Huntingdonshire Music School Association - Brass

Are you a brass player? The mouthpiece is critical to the sound and tone that you produce and is a highly personal match to the player - definitely not a case of one size fits all!

Having recently taken up the tuba and struggled with changing mouthpieces I’d like to find out more about how the design influences the sound. This article at Wikipedia is a useful start.

Is anyone interested in learning the tuba? If so there will soon be a college E-flat tuba available from the music school for anyone wishing to take lessons (so you don’t have to splash out the cash and you can see whether you and the tuba suit each other).

The tuba is a fun instrument to play. As it’s not the smallest thing in the world you definitely stand out when playing amongst others - no good then if you want to hide! The one that we have available is a 3/4 size.

One other advantage is that as there aren’t many around you do get asked to get involved with all sorts of groups from our very own Brass Band [0900 to 1000 on Sat morning] to any of the orchestras.

We have a number of loan instruments available from time to time in order to lower the initial cost of learning an instrument. It also allows you to see whether you and your instrument are made for each other in a low risk way. You have but to ask!

This is a rare opportunity to try something different. These sorts of opportunities don’t come up often. Talk to Gary Sieling [01480 379220]  or Robin Norman (our very own bass virtuoso) for more information. Don’t leave it too long as someone else is likely to have snuck in before you!

At present, ensembles include group theory and aural lessons, 2 Orchestras, 5 Bands and 8 Ensembles. Other ensemble and group playing is encouraged and regular concerts are held in and out of College.

The current groups are:-

Ensembles

• Brass Ensemble
• Choir - Coming Soon (beginning 2010)
• Flute Choir
• Guitar Ensemble
• Intermediate Brass Ensemble
• Saxophone Ensemble
• Senior String Ensemble
• String Ensemble
• Woodwind Ensemble

Bands

• Bluegrass
• Intermediate Concert Band
• Junior Rock Band
• Preparatory Concert band
• Rock Band
• Senior Concert Band
• Big Band

Orchestras

• Junior Orchestra
• Senior Orchestra

The list is fairly fluid as we encourage those with a similar interest to start their own groups.

Students can enter for practical and theory exams from beginner to diploma lessons. Exams are held at Huntingdonshire College every term.