The Tuba: Tuba Competition

Sandy was in her last year of high school. That spring, five hundred high school students from northwestern Ontario and Grand Marais, gathered in the community auditorium to participate in the high school music festival. As one large choir, they highlighted the event by singing, “The Ash Grove” together. The sound was astounding. A large number of school choirs had competed throughout the day, as well as individual instrumentalists.

There were only two tuba players who entered the competition, a Canadian girl named Sandy, and a young American, male student, named Todd. He was a sharp looking, tall, blonde teenager dressed in a band uniform.

“Look at the size of that guy’s brand new tuba!” exclaimed Sandy, when she saw him approach the stage. “My tuba is only half that size.”

Her heart sank. 

She could play her tuba solo perfectly, but because of the difference in their instruments, she would not stand a chance. He would likely win the competition because of his appearance, stature and the deep sound his huge instrument would be able to produce. 

Sandy thought back a few years, as she waited to go on stage. It was in grade ten that her option had become music.

“Choose an instrument, everyone,” Felix, her sophisticated, elderly, gray-haired music teacher had suggested to the grade ten students, at the beginning of the year.   

“I don’t know anything about band instruments,” Sandy explained to him. “Or what instrument I should learn to play either.”

“Then play the tuba.” ordered Felix, sensing her hesitation. He showed her a medium size, laptop tuba and gave her one quick lesson. “This is how you blow into it. Sit over there in the brass section.”    

“This instrument is so huge,” she thought, holding it on her lap. It was impressive, almost overwhelming, but when she saw the music, it looked relatively easy. “I will try.” But, because of the size of the tuba, toting it back and forth on the school bus along with her books, would be a challenge particularly in the winter.

  

“Oom pa pa,” rang out the tuba, as Sandy gradually mastered the instrument over the next few months. Music written in the bass clef proved easy to read and count. She loved the sound of the instrument, the band music and her tuba part in it.

“Our band is playing in the high school parade, so let’s get busy practicing that winter!” Felix suggested to the band. “We have no uniforms, but our music is still the best in the city!”

Everyone in the band agreed that it might be fun. None of the other high schools had a band able to perform on their level, even though some of the other high school bands were already getting uniforms. Street clothes would suffice.  

When it came time for the parade, Sandy marched in the band, down the main street of the city playing their high school song, as well as several other pieces of band music. By then, she played well.

She was surprised at what happened next.

Early one evening, a car drove up in her driveway.

“My daughter tells me you can play the tuba. We want you in our church band,” said an elderly man accompanied by another, short, chubby, church band member. They handed Sandy an old, brass tuba. She did not even think to refuse. It badly needed some brass polish. 

Sandy was thrilled, as now she had an instrument to practice with at home. Weekly band practices were in the church basement, every Wednesday night.      

When it came time for the music festival, Sandy was excited because Felix invited her to perform a solo. She was more than ready.

Just before the music festival closed that day, the master of ceremonies stood up and announced the results of all of the competitions, including the tuba competition. 

The solo by Todd, the young American, had been perfect in every way and she knew immediately that he had won.

“Sandy, I have never seen a young woman play a tuba before. Your solo was excellent and so, I am awarding you a mark of 95,” the judge told her. “Congratulations.” 

“Todd, 96!” 

The following Sunday, the church band played for a church services and Sandy played her solo, much to the amazement of the entire congregation.