Guide to the Euphonium Repertoire: The Euphonium Source Book

APPENDIX D: The Freelance Euphoniumist

The freelance euphoniumist can find work in opportunities such as part-time small ensembles, performance in jazz, playing as an extra with an orchestra, the recording industry, and teaching . Most euphoniumists find it difficult not to include other instruments in their performance and teaching abilities. Part-Time Small Ensembles There are several different genres in which a euphoniumist can become involved in a performance medium. Religious organizations, brass bands, and community organizations are examples of these genres. Many contemporary religious organizations willemployeuphoniumplayersaspartofextended worship sessions (revivals, religious holidays, etc.) with euphonium parts. However, these occasions are few and far between. Churches will employ euphoniumists in place of trombonists in regular situations (Sunday services, meetings, etc.) if needed, since finding a brass player is their only concern. Use this opportunity to ask about performing solos during the church services to further your future playing opportunities. There are numerous brass bands in North America, and while most are unable to provide a salary high enough to live on, many provide money in some amount for performing at special occasions. These performing ensembles are also willing to pay soloists and clinicians to come in and work with their ensembles. Community bands are also a way to perform and get paid. As in brass bands, the pay is usually not high enough to be the only source of income, but this is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with area band directors and musicians . These connections can lead to work with schools as a clinician, soloist, and private lesson teacher. Jazz Fortunately for instrumentalists, jazz is not an area with strict codes and traditions on instrumentation. Any instrument is welcome to the field of improvisation. To become a euphoniumist in jazz, all that is needed is experience. Working with a rhythm section and a higher brass or reed player is an excellent way to “hone” one’s skills. Once one has established a jazz group, begin booking at local clubs and other shows. Perform as frequently as possible with a good group. Playing as an Extra with an Orchestra The best way for a euphoniumist to receive the chance to perform with an orchestra is to become acquainted with the trombone section and the tubist. By taking some lessons with these personnel , you can not only better your playing but also demonstrate your ability to the individual. Demonstrating to the section your ability and willingness to collaborate will increase your chances of being called to perform the euphonium part. If you get the chance to audition for a group on trombone or bass trumpet, mention euphonium as your primary instrument and you might get on the “sub list” as a trombonist, bass trumpeter, or euphoniumist. Otherwise, most orchestras will substitute a tuba or trombone player without a second thought. Plan ahead and note future performance dates featuring a piece that could use a euphonium, such as: Barber Third Essay for Orchestra Symphony No. 2 Bartok Kossuth Bax Overture to Picaresque Comedy Symphony No. 2 in E Minor and C Minor Birtwhistle Gowain Ginastera Chorale 150 Gottschalk Symphony “A Night in the Tropics” Harris Symphony No. 1 Symphony No. 2 Symphony No. 3 Symphony No. 5 APPENDIX D: The Freelance Euphoniumist Bryce Edwards Symphony No. 7 Symphony No. 9 Ode to Friendship Give Me the Splendid Silent Sun When Johnny Comes Marching Home Holst The Planets Janacek Sinfonietta Capriccio Totenhaus Suite Violin Concerto Kay Stars and Stripes (after Sousa) Western Symphony Mahler Symphony No. 7 Meyerbeer Le Prophete Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition Respighi Pini di Roma Schuman, W. Credendum Shostakovich, L’age d’or The Bolt The Tale of the Priest and His Blockhead Servant Strauss Don Quixote Ein Heldenleben Strauss, Sr. Johann Radetzky March Traditional The Saucy Arethusa Turnage Three Screaming Popes Yardumain Passacaglia, Recitative and Fugue Symphony No. 2 Recording The demand for euphoniumists in the recording studio is minimal. Most recording ensembles do not contain a euphonium since it is not included in the standard orchestral instrumentation. However , occasionally the instrument is needed. In this case, your only opportunity to get the job is through networking or auditioning as a trombonist , as mentioned earlier. Unfortunately in most cases, a trombonist will be used out of convenience because it is cheaper for the recording industry to pay a doubling fee to one member than to hire another musician. Teaching Teaching is almost unavoidable by any euphonium artist trying to make a living. Since there are only a few purely euphonium teaching positions...