My son is a sixth grader (11 years old) and a new tuba player. I am not musically inclined in the least (sadly). My husband is a musician but of the guitar variety.
So far I know that we have a tuba and that he makes sounds with it. He has a good grade in band so I guess he is doing decently. He really likes playing and I'd love him to continue so I want him to have every chance to do well.
I've read and noticed that there is a lot of talk about mouth pieces. How do you know which one is right? He has the one that came with the tuba from the school. His band teacher said to see if we could find a Helleburg one as they are really good but I see they come in different sizes and I have NO idea what size is right. How does one determine such a thing? And what is a normal price to pay? Should I expect to spend over $100?
Also, how do you know what size and type of tuba you have? Since we are renting it from the school and didn't buy it I have no clue. Does it even matter? I do know it isn't a full sized tuba....but that is ALL I know. I hate feeling so uninformed.
Lastly, how do ya'll transport these huge tubas? My son rides the bus and has to walk a ways to and from the bus stop and thus carries a large (for him) tuba quite a long ways daily. Seems there must be an easier way. What say you pros?? Any help, tips or tricks??
Thanks in advance for ANY help for this sadly uninformed tuba mom.