Whats the difference between a tuba, a baritone, and a euphonium??

Question

My band teacher wants me to switch from the flute to the tuba [[crazy i know..]] but she sed i cud use the "baby tuba" which i believe is a euphorium maybe

My band teacher wants me to switch from the flute to the tuba [[crazy i know..]] but she sed i cud use the "baby tuba" which i believe is a euphorium maybe..
ooh and i've played the piano for 8 years, so the clef change is no probb

Answer 1

Tuba is the largest and lowest-pitched brass instrument.
Some bands will also use a Sousaphone, which is the gigantic wraparound-style instrument that many people picture when they picture a tuba.

The baritone is shaped very similar to a tuba, but is smaller and higher-pitched. The euphonium is basically a smaller version of a baritone, I've seen it mostly used in marching bands. It's similar in pitch to a trombone.

Answer 2

It is kind of confusing because the terms are somewhat interchangeable! Usually, though, the tuba is a very large brass instrument that you hold on your lap to play. It has the deepest sound. For marching band you would probably use the Sousaphone, the instrument that you "wear" around your torso, and usually what is thought of as a "tuba." The euphonium is also played while seated, kind of held in a clutch like a French horn, but they do make a marching band version of them that you hold in front of you like a large trumpet. I believe the baritone is slightly smaller than a euphonium and has a slightly different sound. I was the music librarian in high school and it seems to me that the baritone music was written on the treble clef, whereas the euphonium music was on the bass clef, so it may be easier for you, as a flautist, to convert to the baritone.

I would suggest talking to your band director about it some more. When students start in band, there is usually an overabundance of woodwinds, so she may be trying to get some strength going in the bass section, but ultimately it's your decision. Woodwinds are typically melodic, while the bass instruments like the tuba, euphonium, etc., often play long, drawn out notes, and don't carry the melody as often. Just personally, I was a first chair clarinetist all throughout middle and high school and when I tried a little change in 9th grade by moving to bass clarinet for a few months, I found it dreadfully boring to play the "oompah" part of the music.

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Check:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuba

Answer 4

The euphonium is a much larger instrument with a larger bore and bell. The euphonium has a richer, deeper tone but is a bit more heavy.