DID SOMEBODY SAY CHRISTMAS??

DID SOMEBODY SAY CHRISTMAS?? Oh no, I see your panic, you can’t believe it’s almost Christmas and you ARE so behind in EVERYTHING. Where has the time gone?? Oh boy.

Stop (in the name of love)! Just wait a minute, and here me out:

This is for all of you who are not done shopping or who have yet to start shopping! Sure, you can Amazon order gifts or you can fight the crowds at the stores, but do you REALLY want to risk your items NOT coming in on time or the stores not having the correct items in stock because you’re a Last Minute Lenny or Lucy and cannot get your ducks in a row this time of year? (not attacking you, just stating facts here). I have something that can get the job done. Something that can really provide that WOW factor for your family or friends. This something, my dear Phil friends, is the gift of music.

The gift of music, you say? Yes, I say, the gift of music. Sounds a little hoaky, but it’s not. Concert tickets are a great replacement for gifts that may end up getting re-gifted or sitting in the closet. Don’t ya wanna give someone something that’s going to be useful and meaningful?

You: Yes, Holly.

Me: Good, how about a concert?

You: But, Holly!! Where do I find a GOOD concert to send them to?

Me: Oh do I have something for you!!

Sunday, January 19, 2020 at the beautiful Inn at St. John’s Chapel in Plymouth, Michigan, the Michigan Philharmonic will be performing their Miniature Masterpieces: A String Serenade. The oh so wonderful, Nan Washburn, has put together a unique show, combining various composers, their different styles, as well as their backgrounds.

Here’s a quick program overview:

Gustav Hoist? Gustav Hoist! His Brook Green Suite, H. (190) will be performed, beautifully I presume. A simple, English number, that turns into a tarantella-like finish, will start the show.

Moving right into the folk theme, and not looking back, we will hear the works of Béla Bartók, a composer and musicologist. His Romanian Folk Dances feature 6 separate numbers, each being quick and short, while getting progressively more exciting by the final one.

Next, we will get our Mexican folk fix with Paquito D’Rivera’s Wapango. This piece features an Afro-Cuban/Venezuelan flare and will bring a little HEAT to that COLD January afternoon.

Here, we will get a special treat. The Phil will be joined by composer, violinist, and violist, Mr. Stuart Ross Carlton. Not only will the Phil be playing an original piece written by this gentleman, but he will also be there to perform alongside. HOW COOL. Although he is not the only composer alive out of the composers whose pieces the Phil is playing, he IS the only one coming and performing LIVE with the orchestra. Which is even cooler. (Yes, jab at you Paquito). Not only is Stuart an accomplished composer, violinist, and violist, having graduated from the University of Michigan, he is also no stranger to the Michigan Philharmonic family. He was once a part of the Youth Orchestra! One of our golden children hath returned to us! Welcome back!

HOLD. THE. PHONE. Not to mention it will be the WORLD PREMIERE of his new orchestration of Amazing Grace. Just saying, you can witness a little slice of history for a small lil price (info below). People probably didn’t know, at one point, that they were watching Mozart…….just saying….

They’ll be wrapping up the show with a familiar name, Tchaikovsky, performing his Serenade for Strings in C Major. Ah, how fitting. A Serenade of Strings for A String Serenade, am I right?

Well, not that you got the facts. Whatcha say?

Miniature Masterpieces, a perfect gift!

Miniature Masterpieces: A String Serenade

Sunday, January 19, 2020

2:00PM

The Inn at St. John’s Chapel – Plymouth, MI

General Admission: $30

Senior Admission: $25

Student Admission: $10

In A Winter Garden.....Behind the Bushes...I mean Scenes

My name is Holly. I have had the privilege of being the Michigan Philharmonic's intern for the last 6 months. I am a current Madonna University student finishing up my Music Management degree. At Madonna, I am part of the University's Chorale, under the direction of Kevin Cushman. I am extremely lucky to know and work closely with him, as well as Nan Washburn.

