Mr. Tuba

by Harvey Phillips, David N. Baker (Foreword)

With warmth and humor, tuba virtuoso Harvey Phillips tells the story of his amazing life and career from his Missouri childhood through his days as a performer with the King Brothers and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circuses, his training at the Juilliard School, a stint with the US Army Field Band, and his freelance days with the New York City Opera and Ballet. A founder of the New York Brass Quintet, Phillips served as director of the New England Conservatory of Music and became Professor of Music at Indiana University. The creator of an industry of TubaChristmases, Octubafests, and TubaSantas, he crusaded for recognition of the tuba as a serious musical instrument, commissioning more than 200 works. Enhanced by an extensive gallery of photographs, Mr. Tuba conveys Phillips's playful zest for life while documenting his important musical legacy.

Genres: Biography

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I had the privilege of knowing Harvey, but I think I would have liked this book whether I'd known Harvey or not. The details of Harvey's experiences playing in the circus bands and freelancing in New York give a glimpse into another era. This book reads as though Harvey is talking to you. Bravo to the author for not allowing his writing to interfere with the story.