Beginning sousaphone?

Question

i'm switching from trumpet. i can play all the basic scales however for some strange reason i can't hit a B in the staff. i can hit the G below it and the D above it (same fingering) but not the B! help!

also, what are some good ways to build up lung capacity/strength? i need to be able to last through the approximately 25 minute 4th of july parade!

Answer 1

another good idea, is to work out your shoulder, back and triceps so you can have enough stamina to hold it through the whole parade.

Answer 2

The B of which you speak is in a funky place in a funky partial, I think.  I don't know how else to say it. I had the same problem.  Maybe it's specific to sousaphones.   But to get better, try starting from the D above, (open) then C (1st) then B (1 &2 )  They're all on the same partial, but D is a lot easier to hit.  As your lips have success finding B that way, hopefully your ear and lip muscles will memorize what you have to do and you can hit it right away.  Good luck.

Just practicing will help with lung capacity and stamina.  You probably have plenty from playing trumpet.  I had a teacher once tell me that I would get better air flow if I relaxed.  I had always been taught sit up straight, and the tension from my back and stomach kept my diaphragm from dropping as low as it could to let in as much air as possible.  I know you'll be standing.  But perhaps loosening the tummy may be helpful to you.  It's worth a try.