Equestria Marching Girlsby beatlestributemanChaptersHome PracticeMeeting For PracticeGym Tuba PracticePep Rally Tuba SoloHome PracticeSunset Shimmer was getting ready to indulge in one of her favorite past times: tuba practice for marching band. She had her sousaphone assembled and placed it over her shoulder. After taking a breath, Sunset blew a few notes into her sousaphone. Then she got her cellphone and opened a metronome app which she used to keep time while playing. She started marching in place along with the rhythm of the metronome before playing a G scale on her sousaphone. Then a B Flat scale. Then a C Scale. Then an F scale. Sunset could play the tuba very well. After all she had been playing since 3rd grade and was a tuba prodigy. It was then that Sunset heard her doorbell ring. She went to the door and opened before seeing her best friend Twilight Sparkle on the other side smiling. Twilight was also a tuba prodigy as she’d been playing since she was in 3rd grade as well. Sunset smiled, “Hey, Twilight.” “Hey, Sunset,” Twilight waved in response. Sunset noticed that Twilight had a sousaphone case beside her. “Did you come here to practice with me?” Sunset asked her tuba playing friend. “I sure did,” Twilight spoke. “Sorry I came on such short notice.” “It’s no bother, Twilight,” Sunset said with a wave of her hand. “Come on in.” Twilight brought her sousaphone case inside, before following Sunset into her basement which was where she always practiced. Twilight noticed that Sunset’s sousaphone was already put together and she had a stand set up with sheet music on it. “Were you practicing before I came in, Sunset?” Twilight asked. Sunset gained a look of pride, “Yep. A true musician always practices to ensure a fantastic performance.” “I know the feeling,” Twilight responded. “That’s exactly what I always do.” “Good to know,” Sunset nodded. “I bet all of our friends feel the same way.” “That they do,” Twilight agrees. Twilight assembles her sousaphone and puts it over her shoulder. She and Sunset agree to play a song which would be a stand tune for marching band. As soon as they set up the metronome again, Sunset and Twilight blow the marching tune on their sousaphones in perfect unison. As soon as they finish, Twilight and Sunset looked at each other. “I think we’re definitely ready for the pep rally this weekend,” Sunset commented. Twilight nodded back to her tuba playing friend, “I agree.” “I bet Rainbow, Applejack and the others are practicing just as hard,” Sunset speculated. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were two of Twilight and Sunset’s friends who also played the tuba. “Wouldn’t put it past them,” Twilight spoke. “Especially, Sonata and her sisters.” “Yeah, those three are like tuba legends,” Sunset couldn't help saying. That was true. Sonata, Aria and Adagio were three of the best tubists in CHS besides Sunset and Twilight. “Not to mention that Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are working hard on their instruments,” Twilight reminded. Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were three more friends of Twilight and Sunset who were in the marching band. Rarity played the clarinet. Pinkie played the bass drum. And Fluttershy played the flute. “That's what being an excellent musician is all about,” Sunset pointed out. “Too true,” Twilight added. “Of course, the fun part about playing the tuba is just playing notes like this,” Sunset took a breath and played a D note before playing a low G note on her sousaphone. Twilight chuckled, “I hear that.” “Wanna keep practicing?” Sunset asked. Twilight nodded, “You know it.” To be continued... Author's Note AN: This series takes place in an Alternate Universe where the Equestria Girls characters are in their high school marching band and therefore Equestria doesn’t exist. I know this isn’t what I usually do. This is something I just wanted to try. Meeting For PracticeFluttershy was setting up her flute while she waited for her friends to meet her in the gym. In order to be ready for the pep rally on Friday, it was agreed that the girls would meet in the gym to practice. Fluttershy also played the tuba, but that was something she would play outside of school. Fluttershy blew a flurry of notes on her flute. “Hey, Fluttershy!” a voice said behind her. “Eeep!” Fluttershy was slightly startled. She calmed down when she