different pitch centers (A=444, A=438). This may sound unusual, but there is a reason I do this. My summer concerts tend to be in two temperature zones…..very hot outdoor concerts (I perform in the mid 90s Fahrenheit at least 3 or 4 times each summer) or overzealous air conditioning (which can be in the high 60s Fahrenheit).
As Aiden stated, intonation can be a concern on the euphonium. To compound the problem, I have found that the euphonium can be more sensitive to temperature/pitch issues than the trombone. Maybe there is a scientific explanation (higher surface area?) or just my imagination? Nonetheless, I try to be prepared for performing in groups that could be rather sharp (heat) or drifting flat air conditioning). Still, I find myself spending the first couple of rehearsals searching for the pitch center and it usually settles in by third rehearsal/performance.
- officermayo
- Posts: 654
- Joined: Jun 09, 2021
I play euphonium in my church orchestra every Sunday morning. Keeps my chops and technique in decent shape.
- AndrewMeronek
- Posts: 1487
- Joined: Mar 30, 2018
I'd like to pick up a nice euphonium, but unfortunately right now it's not at the top of my "spend money on life" list. I did play it when I was in the Army and enjoyed it. I DID have to practice it, mainly to get my right hand to behave with the valves. Also, to work on intonation. The unit gave me a pretty nice compensating euph with the 4th valve on the bottom, played by my left hand. That's definitely the style I'd want to get when I eventually decide I can spend the money and time.
- MStarke
- Posts: 1031
- Joined: Jan 01, 2019
[quote="Wolfgang"]Of course I practise euphonium before I perform with it! The instrument requires a completely different playing style to the tenor trombone. I could never master the demanding technical passages and the required range of modern literature without intensive practice. My tonal ideal on the euphonium is in the direction of "singing". I can only get there by practising, practising, practising. If I had to compare it, I would say: as a piano player, I do really practise the organ.
Übersetzt mit DeepL (https://dee.pl/app)[/quote]
As stated initially, the thread was meant a little bit to provoke responses.
Please note that my euphonium playing is typically subbing/playing in good amateur to semi-pro level.
We are not talking Planets or Bydlo with the Chicago symphony.
I totally see your (and other's) point that of course the euphonium benefits a lot also from intense practice.
However...
...range is not an issue, as I cover the same range (and maybe more) on trombone on a comparably mouthpiece size. Actually the range that I come across on euphonium - as I don't normally play demanding solo pieces - is kind of moderate in my view
...technical (~fast) passages and parts are a thing, yes. I started my "brass career" on baritone horn as a young kid, and somehow that general skill never got lost. However when it gets especially challenging, yes I have to practice that specific part
...sound. Absolutely agreed sound control is challenging to get to a really high level. However honestly with a little bit of 80/20 approach/acceptance, the euphonium is in fact pretty forgiving at least on the sound. When my 4 and 7 year old boys blow in one of my trombones just for fun, it sounds horrifying. With the euphonium the basic sound is actually quite pleasing. Again, not asking for Steven Mead here.
...intonation - certainly the hardest bit. I don't even have a compensating euphonium. A good pair of ears certainly helps! And knowing that people right and left are also off ;-)
BTW in the last weeks I really enjoyed listening to Glenn van Looy. What a sound!
Übersetzt mit DeepL (https://dee.pl/app)[/quote]
As stated initially, the thread was meant a little bit to provoke responses.
Please note that my euphonium playing is typically subbing/playing in good amateur to semi-pro level.
We are not talking Planets or Bydlo with the Chicago symphony.
I totally see your (and other's) point that of course the euphonium benefits a lot also from intense practice.
However...
...range is not an issue, as I cover the same range (and maybe more) on trombone on a comparably mouthpiece size. Actually the range that I come across on euphonium - as I don't normally play demanding solo pieces - is kind of moderate in my view
...technical (~fast) passages and parts are a thing, yes. I started my "brass career" on baritone horn as a young kid, and somehow that general skill never got lost. However when it gets especially challenging, yes I have to practice that specific part
...sound. Absolutely agreed sound control is challenging to get to a really high level. However honestly with a little bit of 80/20 approach/acceptance, the euphonium is in fact pretty forgiving at least on the sound. When my 4 and 7 year old boys blow in one of my trombones just for fun, it sounds horrifying. With the euphonium the basic sound is actually quite pleasing. Again, not asking for Steven Mead here.
