Beautiful Colorado - Euphonium Solo

"Beautiful Colorado," a euphonium solo composed by Joseph DeLuca, is performed by Willow Howard, a freshman music major at Baylor University under the instruction of Dr. Kent Eshelman. Performed on October 25, 2012, at the Baylor School of Music's Tuba/Euphonium Studio Recital. Accompanied by Joyce Ridenour on piano.

[@terribletee56]

This piece is a holy grail for euphonium players and you play it very well. Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

[@VikingBiking1946]

Loved the sigh of relief after the Bb section. Never let it be said that playing the euphonium is not an aerobic exercise. I'm doing this piece for IEI Festival later this month amateur division solo competition, and I think I'm going to adopt some of your tricks for getting a quick breath. Well done.

[@matthewdavid3409]

I adore the Euphonium (Bassoon Player) What a happy sound! Absolutely terrific! I think she will go very far as Euphonium player!

[@MCCoolio665]

Definitely. But, I love how the Bassoon sounds, and I'm a Euphonium player! The bassoon sounds really cool. To me, it sounds satirical, although not just that, but it's sounds cool. Very unique sounding. Nothing like any other instrument.

[@matthewdavid3409]

It is definitely unique! Best of wishes to you my fellow musician!

[@MagnusKongsmoKarlsen]

I started on bassoon when I was 10 and after one marching season in band (I played bass drum... Boring!!😵) I started playing the euphonium. It's not that difficult, I think I had 2-3 lessons and practiced intense every day in about 3 weeks and then I was about as good as the rest of the euphonium section! Now I'm enjoying playing both bassoon and euphonium. I'm using the euphonium most for marching, but when I have a bad reed or just have no working reed at all, I can bring the euphonium to band practice😁 (I live in Norway so we are marching in May-June mostly on our independence day 17th of May😉)

[@loganmottram6005]

I love her tone. I am currently majoring in Euphonium she sounds really great!

[@youngtrombonesandtrumpets9017]

Very well done. Nice control in all registers, beautiful sound. You should be proud!

[@lovelychocolateman0224]

I just joined band and this is the enstrument I chose!!!

[@hunnyy]

i joined band when i was in 7th grade and its one of the best dissensions i've ever made. i joined knowing nothing about a baritone and now 3 years later im still in band and plan to finish out highschool playing the baritone and im the best brass player in my grade. i can go higher than any trumpet can and i can go lower than any tuba can. and i can play cleanly and very good. im telling you this because the only way i got like this is because i practice every single day. your school should have given you a baritone to take home and practice. and i bet its just laying around right? haha well pick it up and practice your scales. you'll be one of the best if you do that everyday. Good luck in your band and with your baritone. HAVE FUN!!!

[@Cryogenic_yew]

wise choice lol most people around where i live don't know what a baritone or a euphonium is

[@tracie888ify]

I join band in 4th and now I am in 7th and am one of the best in the band and I play the baritone bass clef

[@jackmason9832]

I did the same thing I chose baritone!

[@phogay]

Same! ^^

[@PlagueJ]

4:25 xD the way she adorably looks around then smiles cx

[@scottnewbury4045]

BRAVO!!! I remember working on this piece as a high school "eupher" a long time ago...never quite could get it right, so it's *nice* to hear it played so effortlessly. Well done!!! In a couple of days, I'll be getting my hands on an antique euphonium and returning to the ranks of low brass players, and tonight as I scan KZbin videos showing such amazing, talented musicians like this one, I am very excited to imagine what lies ahead for this under-appreciated instrument. Thanks very much for posting this video!!! :-)

[@zxKAOS1]

Not so pleasant memories trying to play this in high school (as in I couldn't). Now that I'm back into playing, I should look this up to see if I can give another stab at this. To the performer... well done! Nice to finally hear what it's supposed to sound like. Also glad to know that it sounds about what my sight reading yielded. :D

[@unicorn6071]

I play Euphonium, too.

[@linoman10]

This is Euphonium Heaven

[@jessicasaari5758]

I play honors band for high school on euphonium/baritone and I never heard anybody sound better on that awesome instrument

[@MattTheBandKid]

I agree, I love tuba and it's my life now. But this piece, it's just so beautiful. And I feel someday I'll be able to play Euphonium. But I wish I started playing it YEARS ago.

[@isaiahnelson533]

I play euphonium and baritone (similar). This is really good. Love it

[@Thermionman1970]

Wow very nice.., .and...that last note sounds wicked! Glad I am learning this instrument!

[@Keiko842]

*_* OMG! This so good!! Its a wonderful tone! Maravilhoso demais! É lindo o jeito que ela toca!

[@PeterHyatt]

Beautiful control of the notes.

[@firemane9]

Great job Willow! You sound great as usual :D Chris

[@BasketoneGaming]

I just love this kind of music and the sound of a euphonium is the reason I play

[@Weruen]

I am extremely ashamed that I now love the euphonium because of an anime..

[@johnries5593]

However you get there. I was attracted to the baritone because it was different, but I quickly came to love the sound as I learned to play it.