saw that it was her best friend, Rainbow Dash standing behind her. Rainbow also had her sousaphone on her right shoulder. “Oh, Rainbow, you startled me,” Fluttershy spoke timidly to her childhood friend. “Yeah, sorry about that,” Rainbow apologized. “You ready for band practice?” “I sure am,” Fluttershy nodded. “But we still have to wait for the others to show up.” “Well,” Rainbow gained a mischievous look. “I’m sure they won’t mind if I blow a few tuba notes before they show up.” Rainbow Dash put her mouthpiece up to her lips and blew half a G scale on her sousaphone. “That sounds really nice, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy commented. “Yeah, the tuba is awesome, isn’t it?” Rainbow commented. “I always feel awesome when I play it.” “Ah hear that,” the two girls heard a country sounding voice come from behind them. They turned to see the one who had just spoken Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie come into the gym. Applejack had a sousaphone on her right shoulder, Rarity had a clarinet in her hand and Pinkie Pie was carrying a bass drum. “Hey, Girls,” Rainbow waved. “Made it in a nick of time.” “Well, when you asked us to get together for practice there was no we were gonna say no,” Applejack spoke. “I agree, Darling,” Rarity spoke up. “One must specialize in playing with groups in order to be excellent as an individual musician. And I must admit playing along with all of you on my clarinet is more than enjoyable.” “I totally agree!” Pinkie squealed in excitement. “I just love keeping the beat on my bass drum, while you and AJ blow on your tubas, Fluttershy plays shrill notes on her flute and Rarity plays wonderful melodies on her clarinet! It’s so much fun!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, “Love the enthusiasm, Pinkie.” “Remember, though, Pinkie,” Applejack chimed in. “Rainbow and Ah aren't the only tuba girls in our little group of musicians.” “Oh, yeah,” Pinkie realized. “Where are Twilight and Sunset anyway? And didn’t Sonata and her sisters say they’d be joining us too?” “They should be here in a bit,” Applejack said. “Here we are, Girls,” Sunset’s voice came. The girls turned to see Sunset and Twilight walk in with their sousaphones on. “Hey, there, Sunset and Twilight,” Applejack waved to them. “Glad you could make it, Darlings,” Rarity spoke. "We'd never miss practicing our tubas with you girls," Twilight spoke with a smile. “Well, that's why you two are two of the best tubists in school after all,” Rainbow commented. Sunset chuckled, “You are too, Rainbow Dash.” “Ah know I couldn’t go a day without blowing my tuba,” Applejack commented. “Well, then give us a note, AJ,” Rainbow suggested. “Well, since you asked,” Applejack said. Applejack took a breath and blew a D, a C, a B an A and a low G note into her sousaphone and held it for five seconds. The girls clapped for her. “Way to go, AJ!” Rainbow cheered. “You’re an incredible tubist just like the rest of us,” Sunset commented. “I agree,” Twilight added. “Aww, thanks, partners,” Applejack said in appreciation. “Hey, don’t start the music party without us,” a new voice came. The girls turned to see Sonata Dusk, who had just spoken, coming their way, wearing her sousaphone. Behind her were her sisters, Aria Blaze and Adagio Dazzle who had sousaphones too. “Sonata!” Pinkie squealed in excitement to see another one of her best friends. “Hey, Pinkie!” Sonata said with a friendly wave. “You girls ready to fill this gym with tuba music and music from other instruments?” “We sure are!” Pinkie squealed in excitement. “Right, everybody?” The girls murmured in agreement. “Have you and your sisters been practicing a lot, Sonata?” Sunset asked her tuba playing friend. “I sure have,” Sonata answered with pride. “I always aim to be one of the best tubists this school has ever had.” “You’re not the only one, Sonata,” Aria chimed in. “I’m just as good a tuba player as you are, remember.” “Relax, Aria, I didn’t forget,” Sonata assured. “You fell in love with playing the tuba at the same time I did.” “Oh, yes, I remember that well,” Adagio spoke up. “You and Sonata haven't stopped playing those tubas of yours since second grade.” Aria blushed slightly before she retorted, “Well, you didn’t either, Adagio.” Adagio shrugged, “Well, that’s true.” “Alright, girls,” Sonata spoke up. “Listen to this.” Sonata took a deep breath