Beth Stewart, Executive Director Extraordinaire for the Phil, asked me to tell you a little story.

So, here's my story:

It all started many moons ago, 198 to be exact (give or take), when one called Kevin Cushman of THE Madonna University, told his chorale that they would be a performing a piece by the one and only Libby Larson....but the excitement didn't stop there.

Not only would we be performing a piece where the actual composer was alive and willing to come to the performance (I'm looking at you Mozart), but we would be joined by two other choruses and the Michigan Phil themselves. Whaaaaaat!! Exciting times in the big city!

As part of the Phil marketing team, I had heard plans in the making. It seemed so far away...

Fast forward to August 28, 2018: our very first chorale rehearsal. T-3 Months Until Performance:
I walk in to see a cheery-faced Kevin Cushman by the door and am greeted by a warm "Hello Holly." Now, see, Mr. Cushman and I go waaaaaaay back. Like a whole 3 semesters back. Needless to say we have become pretty close pals and are quite the power team, if I say so myself! On a side note, he also thinks I'm the funniest person alive.(Don't ask him though...he might deny knowing me, he's such a jokester!)

Anyways, as the new semester music was being passed out, we all received a brand new purty blue book with the title In A Winter Garden plastered over the front cover... we were all intrigued, but didn't know what we were getting into....haha

Once the summer season was over, the Phil team and I focused on the upcoming season. The Naniversary season opener came and went, same with the Philharmonster Mash (both were amazing, so sorry if you missed them, but 9/10 chances I told you get tickets....not to play the blame game...)

So..yeah... the first rehearsal with the Larson piece....yeah, that was something, for sure. Let's put it this was, it was rather tricky and quite challenging, full of difficult rhythms and no clear direction (at the time anyway). It was something we definitely needed to spend the majority of our rehearsals practicing......and we did.....I don't think I've ever heard so many people say panicked "WHATs" in my life, but no worries, we got SO much time!

And suddenly it was November. The super-California, even-keeled Phil marketing team was ON TOP OF THINGS. Venue? Check. Libby Larson? Check. Yeaaaaaah, we got this!

I do want to talk about the time the soloists came into rehearse with Madonna's choir the first time. Noelle Jacquez was the first to come in. I knew Noelle from coming into the Phil office every now and again. I was excited to see her and was extremely BLOWN AWAY by this woman's voice. She came to talk to me after, but I couldn't pick my jaw off the ground fast enough....that or I was just super starstruck and couldn't look such talent in the face. (no one embarrass me and tell her that).

The other soloists were just as talented when we met them a week later. It's amazing how talented some people are. The soloists are 150% hearts eyes. 😍

During this whole process, I kind of acted as the middleman, not like a messenger middleman because Nan and Mr. Cushman talked all the time, but the middleman that knows all the secrets. (Secrets including pre-show pizza and ticket information....I'll come back to earth now)...

Up until the week of the show (November 30), there were still tricky spots. Frustration lingered because we thought "we should have this by now!!!!" By this time, Nan came to conduct, and with her guidance along with Mr. Cushman's, wow! It's amazing what their instruction (and patience) did for us (They are nothing short of wizards)

I do want to mention one spot in particular that even gave us trouble at our 4pm rehearsal the DAY OF the show....It was a part with an Ahhhh. It just wasn't working for us. Do we even want to talk about frustration? 3 hours before the performance and we can't get it!?!? OH MY GOD HELP (good thing we were in a church)

 8pm, first half, intermission and then In A Winter Garden. As usual, we pulled it together and killed the piece. KILLED IT. Even that darn Ahhh?!?! YEAH we got him too, brother! Go us!!

Just like that the piece was over; the one we worked so hard on...for weeks/moons if you will. Everyone's hard work definitely showed in the final performance and was reflected in Mr. Cushman's, Nan's and even Libby's faces (who were either really relieved or extremely happy). It was absolutely lovely!

