FRIDAY, MAY 5TH, 2023 - INTERNATIONAL TUBA DAY
The tuba is one of the last instruments to be developed. In the strings, there have been violins, violas, cellos, and string bass for centuries. In the woodwinds, you have flutes, clarinets, oboes, English Horns, bassoons, and bass clarinets. In choirs, there are sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses. And, in the brass section there had been trumpets (and first cousins - cornets), French Horns, baritones, and trombones - they were missing the foundation - playing the lower (bass) notes.
In fifth grade, I started on trumpet (for those of you with children and grandchildren in bands - I think band directors for fifth-grade beginner bands must have cotton in their ears). There were maybe 12 trumpets, a bunch of flutes, clarinets, trombones, and percussion. Almost all the music was in unison (the director could tell who wasn’t playing the right notes).
I had taken piano lessons and had sung with the Carol Choir at my church, so I could read music. (I can still play a little piano, but very little. I’d like to be able to play a little piano (or keyboard) music for my senior residents).
By seventh grade, the band director “needed” to move some of us to different instruments to fill out the band. I was naive when he told me “I’d be the band's foundation.” WOW. For those without a musical understanding, for most major chords (like a “C” chord), the lowest instrument plays a “C”, then “E” and “G” (and maybe - but not always an upper “C”). So … the tuba really plays the foundation of most chords.
Now, to be honest, I was also about the biggest kid in seventh grade and I could carry the tuba.
So, 63 years later, I’m still playing the tuba. If I would have stayed with the trumpet, I would have quit years ago.
I play tuba in the Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Brushy Creek Brass Band. I’m not sure how many years are left in my tuba career, but it has been very good for me. (And, when that day comes when I “hang up” my tuba, I am giving it to a youngster who would love to play it!!!).
And, slightly related:
It is time for Mayfest at the Walburg German Restaurant (in Walburg Texas). The Brushy Creek Brass Band will be there every Saturday night starting at 7:00. (That is May 6, 13, 20, and 27). (Not in the restaurant itself, but in the back).
And, I have to make a comment. In January somebody stole our storage van parked at one of our members' homes. The thieves took our music stands, our music, amps, chairs, lights, and whatever was in the van - gone.
The Band members have stepped up and purchased replacements. (We had a rehearsal this week). We don’t get paid, (we do get beer and food). We play because we like to.
I do invite you to come out (maybe as a group) on one of those Saturday nights. You don’t have to buy anything, but you can buy beer or soft drinks, and some food. Then grab a picnic table and have a fun evening.
Our first set (at 7:00) is German music (like “In Heaven, there is no beer, that’s why we drink it here”). Then the Walburg boys play. In our second set (about 8:15) we play Big Band Music (Georgia on my mind, In the Mood, When the Saints Go Marching In).
And, we do have fun with YMCA and Chicken Dance. And, we’ll ask you to sing with us as we end with “God Bless America”!!!
[And, if you would like to help us out, you can put a dollar or two in our tip jar].
*****
And, today is also Cinco de Mayo. It is NOT Mexican Independence Day, but it is still a great day to drink Margaritas and eat Mexican Food.
When I can, I order Chicken Fajitas at Mexican (or Tex-Mex) restaurants.
Then I check - did they cook their own boneless chicken breasts? Did they include refried beans, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, fried onions, and bell peppers (especially red bell peppers)?
To me, the measure of a good Tex-Mex restaurant is in its chicken fajitas. Some used canned chicken and only green peppers; others didn't have enough to make three whole tortilla shells.
It needs to be done right.
*****
And, another Cinco de Mayo comment. I am NOT a margarita lover. I know people where margaritas are their prime alcoholic drink - that’s not me. I remember my first margarita in Palm Springs California - and I couldn’t finish it. (And, others around me were drinking two or three). If I “have” to have an alcoholic beverage, generally beer is the standard (and I don’t “have” to have a beer even).
A good (or great) chicken fajita and unsweet iced tea are important, but forget the margarita (even the “top shelf” tequila).
I also like “smothered burritos”. My sister introduced me to them at the “Side Street Cafe” in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are basically a burrito covered in chili or other sauce.
And, if you eat at a Chuy’s Restaurant, be sure to ask for “Creamy” salsa. I think it is like a ranch dressing with some jalapeno mixed in. While I’m not a big fan of jalapenos, whatever this is, it is much better than any other salsa.
So - have a great International Tuba Day, and a great Cinco de Mayo Day - then relax and enjoy the good things in life!!
LOVE WINS
LOVE TRANSFORMS
KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, MAY 5, 2023
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