and blew a flurry of low notes ranging from D to low G into her sousaphone. The girls clapped. “Way to go, Sonata,” Twilight cheered. “I can also play, When The Saints Go Marching In,” Sonata pointed out. “Hey, Rarity, mind giving me a little backup on that clarinet of yours?” “Well, of course, Darling,” Rarity gratefully accepted. Sonata giggled with delight before a counted in, “A 1,2,3,4,5… Sonata started blowing a jazzy tuba rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In on her sousaphone. The key was in B Flat. Rarity soon joined in on her clarinet. When the two musicians finished the song , the other girls cheered loudly for them. “That was amazing!” Fluttershy commented. “Darn tootin, it was,” Applejack added. Sonata took a bow. “Thanks, Girls,” Sonata said with a smile. “I’ve been practicing. And you’re clarinet playing is spot on, Rarity.” “Why thank you, Darling,” Rarity said in appreciation. “Well, I can hold a note on a tuba for 15 seconds,” Aria chimed in. “Really,” Rainbow spoke with curiosity. “Then show us.” “Gladly,” Aria took a deep breath and blew a long low G note into her sousaphone that lasted fifteen seconds just like she said she would. The girls clapped and cheered for her. “Man, you’ve got mighty strong lungs, Aria,” Applejack commented in amazement. “Well, playing the tuba since second grade will do that to you,” Aria pointed out. “And listen to this…” Aria took a deep breath and played a Low G on her sousaphone before shifting to Low A Flat and back to Low G. The other girls clapped for their pig-tailed tuba playing friend. “Nice notes, Aria,” Twilight said in amazement. "Thank you, you're too kind," Aria said as she took a bow. “How about you, Adagio?” Sunset spoke to the orange haired sister. “Do you want to play anything for us?” Adagio shrugged, “Well, since you asked.” Adagio started marching across the gym while playing a classic marching tune on her sousaphone. Her movements were like struts as she was playing. As soon as she finished, the girls clapped. “Way to go, Adagio,” Sunset commented. “Why, thank you, thank you, you’re too kind,” Adagio said as she took a bow. “Alright, everybody,” Sunset got the other girl's attention. “We’ve still got to practice for the pep rally on Friday. You with me on this?” “Yeah!!!” the other girls cheered. Sunset nodded, “Then let’s get started.” To be continued... Gym Tuba PracticeAN: Just a reminder that this series takes place in an alternate universe where the characters are in a marching band and Equestria doesn’t exist. Sonata Dusk, one of Canterlot High School’s best tuba players, was walking to the gym while carrying her sousaphone on her right shoulder. It was just after school at Canterlot High. Most students have already gone home. There were a few students that had stayed after school either for after school clubs or other important endeavors. Sonata, on her part, decided to partake in one of her favorite after school activities in the world… tuba practice with her friends. Sometimes, she or her sisters would just go to the gym and play their sousaphones with the doors of the gym open, so that any students passing by could hear them. Sonata loved just playing her sousaphone and drawing a crowd into the gym. Which was what she was about to do at this very moment. Sonata walked onto the stage with her sousaphone around her. She took a breath and started blowing her few tunes into her sousaphone. She often delighted in blowing tuba tunes with notes like C, Low B flat and Low G. Aria and Adagio were walking through the hallway and conversing as they did so. “We’re gonna totally rock the pep rally with the marching band, aren’t we, Adagio?” Aria asked. “No doubts there,” Adagio said in agreement. “Especially Sunset, since it’s her turn to play a tuba solo at the rally.” Aria chuckled, “Oh, yeah, she always gets excited when she gets to play a tuba solo at a pep rally or football.” It was then that they heard Sonata’s tuba music coming from the gym. “Who do you think’s playing tuba music in the gym this time?” Aria asked. “Only one way to find out,” Adagio said before developing a smirk. “And I have a pretty good idea who.” The two girls walked into the gym and saw that sure enough, their sister, Sonata was standing on the stage blowing into her sousaphone like a boss. As soon as she stopped whatever tune she was playing at the time she