...intonation - certainly the hardest bit. I don't even have a compensating euphonium. A good pair of ears certainly helps! And knowing that people right and left are also off ;-)
BTW in the last weeks I really enjoyed listening to Glenn van Looy. What a sound!
- Kbiggs
- Posts: 1768
- Joined: Mar 24, 2018
[quote="Pezza"]It's what I mostly play, so I do a lot of practice on it.
Easiest instrument? You must be kidding.
Easy to honk on, hard to play well.
I've heard many good players, of other instruments, get thrown onto euph at short notice and play the notes well. Just doesn't have the sound or presence etc of a euph player.[/quote]
I’m mainly a bass and tenor trombonist. I recently played euphonium for 3 days at a workshop on a Mack Brass euph. I played in high school and early college, but not much for the past 35 years. Sound and intonation are definitely challenges compared to trombone.
The resistance is very different. I found myself not breathing deeply enough or as frequently, which reminded me of something BurgerBob said, something like, “Euphonium players tend to get lazy because they can make a somewhat beautiful sound without trying too hard,” or something like that.
It’s going to take more time and discipline on my part.
Easiest instrument? You must be kidding.
Easy to honk on, hard to play well.
I've heard many good players, of other instruments, get thrown onto euph at short notice and play the notes well. Just doesn't have the sound or presence etc of a euph player.[/quote]
I’m mainly a bass and tenor trombonist. I recently played euphonium for 3 days at a workshop on a Mack Brass euph. I played in high school and early college, but not much for the past 35 years. Sound and intonation are definitely challenges compared to trombone.
The resistance is very different. I found myself not breathing deeply enough or as frequently, which reminded me of something BurgerBob said, something like, “Euphonium players tend to get lazy because they can make a somewhat beautiful sound without trying too hard,” or something like that.
It’s going to take more time and discipline on my part.
- BrassSection
- Posts: 424
- Joined: May 11, 2022
Other euphonium players I’ve encountered are like X brand automobiles. (Insert manufacturer of your choice) Most do what needs to be done meeting expectations, some aren’t worth a hoot, and some are outstanding.
Full disclosure: Trombone is for fun, trumpet is out of necessity, euph is my favorite horn… but gets less playtime than the first 2 listed.
Full disclosure: Trombone is for fun, trumpet is out of necessity, euph is my favorite horn… but gets less playtime than the first 2 listed.
- JohntheTheologian
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Apr 12, 2018
I'm a euphonium doubler, not a dedicated euph player. Eup is clearly my 2nd instrument.
My introduction to euph playing was years ago when I was playing in a British style brass band-- on trombone-- and one of our euph players suddenly left the band. I had just recently purchased a used Yamaha 321 and I quickly had to get enough up to snuff to play the parts, including reading treble clef, which I hadn't done before playing euphonium. A few years later, due to time constraints, I, too, needed to leave that band. Today, the level of playing in that band has taken a quantum leap and I wouldn't be able to cut it without serious practice.
However, I still play euph in the summer season in our local community band-- we have 15 trombones on our roster and usually 10+ show up for every concert--so I play euphonium.
I try to play euph at last a couple times a week, mostly scales and trumpet etudes to keep my skills up, including reading treble clef. However, in the spring, I up my euph practicing to be ready for the season. I simply wouldn't be able without that extra practice since euph is my secondary instrument and my hands are getting a bit arthritic at age 75. Fingering is a bit tougher than it was years ago, even with a 3+1 Mack Brass that I now own. I find that classic marches are a great way to get back in shape and are fun to play. They are mostly available for free online.
My introduction to euph playing was years ago when I was playing in a British style brass band-- on trombone-- and one of our euph players suddenly left the band. I had just recently purchased a used Yamaha 321 and I quickly had to get enough up to snuff to play the parts, including reading treble clef, which I hadn't done before playing euphonium. A few years later, due to time constraints, I, too, needed to leave that band. Today, the level of playing in that band has taken a quantum leap and I wouldn't be able to cut it without serious practice.
However, I still play euph in the summer season in our local community band-- we have 15 trombones on our roster and usually 10+ show up for every concert--so I play euphonium.
I try to play euph at last a couple times a week, mostly scales and trumpet etudes to keep my skills up, including reading treble clef. However, in the spring, I up my euph practicing to be ready for the season. I simply wouldn't be able without that extra practice since euph is my secondary instrument and my hands are getting a bit arthritic at age 75. Fingering is a bit tougher than it was years ago, even with a 3+1 Mack Brass that I now own. I find that classic marches are a great way to get back in shape and are fun to play. They are mostly available for free online.