Buying Guide: Low Brass for Marching Band

Marching bands are one of the most exciting musical experiences you’ll ever have - no matter whether you’re a spectator or performer. During halftimes of sporting events, in parades (from a local one all the way up to world-famous ones like the Rose Bowl Parade) or in competitions like BOA, the marching band is the highlight.

And no matter the size or level of the marching band, the low brass section is always a standout, with its large, shiny instruments and notes you can feel in your bones. Musicians who choose to play low brass might play the sousaphone, baritone, mellophone, euphonium or tuba.

Marching Low Brass Instruments

When shopping for or recommending low brass instruments, it’s important to keep in mind how the instrument will be used: in marching or concert band? Several brass instruments have different marching versions. For marching instruments, the bell is relocated to project sound forward rather than over (or under) the player's shoulder. Because these instruments are used in an activity that is predominantly outdoors with unpredictable locations, weather and humidity, they tend to be sturdier and more resistant to wear and tear than their concert counterparts.

Here are some great options if you’re looking for high-quality marching low brass instruments.

Sousaphone

Part of the tuba family, the sousaphone is one of those instruments created specifically for marching. With its large, forward-facing bell and its wraparound tubing to make it easier to carry, the sousaphone is instantly noticeable in a marching program. Sousaphones may be made of brass or lighter materials like fiberglass. 

Baritones and Euphoniums

Many people wonder what’s the difference between a baritone and a euphonium? Although both baritone and euphonium horns have a nine-foot-long main tube, the baritone horn tends to have a smaller and more cylindrical bore. It also has a tighter wrap and a smaller bell, resulting in a smaller and lighter horn, and produces a "lighter" sound than the more solid, brassy timbre of the euphonium.

When shopping for euphoniums, you’ll notice the term ‘compensating.’ Compensating euphoniums have extra loops of tubing on the back of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd valve casings. They help adjust (or compensate) for normal intonation inconsistencies of the instrument.

Mellophone

The mellophone is often used as a replacement for French horns in marching situations. Since the bell of a French horn is located under the player’s shoulder, projecting sideways or backwards, they’re not ideal for marching band. The mellophone bell faces forward, allowing for maximum projection. Since mellophones are rarely used in concert bands, there is little solo literature available, other than that used within drum and bugle corps.

Marching Tuba

For marching band, BBb is the most commonly used tuba (whereas for orchestral work, you'll more likely see the C, Eb, and F used). Marching tubas differ from concert tubas in that the bell faces forward instead of up, again, allowing for maximum projection as well as ease of carrying.

Additional Marching Brass Resources

If you’re looking to build a marching program, you may want to read this Building A Successful Marching Program article. We also offer several brass buying guides if you want to learn more about brass instruments in general.

In addition, Woodwind & Brasswind’s dedicated school music experts are standing by to help you with choosing the best products for your marching program and your budget. We’re proud to offer special pricing for music educators – call us at 800.346.4448 to learn more. You can also register for the Educator Website, where you can shop online 24/7 with special educator discounts.