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Re: Privileged Notes--BBb Bass

Steve:
	Here is an excerpt from ARNOLD JACOBS: SONG AND WIND about
(under)privileged notes:
-----------------
	During the latter part of Jacobs' career, he played many notes in the
low range using non-conventional fingerings. These are called
"privileged notes," or, as Jacobs, tongue-in-cheek, calls them,
"underprivileged notes." 
	For example, using a four-valve CC tuba, the conventional fingering for
a low E would be with the second, third and fourth valves. However,
using these "privileged notes," depending on the actual instrument, this
note can also be played using only the second valve. Other notes can be
sounded with various fingering combinations, which require
experimentation and practice to achieve.
	Many players have difficulty with these notes since they must mentally
hear the very low pitch before playing. There is also less control over
the pitch than when using conventional fingerings, but when compared
using a decibel meter, there is a greater output of sound. A player with
a small lung capacity can benefit from these notes, and Jacobs uses them
extensively. 
-----------------
	The key here is that first you must hear the note - the control is not
as good as using conventional fingerings. The output can be enoumous, as
much as 10 decibels more and you can potentioally sustain longer.
	The other big factor is the instrument. I have not played to many BB
flat horns with good privliged notes. On my Besson E flat, I use them
all the time. 
	A few years ago during a NABBA competition, there was a low D flat that
was sustained (I believe this was in LAUDE). I was playing on a
prototype Canadian Brass CB-50 which can be switched from CC to BB flat.
I was already on the B flat side and could not get a privliged D flat. I
hit the rotor, changing the horn to C, and the the second and third
valves and it ripped. Since this horn was still a prototype, later it
was used for demonstration and several other players were on it but no
one could hit that low D flat - they were not hearing the pitch first.

	In your case, if I remember, you are on a three valve tuba. Do not
expect to you privileged notes to compensate for the lack of the 4th
valve - bite the dust and get a 4 valve horn!

Brian


-- 
Brian Frederiksen
WindSong Press - PO Box 146 - Gurnee, Il 60031
Phone 847 223-4586 - Fax 847 223-4580
brianf@xxxxxxx
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/WindSong_Press


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