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 A tuba | |
| Classification | Brass |
|---|---|
| Developed | in the 19th century |
The tuba is the biggest of all the brass musical instruments. They are the newest part of the symphony orchestra, first showing up in the mid-19th century. Most orchestras have a tuba now. The standard tuba has about 16 feet of tubes.[1]
Tubas are normally in the key of F, Eb, CC, or BBb and can have 3 to 6 valves. Because they are so big, some tubas have a compensating system. This means a fourth, fifth or sixth valve is used to make the instrument sound more in tune - especially the lowest notes.
It takes a lot of breath to play the tuba. It is one of the loudest instruments in the orchestra but can also play very quietly.
- ↑ "Brass Family of Instruments: What instruments are in the Brass Family?". www.orsymphony.org.