The tuba is the one of the youngest orchestral brass instruments, invented in 1835. Like many youngest children, it gets little respect. The solo repertoire for tuba is limited. No one ever got rich or famous playing the tuba. Tuba players tend to be the kid arriving last at the first band class or the one who has to take an instrument the school issues.
Yet the tuba is one of the most important instruments in an ensemble. As the bass, it provides the foundation for a band or orchestra’s sound. Its outsider reputation yields the tuba a cachet. Tuba players are countercultural—the ones proud not to be one of the cool kids.
