How to Play the Sousaphone

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Last Updated: December 17, 2023

A sousaphone is no doubt one of the most important instruments in marching band. As the marching version of the tuba, it's really the backbone of the sound of the band. However, sousaphones are different than tubas, and before you put it on, you'll need to know how to play it.

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While it is possible to start out on sousaphone, most sousaphone players started out on the tuba in a concert band, and that'll make switching types of tubas much easier.
Assemble the instrument - take the bell and put it in the hole at the top of the horn, and then put your lead pipe in the hole next to your valves. Be sure to screw it on really tight.

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Question

I just started sousaphone today, it hurts like crazy but I'm able to march without a pad, How do I stop it from bouncing?

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If your sousaphone is bouncing while you're marching, then you need to focus on smoothing out your marching. The bottom half of your body, from the waist down, or "the athlete," should be marching as normal. The top half of your body, or "the musician," should be still and calm, so your airstream is uninterrupted. If someone were to watch you march, but only from the waist up, it should look like you're gliding, which will eliminate the bounce.

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My shoulder hurts when I play the sousaphone. Is there any way I can make it stop hurting?

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You might want to put a piece of foam on your shoulder, or rubber band it to the instrument. You can also try to see if you can angle the instrument differently to ensure the weight is well balanced.

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Where do I put my left hand when playing the sousaphone?

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Place your left hand on the sousaphone, almost by your shoulder.

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Tips

Take big breaths before you play, a loud bass sound surprises people.

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The first time you wear a sousaphone, it is going to hurt like crazy, but don't use pads or anything to deaden the pain, because that will only apply more pressure to your shoulder, making it hurt even worse.

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If you ever need to take your horn off quickly, do it quickly, but carefully.

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Warnings

Do not drop it!

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Always keep the screws on the bell tight so the bell won't fall off while you play

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Make sure your mouthpiece is in the lead pipe tightly.

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