heard the sound of cheering and looked down to see Aria and Adagio. Sonata chuckled and took a bow. “Well, it looks like I already drew a crowd,” Sonata spoke. “We want more! We want more!” Adagio and Aria chanted. “Alrighty then,” Sonata spoke with enthusiasm. She took a deep breath a blew two Low As into her sousaphone before blowing a Low G and another Low A. “For my next tuba number on my sousaphone, I’ll be playing a rousing tuba rendition of a song that people today would consider, ‘an oldie’,” Sonata informed her audience. Sonata starts blowing a tuba rendition of Touch Me by The Doors into her sousaphone. The more Aria and Adagio her Sonata play, the more they felt like playing their own sousaphones. “I suddenly have the urge to just start oompahing on my sousaphone,” Aria spoke up. “You’re not the only one,” Adagio pointed out. “Man, she is good,” a voice came from behind them. Aria and Adagio turned around and saw Juniper Montage coming toward them. Juniper was also a member of the marching band and she played the tuba as well. “Hey, Juniper,” Aria waved. “What brings you here?” Adagio asked. “Oh, just being drawn in by Sonata’s awesome tuba sounds,” Juniper answered. “I know the feeling,” Aria spoke with a chuckle. “I know I’m really good at the tuba,” Juniper started saying. “But you three and Sunset, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack and Trixie are like… tuba legends in this school.” “Well, guilty as charged,” Adagio said with a look of pride. “Hey, don’t worry about it, Juniper,” Aria said. “You can really bring the oompah just like the rest of us.” “Thanks,” Juniper spoke. “My uncle’s told me that I’m a fantastic tuba player multiple times. He loves hearing me play.” “I’ll bet he does,” Aria said. “Speaking of bringing the oompah, Aria,” Adagio said with a smirk. “You do have an excellent way of doing that on your tuba.” “Yeah? Your point?” Aria asked with a raised eyebrow. “It’s almost like someone could call you, Oompahria,” Adagio explained. Aria’s eyes widened with interest, “Oompahria?” “Hey, yeah, I like that,” Aria said in excitement. “Oompahria Blaze. Has a nice ring to it.” “I like it,” Juniper added. Adagio chuckled, “Alright then, Oompahria.” “Now I really wanna get home and get my oompah on with my sousaphone,” Aria said. As soon as Sonata finished the song she was playing, Adagio, Aria and Juniper started clapping and cheering for her. “Thank you, thank you, you’re too kind,” Sonata said as she took a bow. “Hey, Sonata!” Adagio called out to her sister. “Aria and I are going to head home to practice on our sousaphones. Wanna come with?” Sonata smiled big time, “You know it!” To be continued… Pep Rally Tuba Solot was Friday night in Canterlot and all of the members of the Canterlot High School Marching Band were gathering in the band room and getting ready to play at their school’s pep rally. Everyone in the tuba section already had their sousaphones set up and were ready to play and getting a little practice in before they got started. The members of the tuba section included Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Adagio Dazzle, Aria “Oompahria” Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Trixie Lulumoon and Juniper Montage. Sunset was especially excited because she was going to play a tuba solo at the pep rally. Aria and Sonata were both playing scales on their sousaphones. Adagio was making sure her sousaphone’s valves were oiled. Trixie was polishing her own sousaphone with a rag. Everyone else was just waiting in anticipation. “Well, it looks like everybody is ready for the pep rally, huh, Sunset,” Applejack commented. “We sure are, Applejack,” Sunset agreed. “Yeah, and it looks like everybody is really getting into it,” Twilight speculated. “Well, Sonata and her sisters do love playing the tuba more than anything else,” Sunset pointed out. “I hear that,” Rainbow Dash added. Just then, Fluttershy came walking with her flute in hand. “Hey, Sunset, are you excited to play your tuba solo at the pep rally today?” Fluttershy asked. Sunset nodded vigorously, “I sure am.” “Well, Sunset Shimmer,” Trixie Lulumoon started speaking. “I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, am happy for you. However, know that next time it will be I, Trixie who will play a tuba solo for a rally or football game.” “Don’t worry about it, Trixie,” Sunset assured. “I