As the largest and lowest-pitched musical instrument in the brass family, the tuba doesn¡¯t exactly conjure up a cool image for most people. However, the members of , a Tokyo-based quartet of young tuba players, are determined to change that perception.

¡°The tuba isn¡¯t designed to play solos, so if we all play with full power, the sound becomes overwhelming, making it hard to distinguish the individual parts,¡± explains Keisuke Nishibu, 29. ¡°Playing in an extended range outside the usual orchestral spectrum challenges us technically, but it also allows us to create musically daring performances.¡±

In addition to Nishibu, rounding out the Tubassadors are Tomohiro Sosogi, Kazuto Shikada and Soen Tamura.