This entire experience was definitely one to remember and I am absolutely thrilled to have been a part of it. It could not have worked out better, for me anyway, that I happened to be a part of the Phil Fam and the Madonna Chorale at the same time. It made this experience so much better, truly knowing how much work went into it on both ends. I am very grateful for these opportunities and will remember them 5ever! (I'd say forever, but 5ever is longer 😊)

My name is Holly, this is my story, In A Winter Garden....Behind the Bushes...I Mean Scenes. (oops, I did it again!)

The Art of the Conductor

Conducting is an art form in and of itself. Much like a painter needs his/her paintbrushes, a conductor needs his/her baton(s). Who else is going to keep a whole mess of people in time? It's some type of black magic and sorcery for sure... Speaking of sorcery..

Here is Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice. Why did I put a picture of Mickey Mouse? To make a connection. Stay with me here:
I know he was working under a Sorcerer, but I think he was trying to learn to be a Conductor. Have you seen this movie? (Disney's Fantasia for those of you that did not know). He is working with music and keeping items in time and letting them know when to come in? Tell me I'm wrong!

I'm sure if Mickey knew Nan, he would leave the mean, boring, old Sorcerer, to study under the nice, fun, young (and super hip) Nan, one that wouldn't get mad at him for being creative--but one that is all about creativity and F U N!

Some of you might be thinking: "Okay Holly, that's all fine and dandy, isn't conducting just waving a stick and looking good? I mean how hard can it be?" and to you I say nay-nay, Dear Reader, please be patient and don't be silly!

Conducting is a hard, complex job that not all people can master. The word 'Conductor' is defined as "the art of directing the simultaneous performance of several players or singers by the use of gestures."  By the USE OF GESTURES. GESTURES, PEOPLE.

They're not TELLING people what to do, they're GESTURING to them to let them know what to do. Not only that, they need to follow and keep track of the music...of ALL the sections?! Okay, sorcerers, slow down. But of course, this is all on top of waving a little stick and looking good. You weren't completely wrong, but you were wrong enough for me to fight for these everyday musical Sorcerers.

How many Harry Potter fans do we have out there? You know the part when Harry goes into Ollivander's to get his wand and he's told that "you don't choose the wand, the wand chooses you"? It is very much the same for conductors. You don't choose the baton, the baton chooses you. When you hold the right baton in your hand, you know....or so I'm told. (I'm not a sorcerer...or a wizard for that matter). Wait there's not just one kind of baton? haha NOPE.

But, but, but let's not forget that a baton is not just a stick Conductors wave around for funsies, they serve a purpose. Let's talk about the technical definition really quick: "A baton is a stick used by conductors to enlarge and enhance the manual and bodily movements associated with directing an ensemble of musicians." SEE, not JUST any old stick, but a stick that enlarges and enhances things. How magical!

I bet some of you don't even realize how many different styles and sizes of batons there are..(look that up, it's fascinating). Sure, any amateur could run out in the yard and grab a stick and be fine with it, but a conductor will use something that fits them and their style of conducting perfectly....some even have a snazzy little case or might only even pull it out for special conducting occasions....BECAUSE THEY'RE PRECIOUS. --->



I don't want to get to involved with this discussion. You should hear it first hand from a professional who can tell you a lot more than I could tell you now....

IN FACT, you have an opportunity to hear it first hand from Nan herself--at Nan's talk on the art of conducting and more importantly, about being a Conductor!

Nan Talk- "The Art of the Conductor"

Thursday, November 1

7:00pm

PARC Building

(did I mention it is FREE?) 

Well, it's FREE.

See you there!

Fun Facts Courtesy of Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baton_(conducting)

Philharmonster Mash

Instructions: Play Monster Mash in the background and sing along with the words below!

It will be fun, I promise!

*door opens*
*chains clink and chemicals boil*

*drum beat starts*

Nan was working in her lab (again), late, one night,

when her eyes beheld, an eerie sight,

for her spooky concert was coming near...

the calendar doesn't lie, it's close, oh dear!

