The low brass is like the wheel of the band. Without a trombone, baritone and tuba a band is like a car without a wheel or a person with no heart. Which means you can't drive or live. That's pretty serious. Baritone is like another wheel. Both Baritone and Tuba are low foundation instruments of the band.
The tuba is comprised of two main pieces: mouthpiece and body. When assembling, always tip in the mouthpiece to avoid damaging the rim of instrument & mouthpiece.
To start, place lips in an "em" position, then buzz making a "fly" sound. If your lips are looser it is how most make a "raspberry" or a "horse" sound. Make sure your mouth is solid, but not tight against the mouthpiece. Breathe in deep from the diaphragm to support the note
Make sure you are sitting up on the edge of the chair, feet flat on the floor, head in a normal resting position, and bring the instrument to you. Buzz your lips before bringing the mouthpiece to you. Keep the corners of your mouth pulled back. Elbows should be relaxed and slightly away from your body.
Valve oil, Mouthpiece
Empty condensation EVERY time you use your tuba or baritone. Press down the valve while taking out the matching tube to empty the condensation. Put a brush through the mouthpiece regularly. Wipe down the instrument with a microfiber cloth and be aware of dents and how they may be caused.
Best Mouthpieces for Tuba
A quality mouthpiece makes it easier to play and sounds better.
Bach 7, Conn Helleberg
Others: Result matters more than size
Bach 12, Yamaha 67C4, 68B- smaller
Schilke Helleburg, Denis Wick 3, Yamaha 66 - standard
Petantucci 48, 50 - larger
Tuba Baritone/Euphonium Websites
Tuba DSO Kids is the Dallas Symphony Orchestra's site. It's mission is to provide attractive, child-friendly resources that introduce symphonic music, the orchestra and its instruments, and to encourage both adults and young people to explore the symphony orchestra.
Brass Acoustics Trumpet, horn, trombone, tuba. this page explains the physics of brass instruments. For a background on acoustics click on Basics.
Baritone & Tuba Repertoire Tuba Music
Sousaphone History of the Sousaphone
Tuba Players to listen to
Pat Sheridan - co-authored the Breathing Gym
Tommy Johnson - Instructor USC, over 2,000 film scores including Jaws
Arnold Jacobs - Principal Tuba Chicago Symphony Orchestra 1944-1988
Roger Bobo - LA Philharmonic 1964-1989
John Stevens - Professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison