Tuba virtuoso Ian Foster has been bringing the joy of low brass playing to hundreds of excited children with his performances of ‘Tubby the Tuba’ with the Birmingham Symphonic Winds orchestra.

Thrilled

Under the baton of conductor Keith Allen, Ian recently thrilled a packed audience of children, parents and grandparents in the CBSO Centre in Birmingham, leading to the usual requests from amazed youngsters who desperately wanted to pinch his Wessex tuba for a sneaky blow themselves!

Brilliant

Ian told 4BR: "It’s the third time I’ve performed with the band at the event supported by Wessex Tubas – and the response is always the same – simply brilliant."

He added: “In the interval lots of kids and parents tried a Wessex Tuba. The Bubbie was particularly popular and there was a real buzz for going on to learn an instrument! It’s amazing how the tuba can reach out as a fun instrument to youngsters like no other.”

Tubby Live

Ian also revealed that to meet the demand there will be a brand new MP3 of "Tubby" Live!

"It seemed the obvious thing to do," Ian added, "...as so many parents wanted to be able to enjoy the experience with the children time and time again."

It’s the third time I’ve performed with the band at the event supported by Wessex Tubas – and the response is always the same – simply brilliantIan Foster

Premiere

Ian's close connection to BSW is enabling him to perform the UK premiere of the fabulous Donald Grantham Tuba Concerto in 2014, whilst he has also performed the Joseph Horovitz Tuba Concerto.

More details

Details to be announced on Ian's new website: www.ianfostertuba.com.

Pictures of Ian with 'Uncle Bill' the narrator for Tubby the Tuba and kids enjoying having a go (photo by Paul Arthur)