How to Hold a Sousaphone

You see them in the halftime shows during football games: the mighty sousaphones. Marching band tubas, named "sousaphones" after the famous composer and director John Philip Sousa, are designed to be carried by tuba players on the field. Unwieldy, heavy and at times difficult to play, a sousaphone can also be one of the most exciting instruments in the marching band--and key for such songs as "The Star Spangled Banner" and "Sing, Sing, Sing." Learn how to hold a sousaphone and carry it properly in this article.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sousaphone

1. The sousaphone should be on the ground, assembled and ready to pick up. The bell is to the left.

2. Pick up the sousaphone and place your head in the hole, keeping the bell to your left at all times. Your left arm should not go through the hole. The right arm goes through the hole and will be used to play the sousaphone.

3. The sousaphone should rest on the left shoulder, with the bell facing forward, over your left shoulder.

4. Use your right hand to play the valves. Take great care emptying the spit valve; it's easy to accidentally empty the spit on your leg.

5. The left arm can be used to support the side or the bottom of the sousaphone, to take some weight off the left shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

• Metal sousaphones are much heavier than the white, fiberglass sousaphones.
• Be sure to attach the bell properly to the body of the sousaphone.
• Take care that foreign objects don't fall into the bell.
• Take care not to carry a sousaphone for too long. Left shoulder or neck injuries can result. A good band director will allow sousaphone players to practice marching without wearing the instrument.