Texas Tech University Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble

The Texas Tech University Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble has existed in various incarnations since the late 1960's, with ensembles formed under professor of tuba and euphonium David Payne for what later became annual "Groundhog Day" concerts. The ensemble re-formed as a large performing group under the direction of Kevin Wass in 2002. Since that time, the ensemble has performed at the International Tuba-Euphonium Conference in Denver (2006, pictured below), the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention in San Antonio (2004), the Texas Regional ITEA Conference in Lubbock (2005, pictured left), the Southwest Regional ITEA Conference in Las Vegas (2005), and the South Central ITEA Conference in Austin (2007). The ensemble has also been featured on the TTU Bands "Sound Encounters" concerts and has performed at the TTU Relay for Life, the TTU College of Visual and Performing Arts "Christmas in November" event, and in other local venues.

The ensemble includes most members of the tuba-euphonium studio and is open to any interested TTU student by approval of the instructor. The group rehearses once per week and presents concerts both on- and off-campus. Repertoire consists of large-scale transcriptions of standard orchestral works, original music for tuba-euphonium ensemble, and chamber works for anywhere from three to eight players. Special concerts in the past few years have included "Music of Texas" featuring works by Texas composers Dan Welcher, Rich Matteson, and Blaise Ferrandino; world premieres of works for tuba-euphonium ensemble by Ken Friedrich and TTU tuba-euphonium student Adrian Martinez, numerous performances of arrangements by members of the ensemble, and John Stevens's "Liberation of Sisyphus" with Dr. Wass as soloist. Dr. Wass is also an active arranger and contributes new works for almost every concert. Student conductors are featured on a regular basis and all members of the ensemble are encouraged to contribute arrangements and original compositions.