It's the mash, the Philharmonster Mash,

Come to the Mash, it will be a Plymouth smash.

at the Mash, it'll be here in a flash!

It's a smash, the Philharmonster Mash!

(wahh, oooh)

From her home lab, located Plymouth east,

she sits there marking each and every piece.

Markings finally done in black, blue and red,

she'll leave her lab and finally head

To the mash, the Philharmonster Mash,

The Phil Mash, it will be a Plymouth smash.

The Phil Mash, it'll be here in a flash!

go to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash!

(wahh, oooh)

Everyone will have fun,

seeing Nan's secret costume (finally done).

So bring a friend, or bring two,

The Philharmonic wants to see you!

(wahh, ooh)

The scene will be rockin', you'll dig the sounds,

Geff Phillips will speak, the orchestra will astound,

you'll sit and listen, then get up and dance,

don't be a fool, and come take this chance

Come to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash.

The Phil Mash, it will be a Plymouth smash.

The Phil Mash, it'll be here in a flash,

go to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash.

(wahh, ooh)

Come out of your coffin and into the light,

Come see us for tickets or visit our website,

Slam open your lid and get tickets now,

before they're all gone and you have cow...

See you at the mash, the Philharmonster Mash.

The Phil Mash, it will be a Plymouth smash,

The Phil Mash, it'll be here in a flash,

get tix to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash.

(wahh, ooh)

Now everything's cool, we're patiently waiting,

so soon is October 27, our excitement elevating.

For you, dear Phil Fans, this mash was meant too,

when you get to the door, tell them Holly sent you,

to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash,

The Phil Mash, it will be a Plymouth smash. 

at the Phil Mash, it will be here in a flash,

go to the mash, the Philharmonster Mash!

(wahh, ooh)

Philharmonster Mash

October 27, 2018

PARC Building - Plymouth, Michigan

7:00 PM

This is a parody. We do not own the rights to this song. 

Writers: Bobby Pickett & Leonard Capizzi
The content belongs to the respective owners.

Nan Series: Hector Berlioz & Samuel Barber

Here we are with another week in the Nan Series! As we near the season opener, we will continue to focus and learn all about the composers/pieces Nan chose for her 20th NANiversary Concert!

If you attended the Pop-Up party, you may have heard a little bit about these composers and their pieces from Nan herself. I'm here to sort of be Nan's echo and maybe throw in a few other things here and again...

Here we go, but first, let me set the scene!

PICTURE THIS:

The room is dark, candles are lit, the mood is set. Everyone waits in anxious anticipation to here Nan speak about the upcoming season.....and then,

Nan gets up in front of a room full of Phil Fans with her presentation slides set and ready to go, the title reading MICHIGAN PHILHARMONIC, 73RD SEASON, 2018-2019: THE 20TH NANIVERSARY SEASON.....it's just glistening on the screen and the crowd goes wild.

Nan turns to the audience, with a smile that goes on for MILES. She is ecstatic and it is infectious. I don't think I stopped smiling once and I don't think there was a moment I didn't think "dang, Nan is the coolest." (I even said it out loud to Andrew Brauer, the MPYO Manager, who totally agreed with me).

Here she is introducing us to the Opening Concert line-up. She mentions two fantastic composers, Hector Berlioz and Samuel Barber. Now whether you know them or not, this is still an "ohhh-ahhh" moment. Nan hand-picked these pieces for a reason.....let's learn a wee bit more.


The name Hector Berlioz, might ring a bell for you, but if it doesn't no worries! I am here to save the day!!!!!

Hector Berlioz

Hector Berlioz, the super lax and super handsome devil pictured left, is a 19th Century Romantic Composer who was born on December 11, 1803 in France. He was 1 of 6 kids, but only two others made it into adulthood.

