What is sousaphone instruments?

Sousaphone is a brass instrument that belongs to the tuba family. It is named after John Philip Sousa, an American composer who popularized its use in marching bands.

Sousaphones are made of brass and have a bell facing upward, reducing the strain on the player's embouchure during long performances. They use a large, funnel-shaped mouthpiece that allows for a rich, mellow tone.

Sousaphones are commonly used in marching bands and are popular in genres such as jazz, blues, and funk. They are played in a standing position, with the bell facing forward and the instrument resting on the player's shoulder.

Sousaphones come in various sizes, from small models for children to large ones used in professional ensembles. They have a range similar to that of a tuba, typically spanning from E flat to F.

Sousaphones have been used in various famous compositions, including Leonard Bernstein's “West Side Story” and Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker."