Playing Bass Trombone and Euph - Is It Bad for Your Chops?
Hello!
I know that there's probably no answer that's 100% accurate for everybody, but I'd just like to make sure I don't ruin my chops before college auditions.
In my school's wind ensemble, we've been playing the finale from Mahler's 3rd. We don't have a bass trombone player, so my director put me on the part. I'm happy to do it - bass trombone is kinda like an instrument of guilty pleasures. There's still a technique to it, but it feels so easy and right to play, where euphonium kinda fights with you sometimes. Regardless, I've noticed a few changes in my playing.
My pitch accuracy and flexibility has improved on both instruments. For whatever reason, every note in my range is more in-tune, and I can reach every note in my range much easier. I can even play quite a bit higher, especially on euph. I think this is probably a product of better air support after playing bass, but it's interesting!
The real concern for me is tone. When I first started playing bass, I sounded like a euphonium player playing bass trombone. After some practice, I've managed to get a more characteristic sound, and I think I blend in well with the rest of the section. It's still a bit... blatty at the highest volumes, but I'm working on that. On euphonium, my tone has maybe gotten a bit brighter, but I wouldn't say it's less characteristic or worse. It's simply a bit different than the sound I've had. Should I be worried about that change?
I use a Schilke 52E2 on both instruments, as the mouthpiece gives me what I need on both horns. Are there any exercises I should be doing to ensure I don't change anything with my euphonium playing? Any warning signs I should watch out for?
Thanks!