In 1815, right before making his First Holy Communion, Little Hector has his first musical experience. He was called forward by the priest to receive his sacrament. He felt so undeserving to be called up first, but also felt honored that the priest would choose him. Hector recalls hearing several maidens begin to sing, and it filled him with such "mystical and passionate emotion" that he broke down in front of everyone. Never before had he heard something so beautiful. He felt as if the "heavens were opening up" for him." It was an "incomparable beauty that sprang from the heart."

How beautiful is that?  He truly has a way with words (and you'll find out a way with music too!)

Flageolet

Soon after that in 1816, Hector learns to play the flageolet (pictured to the right), where his first attempts at composing began. Obviously it didn't take him long to get the hang of it, because in 1817, just one short year later, he wrote his first composition for 6 instruments, entitled Pot-pourri. Unfortunately, the piece is lost... hmmm a little strange, is the piece even real????? Just kidding, I believe you Hector, you're the man!

Later that same year, Hector learns to play the flute, so he just becomes a man of many hats. (Fun Side Fact: Nan also plays the flute...twins!). He composed 2 quintets the following year for the flute and strings. I just want you all to keep in mind that Hector did all of this before he turned 15. Makes you really think about what you did when you were 15.......not that.......but you're still great!! Don't worry!!

He actually went away to Paris to study medicine. It wasn't until 1821, that he discovers Gluck, a composer in his own right. Hector then spent most of his time researching Gluck's scores and even hand-copying them....that's a true fan! How many of you can say you copied the sheet music to your favorite artist's or band's songs?!

Soon after he hears Spontini's music for the first time (another fantastic composer and conductor). It was then that Hector decided to devote himself and his life to music.

He composed many, many pieces over the course in his career and even took up CONDUCTING. Hmmm who else do we know that plays the flute and conducts?! I'll let you sit on that....

Let's talk about the piece really quick that will be featured at the concert:
Roman Carnival Overture, Op. 9

It was written in 1844 and first performed in Paris, France. It was intended mainly for concert performance, made up of themes from one of Hector's operas Benevuto Cellini, even featuring music from the opera's carnival scene. Super fun theme, super fun piece....No link attached because you'll just have to come October 5 to find out for yourself how super great it is.


Next up, a man right here from the good ol' U S of A: Mr. Samuel Barber.

Samuel Barber, born in West Chester, PA on March 9, 1903 is considered to be one of the most expressive representatives of the lyric and Romantic trends of the 20th century. And rightfully so, you'll see what I mean:

Samuel Barber

The man pictured to your left learned piano at an early age and began composing soon after. In 1924, he entered the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where, in addition to piano and composition, he studied singing and conducting too. Conducting...? Do you smell that? I smell a trend....

Moving on,
After graduating in 1934, he dedicated his life to composing, even establishing a name for himself. Samuel's overture to The School for Scandal put Sammy on the board.

The man loved to experiment with different sounds and techniques. Samuel wrote his String Quartet that gained extreme popularity in the United States as well as Europe. It was performed under the name Adagio for Strings  with the NBC Orchestra performing it, under the direction of Arturo Toscanini.

He wrote many, MANY pieces. So many pieces and not enough time to mention them all. But let's mention one:

Violin Concerto Op. 14
The piece was written in 1939 and contains 3 movements. It was actually written because someone commissioned Samuel to write it. Not that the man didn't put his heart and soul into it, he was just paid upfront to do it.
But alas, another great piece was born and yet another piece you'll have to come hear in person on October 5........


It is obvious to see why Nan chose these two composers...they are so interesting and have so much in common with her!!! (Whether she knew it or not, fate brought them all together)

Just another thing to look forward to on the Phil's opening concert: The 20th Naniversary.
October 5, 2018
Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Plymouth
8:00pm

Tickets available NOW at www.michiganphil.org.



Facts courtesy of:

http://www.hberlioz.com/Works/biography.htm

&

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Barber

#michiganphil #michiganphilharmonic #naniversary #nan #fun #facts #samuelbarber #hectorberlioz #classicalmusic #music #miphil #miphilmyway #philfan

NAN SERIES: Nan Fun Facts!

