Sousaphones!

I was calling them tubas, but that didn't look right so I had to look it up. 

Similar to a tuba but easier to play in a standing position, the sousaphone gets its name from legendary conductor John Philip Sousa, who commissioned the first one in 1893. He wanted an instrument that projected the sound up and over the band. Designed so that it fits around the body of the tubist, the sousaphone is supported by the left shoulder and may be readily played while being carried.


CAL has a large enthusiastic marching band. These players were being high-fived as they headed on to the field at half-time. We were there to watch our grandson play football. Alas, CAL did not win the big game against Stanford, but they will be playing in a bowl game in Phoenix on the day after Christmas. That sure plays havoc with holiday plans! Looks like most of the family plans to head south for the big event.


The Extra is grandson at a break in the action.