Low Brass

Euphonium

Fifth Annual Tuba & Euphonium Day at Paige’s Music

This year, we’re partnering with the Eastman Music Company and Warburton Music Products to bring you a full day celebrating all things low brass, and welcome back the world-class Dr. Gail Robertson and Dr. Stacy Baker as the featured artists! Dr. Gail Robertson, Euphonium & Dr. Stacy Baker, Tuba. Together known as Symbiosis Duo. Dr. Robertson is the Visiting Professor of Music (Euphonium) at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Dr. Baker is a Professor of Music, Euphonium/Tuba at Morehead State University. Starting at 10:00 AM – Appointments throughout the day for instrument/mouthpiece fittings & testing – Eastman tubas, S.E. Shires euphoniums, Willson euphoniums, and Warburton & Laskey mouthpieces. 2:00 to 4:00 PM – Masterclass and Performance by “Symbiosis Duo” as well as solo performances with Dr. Gail Robertson and Dr. Stacy Baker 4:00 to 5:00 PM – Meet & greet, plus more instrument testing/browsing MORE ABOUT DR. BAKER & DR. ROBERTSONTogether, Gail and Stacy make up SymbiosisDuo, formed in 2007 to increase awareness of the tuba/euphonium duo as a performance medium and to promote and disseminate new works for this unique combination of instruments. The duo chose the name “SYMBIOSISDUO” from the concert duet of that name written for them by

Mar 13, 2026 No Comments

4th Annual Tuba & Euphonium Day is Here!

I am thrilled to announce Paige’s Music’s fourth annual Tuba & Euphonium Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This year, we’re partnering with Eastman, Willson, S.E. Shires Co., and Yamaha to bring you a full day celebrating all things low brass, and welcome two world-class guest artists: Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss and Indy’s own Anthony Kniffen! TUBA/EUPHONIUM DAY This year’s Tuba & Euphonium Day will have the largest variety of instruments we’ve ever had! Throughout the day, we will have an array of instruments and mouthpieces available to test and purchase. You can also sign up to get one-on-one instrument feedback with our guest artists, followed by a performance/clinic. Here is the day’s schedule for Tuba & Euphonium Day 2025:

Mar 20, 2025 No Comments

3rd Annual Tuba & Euphonium Day Recap

It’s been almost a month, and I am still basking in the afterglow of the Third Annual Tuba & Euphonium Day that took place here at Paige’s Music on April 27. To call the event a success would be selling short my feelings about it, so let’s just give it a quick recap. This year saw the largest assortment of tubas and euphoniums the store has ever seen at one time – from Yamaha, Shires, Willson, and Eastman, many instruments were brought in specifically for people to try out at Tuba & Euphonium Day (huge thanks to Eastman Music Company for coordinating so many different horns). We welcomed Scott Sutherland to the store as our guest artist for this year’s event. From the very beginning, Scott showed just how incredible a musician and all-around human being he is, working with players of all ages to demo instruments all day with knowledge, friendliness, personal attention, and most of all a genuine enthusiasm that never waned. The day culminated in Scott giving a clinic on incorporating technology into a musician’s daily routine – whether it’s in the practice room, onstage, or in a DIY recording studio. He accompanied this with a live

Jun 3, 2024 No Comments

4 Effective Practice Tips Your Music Teacher Wants You To Know!

Mastering an instrument requires dedication, but not all practice sessions are created equal. Discover effective strategies to make your music practice more efficient and enjoyable, from setting precise goals to minimizing distractions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, these tips can help you overcome common challenges and make the most of your practice time.

