HiJinks for Solo Tuba and Band

HiJinks was commissioned in the Spring of 2011 by Adam Crowe, tubist with the United States Coast Guard Band and New Haven Symphony Orchestra. After hearing some of his recordings it was evident that this was a player of great musicianship, I was particularly impressed by his range and musicality. So I set out to write a piece that would show off this particular player by using the tuba in every possible way and in every register, dynamic and style.
The work is in one movement and is composed of contrasting sections using the same handful of melodic ideas beginning with a slower introduction which presents the first theme which is generally heard in a lyrical singing style, answered by the solo oboe accompanied by a quiet clustering of pitches in the woodwinds. The woodwinds followed by the low brass play short, chant-like statements foreshadowing the next theme while the tuba answers the band continuing in the lyrical style of the previous section. This transitions into a spirited and jovial ‘Allegro’ section. The second theme is light and playful, two characteristics most wouldn't associate with the instrument. The dialogue between the soloist and the ensemble continues all while the music becomes lyrical again but with quirky interruptions and unexpected turns and treatments of the melodies. The third theme which is lyrical is played simultaneously with the jovial second theme.
Now that all three themes have been heard the piece continues to shift and change putting the tuba in all kinds of musical scenarios and situations, until the band stops and the tuba takes over in an extended solo. At this point in the music, the Tuba has had too much fun and gotten into too many shenanigans (and possibly even a little drunk...letting out a few belches at the conclusion of its cadenza).
The band begins to wind up again building from the lowest register and exclaims a fanfare. The jovial second theme is revisited with the full band and soloist playing with a few final musical ‘acrobatics’ from the tuba...complete with a crass circus band.
www.cimarronmus...

[@bobkammauff3582]

If the Nicolas cage and reaction man aren't printed on the actual score I want my money back.
(instantly fell in love with this piece btw)

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Bob Kammauff I promise nothing *yeets away* 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@sinan1530]

Beautiful piece it's probably one of the most audience-accessible tuba concertos out there.
The cadenza is my favorite part haha
~from a fellow tubist

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Thank you! When I wrote this piece I wanted to do a continuous single movement but give the audience a little taste of everything and a few catchy tunes.

[@benfleishman2944]

This reminds me a lot of the Gregson concerto, the lyrical theme is so pretty!

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

thank you, Ben! I adore Edward Gregson's music

[@roheryn43]

Beautiful piece!! I’m now a tuba fan!!! Now all I need is for you to compose something for piccolo and wind ensemble!!!!

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Thank you! Haven't written a solo work for Piccolo...yet!

[@rufinomedado3184]

Just bought my copy, I was able to hit the ending Bb at the end last night. Great piece! Wish me luck...

[@antoniorodriguez5439]

Beautiful player and wonderful Song.

[@BigDogHaver]

I come back and watch this all the time and get goosebumps every time

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Skizz Adam Crowe is a beasttt on tuba, the coast guard band also kills it.

[@tubadylan]

Beautiful. I love this.

[@TheGoooob]

I’m totally going to learn this on tuba because I can

[@paulmullen2620]

Great piece! I might pick that one up sometime when it's safe to play music with others again.

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Paul Mullen cool! Let me know if you do, I’d love to know

[@paulmullen2620]

@@AnthonyOTooleMusic Can do. Is there a piano version?

[@paulmullen2620]

I mean, piano reduction.

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Paul Mullen you bet, just look for it on Cimarron Music Press I believe

[@bassoonist4884]

Enjoyed it just as much as the Ralph Vaughn Williams Concerto. Good job!

[@jackhenry1572]

I am definitely going to learn how to play this on the tuba.

[@3459284]

Fantastic piece

[@steverman2312]

6:47 idk why but i love it when music is made to sound bad/weird on purpose

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

I like writing stuff like that for comedic effect when possible/appropriate. I listen to that part and even I laugh at it everytime

[@arthurmedeiros2016]

Very good!!!!!

[@marcosPRATA918]

A tuba em sua imponência!

[@Jurgensen1]

Bro dropped the ultimate song of my dreams(I play tuba obviously)
If I got this song in band my first reaction would be GAHD DAYUM

[@SHBazTBone]

I get some "Chorale and Toccata" by Jack Stamp vibes from this in certain places. Also some Ewazen cues.
Cool piece!

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

I just did a video on Chorale and Toccata! thanks

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

any particular part(s) where you get that vibe?

[@bradleyorozco1081]

HiJinks I'm dad

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

you win my dude you win it all

[@daltonpinson2831]

This is one of the most gorgeous songs I have ever heard. May I email you for a few questions over it?

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

Infinity yeah sure! Go to my site and there’s a contact me page

[@Pleumas]

Where can I buy this piece?

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

www.cimarronmusic.com/catalog/product/view/id/12420/s/hijinks/category/70/

[@lovingmeforonce1270]

What kind of tuba was this played on? B flat? C? F?

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

F Tuba I believe -- by Adam Crowe, tubist in the Coast Guard Band

[@obinnanwakwue5735]

When a tuba plays Bb4

[@AnthonyOTooleMusic]

it's the cherry on top of an epic tuba sundae

[@myname-isvincent5683]

It's easy to play that on a Tuba, but with all those partial changes it's like 😲😬

[@user-user00]

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