September 12, 2018

It's Nan Season!! Let's be real, every reason is Nan Season, especially when you're Nan...but this season is especially about Nan, as it is her 20th Season with the Michigan Philharmonic.

Anyway, with the upcoming season quickly approaching us, it is only right that we focus these next few blog posts on our loving and oh so wonderful Music Director and Conductor, Nan Washburn.

This week we have a list of 10, count 'em 10 FUN FACTS that let you and yours get to know Nan just a little bit better!

Enough jib jab, let's get crackin'!

1.)  How many Sound of Music fans do we have out there? The correct answer is all of you because it is by far the greatest and most beautiful movie ever created...don't fight me on that. Well, Nan's "break-through performance" and one of her most memorable was playing "Climb Every Mountain" as a flute solo in her Juanamaria Elementary School music program. The talent showed early and clearly never stopped. Go Little Nan Go!

2.) And the talent goes beyond music. Why, whatever do I mean? Well, Nan won a talent contest in the 6th grade for riding her unicycle. HER UNICYCLE. You read that right.

3.) What is Nan's favorite color? I know you're dying to know and contrary to the red shoes and white ensembles she often sports, her favorite color is BLUE. What a twist!

4.) When most people think of Nan and conducting, they think "oh she was BORN to do this" and "she must have come out of the womb conducting." Well, believe it or not, Nan didn't take her first conducting class until she was 30. Better late than never I always say. Good choice, Nan!

5.) Calling all cat-lovers! Nan has a love for those creatures too, and is especially partial to all-black and Siamese kitties.....and wouldn't you know she has one of each!

6.) When she was a professional flutist, she thought conducting was for those who couldn't play a musical instrument well enough...obviously Nan figured this one out on her own, but let's pretend she didn't: And to that I say nay-nay,  Nan!! Go conduct!!  Look at her being all great at the flute AND becoming a conductor! #talent

7.) Once Nan realized she could add another hat to her collection, Nan first began conducting flute choirs, first in college and then later, with her own flute students! ...and NOW? Full orchestras. Can't stop, won't stop, Nan!

8.) Despite having a messy desk (her words, not mine) filled with partially completed projects in her home office, she is very systematic and meticulous about marking her scores. She uses a Sharpie pen for meter changes, red pencil for instrument entrances/sforzandos/fortepianos, blue pencil for phrase markings/fermatas, a yellow highlighter for tempo markings/mutes/pizzicato/arco notations, and No. 1 pencils for everything else.... Well to be fair, Nan, you don't have time to clean, when you're too busy being great!

9.) Before she gets to the fun part of creating concert programming (choosing the pieces and soloists), she puts together a detailed budget for every performance with all the rehearsals and rates for hiring each musician.  Then she does a budget for buying or renting each piece of music for the season. It goes to show that a conductor does more than just stand up on a podium waving a baton and looking good, there's a lot of thought that goes into the planning and most of it rests on Nan. Thank a Nan today! (Specifically our Nan....Nan Washburn...I don't know how many Nan's you know..)

10.) While often asked “what is your most memorable performance?”, it is hard to pin down. So many concerts, so much great music, but if pushed, she might have to say that it’s the two performances she’s done of Beethoven’s 9^th Symphony with this orchestra—such a big production with a large orchestra, full chorus, soloists and that powerfully beautiful and transformative music! 

There you have it, folks! 10 super FUN and super INTERESTING facts about Nan!

It is obvious that these 10 little facts are just a few things that make Nan, Nan! She's full of fun facts and stories that I could go on for days about, but alas we all have things to do, like attending the Pop-Up Party...

Yep that's right, by the time this blog is posted, we will be hours away from the annual Pop-Up Party to celebrate the beginning of the Philharmonic Season. The party is open to all and it is a perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with other Philharmonicers as well as chat with Nan....and maybe learn a few more fun facts about her! (Pop-Up Party details at the end of the post..almost there!)