[@SirSteak1]

Sardonyx, hehe I know that anime.

[@yourlocalfarmerjen521]

Sardonyx Are you talking about Hibike Euphonium by any chance? 😂

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

LMAO, I know exactly what you mean. I was always a fan of it - since I play horn and it was SO hard, but heheh, Hibike Euphonium, huh?

[@Weruen]

yes, every episode I watch I get this insane desire to play it ;-:

[@animeplease8118]

Beautiful😭😆 Just listening to Tenor sax solos and came across this. I'm glad I did

[@jerry97740]

I love this solo so much :D I played this year for my senior year and am taking to state this solo is no easy learning it.

[@DenisDesnoyers]

Nice playing Willow. I played the same piece in 2011 but the concert band version. Played it on a vintage Boossey & Hawkes Imperial with a Denis Wick SM4 Ultra embouchure. Your version differs a lot from mine but I find it refreshing to hear other interpretations.

[@DexterousDiggs]

Beautiful! I really hope she becomes wildly successful.

[@ananiaswaters9149]

To anyone that is reading this comment: I am a sophomore Music Therapy major. I have played the Euphonium for almost 10 years now. I am seriously considering performing this for my Brass Recital that is coming up in about 3 weeks or less. I am worried that I will not get it down by then though, any advice on how to get it up to where it needs to be other than practicing lol. Any techniques, warm-ups, etc. Thank you very much and God bless!!!

[@annamclean93]

Listen to a recording (like this) as much as you can in your free time, instead of listening to other music.

[@duophile7692]

As someone who plays 1st chair euphonium in a high-level top HS band, I am 350% jealous. Why is she so good ahh

[@autumnvolzka7783]

Same!

[@inu754]

im jealous as well used to play first chair in HS a anime sound euphonium brought up my memories of playing and brought me here

[@SH-pd5hz]

ユーフォーってこんなに綺麗な音でるんだ私も頑張らないとっ

[@taviyo]

Inspiring. Beautiful. Thank You.

[@pyrokevingva]

"wut dat mouth do" play beautiful music

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

Played on my Birthday, thank you. :)

[@Opatrovat]

Absolutely gorgeous. I have this as a solo this year (eleventh grade), and your playing has inspired me to go full-throttle at the upcoming State Competition. Keep it up.

[@AKCEuph]

Well done Willow, bravo!

[@JonFrumTheFirst]

Good God- I thought it was a grade school kid at first.

[@TheListerbo]

Lovely playing!

[@SirSteak1]

I love this part 1:47

[@fireywitch1980]

Very beautiful playing!!

[@brentdrysdale4730]

This girl makes the euphonium look like an Eb tuba. Geez

[@pedroramos9282]

Amazing playing!

[@brisen245]

The dislikes are probably from people that don't consider marching band to be a sport.

[@bradfordwebster3181]

By far the most difficult piece I've ever played. She did a wonderful job :)

[@MattTheBandKid]

I regret the last four years of me playing tuba, when I could have been playing Euphonium

[@dshsbandgeek]

Awesome! Congratulations!

[@jeffwright7587]

Well done. And beautiful horn too.

[@stbaritc7290]

I want to be as good as her one day

[@Juhan_est_ma_chimere]

Wow...it's so beautifil

[@Ramonbiancastelli]

LOVE Euphonium, TUBA, HELICOM, SOUZAFONE... Music is my life.

[@FullMoOnPiano]

Beautiful

[@mustafakara7739]

Young and talented she is

[@takigan]

Haha.....that cadenza was awesome!

[@davidbjornstad7759]

Update -- I won the Adult Amateur (a.k.a. Geezer) division :D But Willow's performance here is better than mine was.

[@larissateixeira7522]

Muito perfeito de lindoo 👏👏👏

[@haileem.9249]

thanks to this video I'm going to competition with my baby euph :)

[@vincenzosilvestri5260]

beautiful

[@unicorn6071]

She is very Good!

[@miguelruiz1122]

Awsome Sound!!!!!!!

[@VikingBiking1946]

This is more a PM than a public comment, but you can post it if you want to. If you're serious about the euph, I highly recommend planning to attend next year's IEI Festival. The faculty are top-notch (Adam Frey organizes it; this year Steven Mead and David Childs were here), and there are no egos at work at all. Plus, you would be making contacts with the best of the university-level euphers in the country. And a few adult amateur enthusiasts :D

[@kasiacupak643]

well sounded instrument

[@Krakenapolo1]

ASUKA SENPAI 7U7

[@dshsbandgeek]

Well, there you go. Guess it depends on which list you look at...

[@Kristian_Raices_]

AWESSSSOOOOOMMMEE PREFORMANCE

[@tomato_soupgalaxy1146]

I play the euphonium because an anime and I like ir!!!

[@VikingBiking1946]

Since the various states' solo lists are graded differently, I would suggest that you contact the Marine Band directly and ask them which state's list they use for their solo grading.

[@felipecruz7771]

nossa muito bom!/our very good!