already made sure to tell Baton Switch to make you the tuba soloist for the next football game.” “And for that, Trixie thanks you,” Trixie continued speaking in the third person. “And assures her tuba playing friends that she will play a Great and Powerful tuba solo on her Great and Powerful sousaphone.” Aria leaned in and whispered to Adagio, “Why does she speak in the third person again?” Adagio shrugged, “Just a quirk, I guess.” Sonata blew five second low B Flat on her sousaphone. “Well, I for one enjoy playing my sousaphone and concert tuba whether it be by myself or with other people,” Sonata pointed out. “And I am so ready to blow my big horn at the pep rally today!” Adagio smirked, “Yeah, we’ve noticed.” After Adagio finished oiling the valves on her sousaphone, she lifted up her instrument and put it on. She then started blowing a B flat scale on her sousaphone. She was unaware that from a distance, she was being watched by a boy with brown hair and holding a trumpet in his hand. The boy seemed to be captivated by Adagio’s tuba playing along with her looks. “Hey, Wiz,” a voice spoke to the boy. He turned to see Flash Sentry standing behind him. He too was a bass drummer along with Pinkie Pie. He was also very close friends with Sunset and the other tuba girls. “Come on, we gotta get some practice in before the rally,” Flash pointed out. “Right, uh, sorry, Flash,” Wiz Kid said nervously. Flash and a few others had already guessed that Wiz Kid had a huge crush on Adagio and that he wasn’t about to let that slip just yet. A little later, it was time for the marching band to perform at the pep rally. And they did, indeed, do a stupendous field show. Sonata, on her part, made sure to play her tuba loud and proud as did her sisters and their other tuba playing friends as well. As soon as the field show was done, it was time for Sunset Shimmer to perform her solo. The band was walking off the football field and conversing. “Ah don’t know about yall, but I think we totally rocked the field show,” Applejack commented. “Are you kidding?” Rainbow Dash chimed in with a big smile on her face. “That’s not even a question! We totally rocked it!” “Yeah, great job, Girls,” Sunset congratulated her tuba playing friends. She turned to Sonata. “And you too, Sonata. You and your sisters were really getting into it.” “Well, you’ve got that right,” Adagio commented. “Aw, thanks,” Sonata said sheepishly. Aria, on the other hand, looked to the sousaphone she had around herself and couldn’t help thinking, “I love playing my tuba.” It was then that the voice of Principal Celestia was heard over the speaker, “And now, we conclude this evening’s pep rally with Sunset Shimmer playing her tuba solo.” “Well, wish me luck, Girls,” Sunset spoke up. “Go get em, Sunset,” Applejack said. “Yeah, you’ve got this,” Twilight added. Sunset went out onto the field with her sousaphone before facing the bleachers. She took a deep breath and started blowing into her sousaphone’s mouthpiece. The solo was tremendous. The crowd was enamored by Sunset’s excellent playing. In the bleachers, Moondancer, a close friend of Twilight and Sunset's watched as Sunset continued blowing her sousaphone. "She is good," Moondancer commented. As soon as Sunset was finished with her solo, the crowd gave a massive round of applause. Sunset took a bow before walking off the field. Sonata squealed in excitement, “That was amazing!” “That was so awesome!” Rainbow commented in excitement. “That was very impressive,” Twilight added. “Yall did well, Sunset,” Applejack agreed. Sunset smiled, “Thanks, Girls.” “Hey, Girls,” Twilight got everyone’s attention. “Now that the pep rally is over, do you want to go over to my have and jam on our sousaphones for a bit.” “Great idea, Twilight!” Sonata said in excitement. “We’re totally in,” Aria added with a smirk. “Yeah, Ah don’t know about yall, but I ain’t ready to stop playing yet,” Applejack spoke up. “Me neither,” Rainbow added. “Um, I don’t suppose I could join you,” Fluttershy asked nervously. “Even though I play the flute in the band, I do play the tuba outside of school.” “Of course, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said happily. “Mind if me and Trixie join you too?” Juniper asked. “Not at all,” Twilight said with a smile. “Hey, Rarity, wanna join us with your clarinet?” Sunset called to her clarinet playing