Mar 14, 2024 No Comments

The Euphonium vs. Baritone: Unraveling the Musical Mystery

Explore the nuanced differences between the euphonium and baritone, a question that stirs curiosity among musicians and enthusiasts alike. “Oh, you’re a musician? What instrument do you play?” It’s a simple enough question. And it’s one that, for 99.9 percent of musicians, has a simple answer. Unfortunately, we euphonium players make up a fair portion of that .1 percent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to someone, “I play the euphonium,” only to be met with a confused pause, followed by the inevitable, “What’s that?” My response to that response is almost always one of two: either “it’s like a baby tuba,” (usually gets a chuckle) or “…the baritone?” Aha! The recognition I see in the other person’s eyes tells me I’ve cracked the code for them. They know what a baritone is. Maybe they played it in middle school? Or knew someone who did? Or their child does? Or did? Whatever the case, these interactions touch on an all-too-common question, even within the band world: “What is the difference between a baritone and a euphonium?” Are they the same instrument? Is one a bigger version of the other? Does one have more valves? Or even more

Feb 20, 2024 No Comments

Artist Clinic

Second Annual Tuba & Euphonium Day at Paige’s Music

I am thrilled to announce Paige’s Music’s second annual Tuba & Euphonium Day on Saturday, April 1. This year, we’re partnering with the Eastman Music Company and Warburton Music Products to bring you a full day celebrating all things low brass, and welcome the world-class Dr. Gail Robertson (Professor of tuba and euphonium, University of Central Arkansas) and Dr. Stacy Baker (Professor of tuba and euphonium, Morehead State University) as the featured artists!

Mar 11, 2023 No Comments

Shires Trombone Day at Paige’s Music

On Saturday, September 19, 2020 Paige’s Music will host Chris Van Hof, Professor of Trombone at Ball State University, in partnership with S.E. Shires. Visitors will be given the opportunity to play test S.E. Shires custom trombones, Q-Series trombones, and the newly released Q41S euphonium. In addition to our enhanced inventory, visitors will get the chance to discuss Ball State University’s trombone area and get individualized feedback on equipment and musicianship from Chris Van Hof. Appointments are required for this event. To sign up for an appointment please visit: http://www.paigesmusic.com/paiges/run?id=6&_tid=441&lvid=485. Below is a list of the S.E. Shires Models that will be available for in-store testing and purchase on September 19, 2020. Q41S Euphonium Joseph Alessi Custom Signature Model Trombone Joseph Alessi Q Series Model Trombone Q30YA Q36YR Vintage New York TBCH with Axial Valve George Curran Signature Model Bass Trombone

Sep 11, 2020 No Comments

What Is A Contrabass Trombone?

Recently I had the opportunity to work with two customers who own very well made contrabass trombones. One was a beautiful Kanstul, and the other was a pristine Jurgen Voigt contrabass trombone. Like saxophones, the trombone comes in many different registers or voices that mirror vocal ranges. The most popular type of trombone is the tenor trombone, but soprano, alto, bass, and contrabass trombones exist and are used professionally. A misunderstood instrument, many are under the false impression that the contrabass trombone is a slide tuba. It is actually just a larger, lower trombone pitched in the key of F instead of the typical key of Bb.

Jul 23, 2020 No Comments

Delfeayo Marsalis – Artist Spotlight

Delfeayo Marsalis stands as one of today’s forefront jazz trombonists. An NEA Jazz Master, Marsalis brings both heritage and innovation to the instrument. His robust and pure sound draws influence from jazz greats of the swing and bebop eras while contributing his own unique personality. His playing is filled with grace, humor, and technical virtuosity.

Jul 10, 2020 No Comments

Artist Spotlight: Al Grey

Born June 6, 1925, Al Grey was one of the most recorded trombonists of all time. In addition to dozens of albums as a leader, Grey served as a sideman to Count Basie, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Lionel Hampton, Quincy Jones, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and countless other quintessential artists. His sound and phrasing are unmistakable, but he is perhaps best remembered for his innovative approach to the plunger mute.

Jun 25, 2020 No Comments

Online Summer Music Workshops

A lot of on-site summer music camps have been cancelled, but there are still plenty of options available to study online. Here are just a few I found for low brass players.