[@jorgeluizbazilio43]

SHOW EXCELENTE

[@XtremeEuph]

Hey matt, Nothing to regret at all. Pick up Euphonium as a double ! The two are a fantastic pair to have. Im a 4th Year Euph major, and I actually regret the opposite, not picking up tuba...though I wouldnt give up Euph for it.

[@eneaanchise9932]

complimenti dall'Italia ^__^

[@dshsbandgeek]

Miraphone M5050 Ambassador Series

[@lemurluver12]

I now admire you so much, I want to be just like you!(: I Play euphonium too, I'm in 6th grade

[@socko7927]

I just started the euphonium

[@rolshoveneins3005]

sehr cool

[@josephmedellin1974]

she did pretty good

[@BreachSpawnz]

Yeah i play that

[@StocksIn60Seconds]

Also, her vibrato is very British brass band-ish!

[@dshsbandgeek]

Warburton BT16 - the Demondrae Thurman mouthpiece.

[@StocksIn60Seconds]

Y'all, this girl isn't even a music major any more! =)

[@dshsbandgeek]

True. She switched majors after her freshman year, but she still plays in the bands.

[@ihaveagun22]

well damn

[@bennettbishop4187]

Where can I find this arrangement and full song?

[@acpq454]

I have this specific type of Euphonium, silver plated and everything

[@privacyplease5164]

I love mine

[@dianaramos1544]

i play the baritone at my school for major

[@SpiderWebbOnYouTube]

Just going to do Euphonium at school any sujestions for help?

[@dshsbandgeek]

I believe it's level 3.

[@whitenblack12345]

does anyone know what grade level this is for euphonium? i want to play it for my marine band auditions

[@mohamedtahir170]

I play euphonium too..

[@ecotodd12]

@ Mackenzie Bergan-Im pretty sure this is a euphonium being played above. Yes there are 3 valves on top but there is fourth valve on the side. I know this because the first note of Beautiful Colorado is a low C which is fingered using the fourth valve.

[@calebsynnes1533]

C is usually 1 and 3

[@AbbyPaseos]

Caleb Synnes If you have a fourth valve you usually use that, the tuning is better.

[@aeroplano111]

what kind of euphonium is that?

[@johnries5593]

Willow must be very petite. The horn looks huge on her.

[@FreezingGamer1]

it is a miraphone 5050. of course it is

[@owslightjawpain1526]

do you have any tips on how to play like that? it's so AMAZING

[@dshsbandgeek]

Willow says, "Sorry, not really, because I don't play like that any more!" This performance was from 3 years ago when she was still working on a Music Major. She switched her major to Environmental Science her sophomore year and graduated with a minor in Music.

[@zxKAOS1]

Pretty neat that she still minored in music!

[@genevieve2313]

First learn your finger positions and notes. Then work on not puffing your cheeks. And because it's such a big mouthpiece you have to work on amateur (strength in your jaw/cheek/lower face muscles), and having lots of air going through your mouth. Also work on tongue, you want every note to have its on start (unless there is a slur in your music). You do not want to slur your notes together this will cause the music to sound sloppy. This is an absolutely amazing instrument! And I wish you luck playing it. :) -fellow baritone player

[@owslightjawpain1526]

+Genevieve Scherick I have hard times with blowing well I always have a hard time switching suddenly from low notes to high notes like low sol to high do and my lips always break when I try to reach high sol... I cry ebrytime

[@genevieve2313]

+Banana Pig try doing your scales and arpeggios. Those helped me a lot

[@arijaekim]

Dangggggg

[@VikingBiking1946]

For any eupher who is interested, here is the home page for next year's International Euphonium-Tuba Festival at Emory University in Atlanta. Take out the space in front of the html. www.euphonium.com/ieifestival. html

[@VikingBiking1946]

I mis-spoke -- not Steven Mead, but Brian Bowman was there this year. My bad.

[@fcolobong]

girl on piano looks quite like kristen bell

[@RaichuReturns]

What mouthpiece do you use?

[@Stripes1231]

Chops

[@theslowmopro1602]

I'm going to play that in sixth grade

[@keeganford131]

If 6th grade is the year you start. You won't be able to master it... I'm actually currently working on it and I'm in 8th, den working on it for 2 months, it's extremely difficult

[@pcup3622]

I play tuba for my band and I'm ten :( super heavy

[@andyivanoff4902]

What euphonium is she using

[@whitenblack12345]

Really? In the solo ensemble list it says it's a level 5...

[@therealtromboneguy]

What size mouthpiece is that, looks like a tuba mouthpiece haha

[@dshsbandgeek]

+The Trombone Guy Warburton Miraphone BT16 Demondrae. And it IS huge!

[@broderickles936]

+dshsbandgeek or 6 1/2 AL

[@d.breeezy1533]

what's the piece called?

[@dshsbandgeek]

+a556633 Gaming You're joking, right?

[@d.breeezy1533]

Never mind I realized it after I commented

[@d.breeezy1533]

Chill. I just didn't pay attention to the title of the video

[@selkies956]

vedy vedy nice!! are you doing the falcone this year??

[@mr.esfusioncollect8494]

looks like a 3/4 tuba