TromboneChat

When playing from a standard hymnal on tuba would you play the bass line as written or down the octave?

The answer is…… yes!

You can do either one. A lot of it depends on the particular hymn, the player’s comfort in upper or lower register, the ensemble (if the bass line is doubled by another instrument like trombone, euphonium or bassoon, the tuba should drop it down an octave), etc…. Usually there is a choice that makes the ensemble sound best…go with that choice.

I agree with Brian. It might also depend on whether you have a BBb, CC, Eb, or F tuba. Play what sounds right.

Often you're playing with organ. If so one or the other choice may disappear in the mix. I think you need to try it both ways and have someone listen.