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The tuba is the largest and lowest pitched brass instrument. Sound is produced by vibrating or buzzing the lips into a large cupped mouthpiece. It is one of the most recent additions to the modern symphony orchestra, first appealing in the mid-19th century, when it largely replaced the ophicleide. Tuba is latin for trumpet or horn. The horn referred to would most likely resemble what is known as a baroque trumpet.

Some tubas are capable of being converted into a marching style, known as "marching tubas." A leadpipe can be manually screwed on next to the valves. The yuba is then usualy rested on the left shoulder (although some tubas allow use of the right shoulder), with the bell facing directly in front of the player. Some marching are made only for marching, and connot be converted into a concert model. Most marching bands opt for the sousaphone, an instrument that is easier to carry and almost always cheaper than a true marching tuba. Drum and bugal corps players, however, generally use marching tubas, which, in this context, are called contras. Standard tubas can also be played while standing, with the use of a strap joined to the yuba with two rings. The strap goes over the players' shoulder like a sash, allowing the instrument to be played in the same position as when sitting.

Source: wikipedia.org
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