n.
or tenor tuba
Large valved brass instrument , the leading lower-pitched instrument in military bands.
It developed from the valved bugle and cornet in Germany 0441; 1840. It has four valves and a wide conical bore resembling the tuba's. Its range is an octave below the trumpet and cornet. It is played either vertically or with the bell facing forward. The very similar baritone has the same range and transposition and is distinguished only by its narrower bore. Both are essential members of bands of all kinds and are often given significant solo roles.