davewerden

This is a video of a nice performance on an British-style baritone horn. The piece is Sun, by Bruce Fraser. Soloist is Katrina Marzella with Brassband David (Zwolle, Netherlands). For those who are still confused about the difference between euphonium and baritone, this video should make it clearer. The horn looks much different from a euphonium, and you will find the sound to be much less deep.

The great euphonium soloist and teacher Arthur Lehman has written several articles that we are currently editing for web publication. (Our sincere thanks to Keith Barton for collecting these from Arthur.) The first of this series is now available on this site. Arthur wrote about his memories of his euphonium mentor, Harold Brasch (former euphonium soloist with The United States Navy Band).


Harold Brasch Remembered, part 1

Piston valve euphoniums and tubas need a guide on the side of the valve to keep it from turning within the cylinder. Older horns used metal guides, which were very sturdy but caused a rattling or clicking sound when using the valves. Newer horns have guides made from some kind of plastic, which are very quiet but subject to damage.


It is difficult to damage a plastic guide while the horn is assembled and being used. Most damage occurs when the valve is being replaced after oiling ...

Several brands of euphonium have a lock for the 4th valve that is a flat piece of metal hinged so it can swing over the 4th valve button to hold it down. I have had several students who have a little trouble with the lock. If it is too loose it can swing back against the horn's tubing, which allows it to buzz against the tube when you play. Keeping the hinge-screw exactly tight enough can solve this.


But for those who have trouble keeping it away from the tubing, I have a simple ...

For those who do not already know, the NABBA holds a contest every year in the USA for amateur brass bands (plus solos and ensembles). Here are this year's results.


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CHAMPIONSHIP SECTION (Judges: Stephen Bulla, Bram Gregson, Lt. Col. Thomas

Palmatier)


o 1. Fountain City Brass Band (Joseph Parisi) - 293.0 points

o 2. James Madison University Brass Band (Kevin Stees) - 289.4 points ...