Raúl I. Rodríguez

Educator Performer

ABOUT

Biography

Raúl I. Rodríguez is Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Texas State University. In addition to teaching applied music he also directs the Texas State Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, which has gained national prominence with their commitment to showcasing contemporary literature and standard transcriptions as well as world premier compositions in performances at regional, national and international conferences throughout the US. He has been recognized for his achievements by being named a finalist in the Presidential Award in Scholarly/Creative Activities and the Presidential Award in Teaching. In 2005, he was initiated into Sigma Alpha Iota as a National Arts Associate. Prior teaching responsibilities include music theory (1995-2001) and serving as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands (1995-2007).

Recently, Professor Rodríguez made a significant contribution to the low brass studies repertoire by having his etude book, Low Blows for Tuba, published by Blaquhidder Music in April 2015. It is currently distributed by Carl Fischer in New York.

As an active musician with over 30 years of experience he has performed in various parts of the United States, Mexico, Ireland and Sweden. He is currently principal tuba with the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra in Colorado and Victoria Bach Festival in Texas. He is the former principal tuba with the Garland and Las Colinas Symphonies in North Texas. In demand as a substitute tubist, he has made appearances with the symphony orchestras of Austin, Ft. Worth, San Antonio, Santa Fe, Waco and the Orquesta Sinfónica Xalapa. As a chamber musician he has performed with the Bluebonnet Brass, Breckenridge Brass, Capitol of Texas Brass, Pinnacle Brass, Reunion Brass, SouthWest BrassWorks, and the TubaTzars Jazz combo.

He still continues his involvement in youth education by dedicating time to presenting clinics and master classes in the public schools and as an active member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association he was appointed in 2013 to serve on the Board of Directors as Chapters Coordinator.

In the summer of 2002, Mr. Rodríguez was appointed principal tuba of the Texas Philharmonic to record the soundtrack for the musical score Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams.

Professor Rodríguez received his musical training at the University of North Texas earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Music in Tuba Performance.

About

Publications

PUBLICATIONS

LOW BLOWS FOR TUBA
Studies for the Development and Maintenance of the Low Register

As a way to break up the monotony of the “daily routine” I would often find myself improvising little melodies in the middle to low range in effort to add variety to my daily warm up. Most of my inspiration came from music I was listening to or from a musical passage of ensemble literature I was preparing. I eventually put a few of these melodies to paper to share with my students and realized there was enough tunes to put together in a book, hence this collection.

While it is still important to perform basics fundamentals such as long tones, scales, technical etudes and wind flow studies as part of a daily routine we must remember that melody and musicality are the foundations of our being. No matter how much we are considered to be performers of background brass instruments we must always be in search of “melody” as a way to express one’s self. Musicality and the continued development of that skill will always be paramount. Never stop listening to great music and great musicians.

As the subtitle suggests these melodies are purely for your enjoyment as you develop and maintain your skills in the low register. Three skills are at the focus of development with these studies, but not limited to 1)wind flow, 2)musicality and 3)mastery of reading ledger lines. Daily, you as the performer must continually strive to keep the flow of wind consistent with each musical phrase, perform each phrase musically and develop your ability to read ledger lines. This last skill will be necessary the more you perform contemporary ensemble literature that is being written with ledger lines below the staff instead of the older system of 8va basso. These studies will also provide a great balance in your performance skills as you continue to perform that next great piece of solo literature that’s written with many ledger lines “above” the staff.

The studies are to be enjoyed by the intermediate to advanced performer. Have fun adding a few of these studies to your daily routine as you develop your skills on your path to becoming a well-rounded performer. For it is to you, the committed performer, that I dedicate this work.