friend. “Oh, thank you, but no, Darlings,” Rarity politely declined. “I’m all musically funned out for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Alright, thanks, anyway,” Sunset spoke. “Well, her loss,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Oooh, can I join in?” Pinkie asked in a hyper voice. “I can be your drummer! I love drumming along with tuba music!” “Of course, Pinkie,” Sonata answered with a big smile. "We love having you drum with us." Pinkie squealed in excitement, “This is going to be so much fun!” “Then it’s settled,” Twilight spoke up. “We’ll meet up at my house in a little while for a little more musical fun.” “Yeah!!!” The young musicians all cheered. To Be Continued...
Home PracticeSunset Shimmer was getting ready to indulge in one of her favorite past times: tuba practice for marching band. She had her sousaphone assembled and placed it over her shoulder. After taking a breath, Sunset blew a few notes into her sousaphone. Then she got her cellphone and opened a metronome app which she used to keep time while playing. She started marching in place along with the rhythm of the metronome before playing a G scale on her sousaphone. Then a B Flat scale. Then a C Scale. Then an F scale. Sunset could play the tuba very well. After all she had been playing since 3rd grade and was a tuba prodigy. It was then that Sunset heard her doorbell ring. She went to the door and opened before seeing her best friend Twilight Sparkle on the other side smiling. Twilight was also a tuba prodigy as she’d been playing since she was in 3rd grade as well. Sunset smiled, “Hey, Twilight.” “Hey, Sunset,” Twilight waved in response. Sunset noticed that Twilight had a sousaphone case beside her. “Did you come here to practice with me?” Sunset asked her tuba playing friend. “I sure did,” Twilight spoke. “Sorry I came on such short notice.” “It’s no bother, Twilight,” Sunset said with a wave of her hand. “Come on in.” Twilight brought her sousaphone case inside, before following Sunset into her basement which was where she always practiced. Twilight noticed that Sunset’s sousaphone was already put together and she had a stand set up with sheet music on it. “Were you practicing before I came in, Sunset?” Twilight asked. Sunset gained a look of pride, “Yep. A true musician always practices to ensure a fantastic performance.” “I know the feeling,” Twilight responded. “That’s exactly what I always do.” “Good to know,” Sunset nodded. “I bet all of our friends feel the same way.” “That they do,” Twilight agrees. Twilight assembles her sousaphone and puts it over her shoulder. She and Sunset agree to play a song which would be a stand tune for marching band. As soon as they set up the metronome again, Sunset and Twilight blow the marching tune on their sousaphones in perfect unison. As soon as they finish, Twilight and Sunset looked at each other. “I think we’re definitely ready for the pep rally this weekend,” Sunset commented. Twilight nodded back to her tuba playing friend, “I agree.” “I bet Rainbow, Applejack and the others are practicing just as hard,” Sunset speculated. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were two of Twilight and Sunset’s friends who also played the tuba. “Wouldn’t put it past them,” Twilight spoke. “Especially, Sonata and her sisters.” “Yeah, those three are like tuba legends,” Sunset couldn't help saying. That was true. Sonata, Aria and Adagio were three of the best tubists in CHS besides Sunset and Twilight. “Not to mention that Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie are working hard on their instruments,” Twilight reminded. Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were three more friends of Twilight and Sunset who were in the marching band. Rarity played the clarinet. Pinkie played the bass drum. And Fluttershy played the flute. “That's what being an excellent musician is all about,” Sunset pointed out. “Too true,” Twilight added. “Of course, the fun part about playing the tuba is just playing notes like this,” Sunset took a breath and played a D note before playing a low G note on her sousaphone. Twilight chuckled, “I hear that.” “Wanna keep practicing?” Sunset asked. Twilight nodded, “You know it.” To be continued... Author's Note AN: This series takes place in an Alternate Universe where the Equestria Girls characters are in their high school marching band and therefore Equestria doesn’t exist. I know this isn’t what I usually do. This is something I just wanted to try.
