The euphonium may not be the first instrument that comes to mind in brass music, but its rich, mellow tones have made a lasting impact across many genres. Over the years, certain euphonium players have brought this lesser-known instrument into the spotlight through their technical mastery and captivating performances.

Curious to know about the euphonium players? Let’s explore some who, through their unique artistry, have left a lasting mark on the music world with euphonium.

List of Euphonium Players

1: David Childs

Date of Birth: March 17, 1981, Grimsthorpe, United Kingdom

Famous Recordings:

• Premièred 15 Concertos for Euphonium
• Chandos label (album)

Accolades:

• First euphonium payer to acclaim Brass Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year (2000)
• Euphonium Player of the Year (2004)

David Childs, a third-generation belonging to the family, has their prowess in playing euphonium. So, he began his journey under the mentorship of his father. Known for his technical mastery and ability to captivate audiences, Childs has shaped the euphonium’s role in classical music. His genre-spanning performances and advocacy for new music led to the première of 15 concertos, cementing his place as a trailblazer. Touring across continents, his artistry and influence in the brass world remain unmatched.

2: Steven Mead

Date of Birth: February 26, 1962, Bournemouth, England

Famous Recordings:

• Joseph Horovitz: Four Concertos – Royal Ballet Sinfonia
• Concertino – Lillestrøm Musikkorps
• Euphonium Virtuoso – Brass Band Buizingen
• Dreamscapes: Wind Music by Ellerby, Clarke & Josephs – Royal Northern College of Music Wind Orchestra
• Audacious – Accompanied by Tomoko Sawano
• Fandango – Accompanied by Tomoko Sawano

Steven Mead began his career as a euphonium player, aiming to elevate the instrument to a globally recognized soloist level. His dedication and exceptional skill have made him a world-renowned figure among euphonium players. Mead’s versatility in adapting classical and contemporary pieces, combined with his emotional depth, allows him to bring a unique richness to every performance.

Mead has also performed with esteemed orchestras worldwide, including the Stuttgart and Lahti Symphony Orchestras, and has premiered numerous works by celebrated composers, some written specifically for him.

His influence extends beyond performance into education, where he’s introduced euphonium masterclasses across Europe and Asia, shaping future generations of brass musicians. Mead continues to tour extensively, with over 75 solo performances annually, remaining at the forefront of his field through his live concerts and prolific recording career.

3: Nicholas Childs

Date of Birth: October 7, 1961, Wales

Famous Recordings:

• Music of the Spheres (Black Dyke Band)
• Extreme Make-Over (Black Dyke Band)
• Victory for Brass (Grimethorpe Colliery Band)
• Symphony of Marches (Foden’s Band)
• Cry of the Celts (Black Dyke Band)

Accolades:

• Welsh and British Euphonium Champion at the age of 16
• Euphonium Player of The Year (1985)
• Associate Royal College of Music (1995)
• Fellow of the London College of Music (1996)
• Doctor of Musical Arts, University of Salford (2002)
• Honorary Doctorate from Leeds University (2006)

Nicholas Childs began his euphonium journey in Tredegar, South Wales, guided by his father, John Childs. Known for his virtuosic technique, Nicholas and his brother Robert revolutionized euphonium playing, showcasing unprecedented control and musicality. Their debut at the Royal Albert Hall cemented their international presence.

Nicholas’ time as principal euphonium for Grimethorpe and Foden’s Band was marked by near-perfect performances, pushing the boundaries of brass music.

His unique tone and musical interpretation set him apart, and his contributions to education through leadership of the Yorkshire Youth Brass Band and the National Children’s Brass Band of Great Britain have had a lasting influence. His remarkable career as conductor of the Black Dyke Band has further solidified his legacy in brass music.

4: Rich Matteson

Date of Birth: January 12, 1929, Forest Lake, Minnesota

Date of Death: June 24, 1993, Jacksonville, Florida

Famous Recordings:

• Performances with Bob Scobey in Las Vegas
• Collaborations with the Dukes of Dixieland
• Recordings with the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort

Accolades:

• Inducted into Jacksonville Jazz Festival Hall of Fame (2000)

Rich Matteson’s venture into euphonium playing began early, but his real mastery was showcased through his work as a jazz musician and educator. Known for his remarkable skill across multiple instruments, it was the euphonium that made Matteson stand out. His jazz improvisations and walking bass style on the euphonium were revolutionary, blending traditional brass with innovative jazz elements.

Matteson’s performances in venues like Las Vegas and Mexico City and his teaching at institutions like North Texas State University made him a pivotal figure in jazz and music education. His establishment of the Matteson-Phillips Tubajazz Consort further solidified his influence, garnering attention to brass instruments in jazz.

5: Brian Bowman

Date of Birth: July 22, 1946, Fort Dodge, U.S.

Famous Recordings:

• First guest euphonium artist at the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
• Andante and Rondo
• Sonata
• Partita

Accolades:

• First euphonium soloist to perform at Carnegie Hall
• First guest euphonium artist at the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival
• President of the International Tuba Euphonium Association

Brian Bowman’s path into euphonium mastery began after earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. He then distinguished himself as a euphonium soloist in various U.S. military bands. His warm, velvet tone and distinctive vibrato technique helped redefine the euphonium’s role in concert bands, bringing the instrument to a new level of expressiveness.

Bowman’s innovative style, combining technical brilliance with passionate performances, pushed the boundaries of euphonium music, making him one of the most renowned euphonium players globally.

6: Arthur Lehman

Date of Birth: September 24, 1917, Doylestown, Pennsylvania

Date of Death: June 19, 2009, Camp Springs, Maryland

Famous Recordings:

• The Art of Euphonium Playing
• Euphonium Solos. Volume 2
• The Art of Euphonium Playing Volume 2

Arthur Lehman’s entry into euphonium playing began while serving in an Army band during World War II, where he honed his skills. Renowned for his powerful sound and technical mastery, Lehman radically transformed euphonium performance, moving away from the lighter sounds of the past to a deeper, richer tone that is standard today.

Furthermore, his collaboration with Boosey and Hawkes led to the development of the larger-bore euphoniums and the “Lehman Special” mouthpiece, which became pivotal in modern euphonium playing. Lehman’s legacy includes his solo performances and extensive influence on students, ensuring the evolution and appreciation of the euphonium for future generations.

7: Leonard Falcone

Date of Birth: April 5, 1899, Roseto Valfortore, Italy

Date of Death: May 2, 1985, Dimondale, Michigan, U.S.

Famous Recordings:

• Baritone Horn Solos
• Military Band Recordings

Leonard Falcone’s journey with the euphonium began in childhood when he first played the alto horn and violin in his hometown band. Upon moving to the U.S., Falcone quickly established himself as an exceptional musician and educator, particularly for his contributions to the baritone horn and euphonium.

His fame grew through his tenure as director at Michigan State University, where he transformed the Spartan Marching Band into a nationally recognized ensemble. Falcone’s legacy lives on through his recordings and the annual Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival, which honors his contributions while celebrating new talent among euphonium players.