Jun 11, 2020 No Comments

Three At-Home Music Resources For Listening At Home

Finding music to listen to can be a tough challenge if you don’t know what to look for. There is simply so much content out there that sorting through everything to find the good stuff can be tricky. Fortunately for you some of the world’s leading music organizations have already done this for you. Check out what they’ve put together!

May 15, 2020 No Comments

I’ll Remember to Practice Trombone in April

By now we’ve all probably had some extra time to practice our trombones. If you have the time, but you’ve been lacking motivation, here are some April themed recordings with amazing trombonists to check out. Jim Pugh, Curtis Fuller, and JJ Johnson knock it out of the park on these tunes!

Apr 9, 2020 No Comments

Five Online Resources To Keep Busy While Quarantining

If you are one of the “essential workers” out there, I would like to personally thank you for your hard work. If you are a “non-essential worker” you’re probably finding yourselves with a little extra time. It’s easy to get sucked into new shows and movies, and I have definitely been guilty of that myself. My biggest advice for those of you at home right now is to create a daily schedule and to-do list. This should include general upkeep to your home and yourself, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to dedicate some extra time to our musicianship. Here are five online resources to keep you busy while quarantining:

Mar 26, 2020 No Comments

My Top Three Christmas Albums with Trombones

With the holiday season upon us, I’d like to give you some listening suggestions for some incredible Christmas music that heavily features trombones. Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite On this timeless classic, Duke Ellington took favorites from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet and adapted them for jazz orchestra. This is album is one of the all-time great jazz records that shows Ellington’s genius in transforming music that we’ve all heard time and time again into something both familiar and completely unique.

Dec 19, 2019 No Comments

Jared Rodin Clinic at Paige’s Music – November 6th at 7PM – FREE!

Jared Rodin is one of the most active and successful musicians in the area. As a performer, educator, and contractor he must always deliver at the highest level. Learn his approach to making music at this free masterclass hosted by Paige’s Music. More information and how to register is available at the Eventbrite page below! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/get-the-most-out-of-your-practice-with-jared-rodin-tickets-76817847249

Oct 24, 2019 No Comments

Conn-Selmer Artist Select trombones now at Paige’s Music

On September 23, 2019 Paige’s Music participated in the Conn-Selmer Artist Select program. This program allows professionals to hand select and play test each instrument from the factory to ensure that only the finest instruments are available to customers. K. Blake Schlabach and Tucker Woerner carefully play tested dozens of instruments, and we are happy to say that our top five selections are now available at Paige’s Music.

Oct 10, 2019 No Comments

Local Craftsmen – World Class Instruments

On Monday, September 23, 2019 I was fortunate to visit the Conn-Selmer plant in Elkhart, IN. The point of this visit was to tour the facility, and to personally select professional instruments for the inventory at Paige’s Music. With the help of K. Blake Schlabach, we picked out a collection of Bach Stradivarius 42BOs as well as a King 3B and Bach Stradivarius 12. Through Conn-Selmer’s “Artist Select” program we are able to hand pick each instrument after play testing and inspection to ensure that only the very finest instruments are available to our customers. In a world with more and more automation it is easy to forget that many of our goods rely on highly skilled craftsmen to complete very precise tasks. Touring the facility and meeting the craftsmen gave real insight into what it takes to make a professional level instrument. Below you will see pictures of some of the steps it takes to create a bell for a brass instrument.

Sep 26, 2019 No Comments

Improving at Improvising

As jazz band auditions and rehearsals are starting for middle schools and high school students across the state I get a lot of questions about how to improvise on trombone. Becoming a successful improviser takes time, practice, and creativity. Here are some tips that will get you in the right direction to improve at improvising.

Sep 12, 2019 No Comments

The Legacy of Carl Fontana

July 18, 2019 would have marked Carl Fontana’s 91stbirthday. Fontana remains one the most influential, prolific, and recorded trombonists of all time. His legacy lives through his countless recordings with greats such as Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. Please listen to a few selections below and read more a more detailed biography below.

Jul 31, 2019 No Comments