Meeting For PracticeFluttershy was setting up her flute while she waited for her friends to meet her in the gym. In order to be ready for the pep rally on Friday, it was agreed that the girls would meet in the gym to practice. Fluttershy also played the tuba, but that was something she would play outside of school. Fluttershy blew a flurry of notes on her flute. “Hey, Fluttershy!” a voice said behind her. “Eeep!” Fluttershy was slightly startled. She calmed down when she saw that it was her best friend, Rainbow Dash standing behind her. Rainbow also had her sousaphone on her right shoulder. “Oh, Rainbow, you startled me,” Fluttershy spoke timidly to her childhood friend. “Yeah, sorry about that,” Rainbow apologized. “You ready for band practice?” “I sure am,” Fluttershy nodded. “But we still have to wait for the others to show up.” “Well,” Rainbow gained a mischievous look. “I’m sure they won’t mind if I blow a few tuba notes before they show up.” Rainbow Dash put her mouthpiece up to her lips and blew half a G scale on her sousaphone. “That sounds really nice, Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy commented. “Yeah, the tuba is awesome, isn’t it?” Rainbow commented. “I always feel awesome when I play it.” “Ah hear that,” the two girls heard a country sounding voice come from behind them. They turned to see the one who had just spoken Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie come into the gym. Applejack had a sousaphone on her right shoulder, Rarity had a clarinet in her hand and Pinkie Pie was carrying a bass drum. “Hey, Girls,” Rainbow waved. “Made it in a nick of time.” “Well, when you asked us to get together for practice there was no we were gonna say no,” Applejack spoke. “I agree, Darling,” Rarity spoke up. “One must specialize in playing with groups in order to be excellent as an individual musician. And I must admit playing along with all of you on my clarinet is more than enjoyable.” “I totally agree!” Pinkie squealed in excitement. “I just love keeping the beat on my bass drum, while you and AJ blow on your tubas, Fluttershy plays shrill notes on her flute and Rarity plays wonderful melodies on her clarinet! It’s so much fun!” Rainbow Dash chuckled, “Love the enthusiasm, Pinkie.” “Remember, though, Pinkie,” Applejack chimed in. “Rainbow and Ah aren't the only tuba girls in our little group of musicians.” “Oh, yeah,” Pinkie realized. “Where are Twilight and Sunset anyway? And didn’t Sonata and her sisters say they’d be joining us too?” “They should be here in a bit,” Applejack said. “Here we are, Girls,” Sunset’s voice came. The girls turned to see Sunset and Twilight walk in with their sousaphones on. “Hey, there, Sunset and Twilight,” Applejack waved to them. “Glad you could make it, Darlings,” Rarity spoke. "We'd never miss practicing our tubas with you girls," Twilight spoke with a smile. “Well, that's why you two are two of the best tubists in school after all,” Rainbow commented. Sunset chuckled, “You are too, Rainbow Dash.” “Ah know I couldn’t go a day without blowing my tuba,” Applejack commented. “Well, then give us a note, AJ,” Rainbow suggested. “Well, since you asked,” Applejack said. Applejack took a breath and blew a D, a C, a B an A and a low G note into her sousaphone and held it for five seconds. The girls clapped for her. “Way to go, AJ!” Rainbow cheered. “You’re an incredible tubist just like the rest of us,” Sunset commented. “I agree,” Twilight added. “Aww, thanks, partners,” Applejack said in appreciation. “Hey, don’t start the music party without us,” a new voice came. The girls turned to see Sonata Dusk, who had just spoken, coming their way, wearing her sousaphone. Behind her were her sisters, Aria Blaze and Adagio Dazzle who had sousaphones too. “Sonata!” Pinkie squealed in excitement to see another one of her best friends. “Hey, Pinkie!” Sonata said with a friendly wave. “You girls ready to fill this gym with tuba music and music from other instruments?” “We sure are!” Pinkie squealed in excitement. “Right, everybody?” The girls murmured in agreement. “Have you and your sisters been practicing a lot, Sonata?” Sunset asked her tuba playing friend. “I sure have,” Sonata answered with pride. “I always aim to be one of the best tubists this