Euphonium

Mission.
Renato Meli is set againsthe image of "old man's instrument" the euphonium has. Only too often it happens that, if the dexterrty on the trumpet or horn does not work any more the musician switches to the tenor tuba. By giving clinics, workshops and solo performances Renato would like to contribute to more appreciation for his favourite instrument. In the meantime he sees that the appreciation is slowly increasing. lt is a good sign that a growing number of youths choose the tenor tuba. By promoting the instrument Renato tries to contribute greatly to the popularity of the euphonium.

Special instrument
Renato ended up with the euphonium by chance.He really wanted to play the horn but from the local band he got a baritone. When later on he could get a horn he did not want to part with the baritone any more. He became very much attached to this special instrument. Later Renato switched to the euphonium. As a 17-year-old he succeeded , as the second Dutchman ever, in studying Euphonium as a main subject at a conservatory. Here he graduated with distinction as a performing musician. Meanwhile Renato earns a living by simply playing the euphonium. He is a much sought-after soloist both at home and abroad and regularly gives workshops and masterclasses. Furthermore he conducts the band "Vermaak na Arbeid" from St. Huibrechts-Lille (Belgium). He studied conducting with Sef P-rjpers at Maastricht Conservatory.

History
The name euphonium or tenor tuba derives from the Greek word "euphonia" which means sounding well or melodious. The euphonium was probably developed in the German republic of Weimar. Several people including instrument builder Adolphe Sax and composer Richard Wagner have played a great part in the development of the euphonium. Sax developed a number of brass wind instruments which in the end also influenced the present brass instruments. Wagneds influence can be seen in the Wagner or tenor tuba designed by him for his "Ring cycle". Just like almost all brass instruments the euphonium is also basically a descendant of the Roman horn.