Euphonium

The Euphonium is a very expressive and smooth sounding instrument which is really most at home in wind and brass bands, although there are occasional solos in orchestral music. It is really a small tuba but has very lyrical qualities. It is quite an easy instrument on which to produce a sound, and is often used as a spectacular solo instrument in the brass bands world. The euphonium is an essential instrument in the wind band where it is used for its rich mellifluous tone which can overpower a whole battery of woodwind. There is little chamber music for euphonium and it has never sat easily in jazz and rock groups, but many euphonium players take up the trombone once they reach about Grade 6 standard, which opens up many other avenues. The BARITONE , although slightly smaller than the euphonium, is very similar and can be a more sensible choice for the young beginner.

Starting age 9 Years

Cost

• New approx £700
• Cost 2nd hand approx £400

Hire

• Available in limited numbers from Kent Music and school stock.

Running Costs

• Minimal - valve oil and slide grease essential

Suitability

• This is quite a heavy instrument, but one of the easiest in the brass family.

Where to play

• An essential member of the brass and wind band but few other outlets.
• The beautiful sound of the euphonium can be very rewarding.
• Find out more about instrument care and maintenance

Famous Pieces

• Concerto for Euphonium - Joseph Horovitz
• Variations on "The Carnival of Venice" - equally as impressive as the famous version for cornet

Famous Solos

• Fantasia on British Sea Songs (Henry Wood) - Played at the "Last Night of the Proms"
• Mars from The Planets (Holst) - Energetic dialogue with the trumpet
• Pictures at an Exhibition (Ravel/Mussorgsky) - Solo in "Bydlo"

Famous Performers

• Stephen Mead - English professor of euphonium at the Royal Northern College of Music
• Nicholas Childs - Leading brass band soloist