Oh, one more fact we know for sure:

11.) She LOVES the Michigan Philharmonic

If your love is as big as Nan's, come support our upcoming shows and events, all posted on the Michigan Philharmonic's website. These things are not possible without the love and support from our audiences!

Pop-Up Party Details:
September 13, 2018
7 PM
@ PARC
     650 Church St. Plymouth, MI 48170


See you there and Happy Pop-Up Partying!


#music #classicalmusic #fun #orchestra #naniversary #michiganphil #miphil #michiganphilharmonic #miphilmyway #cantstopwontstop #nan

INTERESTING INSTRUMENTS: Sousaphone

Today's instrument: the 

Sousaphone

Sousa-what?! 

Sousaphone

Contrary to what you might think, Dr. Seuss did NOT create this instrument. If he did, no doubt it would be spelled SEUSSaphone and be a pretty wacky looking instrument, having 4 or 5 bells of the instrument going every which way and featuring a super fun character playing it. (He would probably also write some snazzy lyrics to go with the music, containing the rhymiest of rhymes, naturally). AM I RIGHT or AM I RIGHT?

 Did you not think that...? Oh.....

I BET YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT IT NOW. And to you I would say, nay nay!

For starters, let me tell you what a sousaphone is:

the sousaphone is a type of tuba that contains a large, flared adjustable bell, pictured below. 

sousaphone

The pretty little thing shown above is a brass sousaphone. It is one of the lowest brass instruments. To the plain eye, it looks just like a tuba. Well, technically it IS a tuba, but there is a difference. And a fairly obvious physical difference when one sees them side by side. 

Let's clarify:

tuba

A tuba is a brass instrument that contains 3-6 brass  valves and a broad bell (the bell being the large opening of the instrument) typically facing UPWARDS. . 

FUN FACT: it is the BIGGEST instrument in the brass family as well as the LOWEST; and it plays in the bass pitch. It is also one of the LOUDEST, if featured in an orchestra. WOW, what can't this baby do?! 

sousaphone

Let's talk about the sousaphone one more time, a little more in depth:

A sousaphone is, as mentioned, a type of tuba, with their wide bell pointing FORWARD, above the player's head. It is said that the sousaphone is easier to play whilst standing, which is why you'll see this bad boy being played in marching bands.

FUN FACT: this instrument was named after composer and bandmaster John Philip Sousa (see, NOT Dr. Seuss). Pictured BELOW↙:

John Philip Sousa

The handsome devil pictured above ↑ was an AMERICAN-BORN composer. He was born in Washington D.C. in 1854 and died in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1932. I know what you're thinking... WHY does this man's name sound SO familiar?? Well, this guy wrote a little song called Stars and Stripes Forever, maybe you've heard of it! Not only did he write this super iconic and super American song, he also fought for our country! #RESPECT 

(Cue Aretha Franklin!)

Anyway, now you know the difference and a little more about the sousaphone (which you may not have actually known was the sousaphone)! So similar, but oh so different! 

BUT, GET THIS, the tuba was named after a man called John Tuba... can someone say COINCIDENCE?

Just kidding, we have Sir Wilhelm Friedrich Wieprecht and Sir Johann Gottfriend Moritz to thank for that instrument! Thanks, gents!

Next tie you're at a football game or an event with a marching band, keep an eye out for the sousaphone! Impress you friends with these awesome FUN FACTS!

Who doesn't love a good fun fact, or two, or three?

You're welcome.

The more you know!!

Fun facts about Tuba vs. Sousaphone courtesy of:

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-tuba-and-vs-sousaphone/

(how convenient!)

#MyPhil #MichiganPhil #MichiganPhilharmonic #music #classicalmusic #musichistory #sousa #funfact #instrument #justdiscovered #themoreyouknow #getyourphil #classical #musician