Meet the Tuba | Omaha Symphony Virtual Instruments

Learn about the tuba and tuba playing from Craig Fuller, the principal tuba player for the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. “Tuba” comes from the Latin word for tube. It’s a big, long brass tube that coils around so the player can hold it, with a cup mouthpiece and a wide bell (flared opening) where sound comes out at the top. You vibrate your lips and press keys to change notes. 

The tuba carries a deep, rich sound and is an important member of the orchestra because it often anchors the harmony. It produces the lowest pitch of all the brass instruments and, while the tuba comes in different sizes, it is the largest of all brass instruments. The tuba was invented in Germany in 1835 and is among the largest instruments in the orchestra weighing 30-50 pounds. Someone who plays tuba is called a tuba player, tubaist or even tubist.