Klarinet Archive - Posting 000016.txt from 1998/02

From: rpshel@-----.net
Subj: Re: Baritone/Euphonium
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 1998 14:28:22 -0500

The debate going on the last few days concerning the diference between the
baritone and euphonium was very interesting. I had always wondered what the
difference was and now I know. Or at least I know that there are a lot of
different opinions on the subject.

I have a theory on why the term euphonium has become popular.
I played the baritone in high school and would sometimes have the following
conversation with a friend or relative:

"I'm in band"
"Oh that's nice. What do you play?"
"I play the baritone"
"Baritone what?"
"Oh, it looks like a tuba but its smaller"

Everyone thinks of "baritone" as an adjective, not a noun.

So I submit that the the people who play baritone began calling themselves
euphonium players to avoid getting puzzled looks. Most people never heard
of a euphonium and its better to leave them confused than to let them think you
don't know what you are talking about.

Richard