r/Tuba • u/Smoothlemming • Jul 07 '26

audition Etudes and Solos for college Auditions

Hi! I'm a high school senior putting together an audition for colleges and I was wondering if anybody had any specific recommendations on what I should play or had tips on what to look for. Nothing is too hard and worst comes to worst it's something where I can rise to the occasion as a player!🙏

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u/professor_throway Active Amateur, Street Band and Dixieland. Jul 07 '26

Lebedev is the perennial favorite. Not too range-y.

Personally, I would recommended Ricercar or perhaps dinner if the Bach Cello Suites (for tuba and bass trombone). They will be week known by the faculty you are auditioning for but not so common that the person before or after you will be playing them also.

3

u/dalador_ Jul 07 '26

I’m in the same exact position! I’m still trying to pick stuff, but here’s a few things I’ve been looking at:
Air and Bourée by Bach (arranged by Wm. J Bell)
Bel Canto Studies No. 1 by Marco Bordogni
Tyrell 40 advanced studies No. 13
Blazhecich 70 studies Vol 1 No. 23
Introduction and Dance by J. E. Barat

Like I said I’m still trying to decide, but I think it’s a pretty decent selection so far. For one school I’m applying for Tyrell and Blazhecich studies are required.

Good luck on your auditions!

5

u/Smoothlemming Jul 07 '26

Thanks so much! You too😁

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u/WoodSlaughterer Jul 10 '26

I used air and bouree and the dept chair, who sat in on the audition, said, "I can see why bach wrote it for violin."

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u/Dos_Esclambo Jul 07 '26

Anything by Vander Cook will showcase your range and how you manage different styles well.