ITEA Journal Volume 49 Number 3 (Spring 2022)
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The Quest of Toni Chelvi
By Patricio Cosentino
Translation: David Lopez
What can be done for the euphonium and the tuba to become as popular as the violin and the piano?
As the tuba soloist of the Banda Municipal de Barcelona, Antoni Chelvi has a passion for the euphonium and the tuba. Since these instruments have been such an important part of his life, he had an idea to promote them the way they deserve. He has always wanted the euphonium and the tuba to be as equally known as other instruments. For that reason, his work started with the youngest generation by creating a show customized for their taste and age.
He decided that the venue for his performances would be primary schools, where he would have a daily target audience, and all he had to do was pitch a good final product to the teachers. This would be a live show with instruments that he was sure all the students would love, the euphonium and the tuba.
His story began 25 years ago when "Toni", as his friends call him, arrived in Barcelona as tuba soloist for the Banda Municipal, and seeing the lack of euphonium and tuba players, he decided to teach lessons in different schools of music. The problem was that students were not interested in these instruments so there was no need for a teacher. His solution was to give clinics in the schools of music so they would know and enjoy his instrument as much as he did. In a short time, children started to show interest in the euphonium and the tuba. His first students were two 7-year old girls, Toni's pride, especially because one of them has since finished advanced studies in tuba.
Later, Toni wanted to expand his audience, reaching even younger children starting at 3 years old. He remembers arriving at a primary school room with the euphonium, the tuba, and other instruments he carried with him while some children stared and others cried at seeing instruments that were bigger than they were, but everything improved once they heard familiar tunes that they knew. Later they sang along and danced with him.
The repertoire Toni chose was deliberate. He had to reach a very demanding audience that would easily lose interest when they could not recognize what they were hearing. He presented familiar tunes and music with different styles and fun rhythms, a repertoire chosen carefully to captivate the youngest children's attention.
The result of all his work was a success. Presently, more than 4000 students of all ages get to know the euphonium and the tuba every year in Catalonia. It is a big feat, although Toni does not think it is enough because the euphonium and the tuba have yet to reach the popularity that other instruments have attained.
Toni's goal of creating new audiences for the euphonium and the tuba as well as his goal of fostering interest to practice these instruments are active today, and he hopes that this article inspires other euphonium and tuba players to join this promotion project with the idea of elevating these wonderful instruments.
Written by Patricio Cosentino
Translation: David Lopez
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