school has ever had.” “You’re not the only one, Sonata,” Aria chimed in. “I’m just as good a tuba player as you are, remember.” “Relax, Aria, I didn’t forget,” Sonata assured. “You fell in love with playing the tuba at the same time I did.” “Oh, yes, I remember that well,” Adagio spoke up. “You and Sonata haven't stopped playing those tubas of yours since second grade.” Aria blushed slightly before she retorted, “Well, you didn’t either, Adagio.” Adagio shrugged, “Well, that’s true.” “Alright, girls,” Sonata spoke up. “Listen to this.” Sonata took a deep breath and blew a flurry of low notes ranging from D to low G into her sousaphone. The girls clapped. “Way to go, Sonata,” Twilight cheered. “I can also play, When The Saints Go Marching In,” Sonata pointed out. “Hey, Rarity, mind giving me a little backup on that clarinet of yours?” “Well, of course, Darling,” Rarity gratefully accepted. Sonata giggled with delight before a counted in, “A 1,2,3,4,5… Sonata started blowing a jazzy tuba rendition of When The Saints Go Marching In on her sousaphone. The key was in B Flat. Rarity soon joined in on her clarinet. When the two musicians finished the song , the other girls cheered loudly for them. “That was amazing!” Fluttershy commented. “Darn tootin, it was,” Applejack added. Sonata took a bow. “Thanks, Girls,” Sonata said with a smile. “I’ve been practicing. And you’re clarinet playing is spot on, Rarity.” “Why thank you, Darling,” Rarity said in appreciation. “Well, I can hold a note on a tuba for 15 seconds,” Aria chimed in. “Really,” Rainbow spoke with curiosity. “Then show us.” “Gladly,” Aria took a deep breath and blew a long low G note into her sousaphone that lasted fifteen seconds just like she said she would. The girls clapped and cheered for her. “Man, you’ve got mighty strong lungs, Aria,” Applejack commented in amazement. “Well, playing the tuba since second grade will do that to you,” Aria pointed out. “And listen to this…” Aria took a deep breath and played a Low G on her sousaphone before shifting to Low A Flat and back to Low G. The other girls clapped for their pig-tailed tuba playing friend. “Nice notes, Aria,” Twilight said in amazement. "Thank you, you're too kind," Aria said as she took a bow. “How about you, Adagio?” Sunset spoke to the orange haired sister. “Do you want to play anything for us?” Adagio shrugged, “Well, since you asked.” Adagio started marching across the gym while playing a classic marching tune on her sousaphone. Her movements were like struts as she was playing. As soon as she finished, the girls clapped. “Way to go, Adagio,” Sunset commented. “Why, thank you, thank you, you’re too kind,” Adagio said as she took a bow. “Alright, everybody,” Sunset got the other girl's attention. “We’ve still got to practice for the pep rally on Friday. You with me on this?” “Yeah!!!” the other girls cheered. Sunset nodded, “Then let’s get started.” To be continued...
Gym Tuba PracticeAN: Just a reminder that this series takes place in an alternate universe where the characters are in a marching band and Equestria doesn’t exist. Sonata Dusk, one of Canterlot High School’s best tuba players, was walking to the gym while carrying her sousaphone on her right shoulder. It was just after school at Canterlot High. Most students have already gone home. There were a few students that had stayed after school either for after school clubs or other important endeavors. Sonata, on her part, decided to partake in one of her favorite after school activities in the world… tuba practice with her friends. Sometimes, she or her sisters would just go to the gym and play their sousaphones with the doors of the gym open, so that any students passing by could hear them. Sonata loved just playing her sousaphone and drawing a crowd into the gym. Which was what she was about to do at this very moment. Sonata walked onto the stage with her sousaphone around her. She took a breath and started blowing her few tunes into her sousaphone. She often delighted in blowing tuba tunes with notes like C, Low B flat and Low G. Aria and Adagio were walking through the hallway and conversing as they did so. “We’re gonna totally rock the pep rally with the marching band, aren’t we, Adagio?” Aria asked. “No doubts there,” Adagio said in agreement. “Especially Sunset, since it’s her turn to play a tuba solo at the rally.” Aria chuckled, “Oh, yeah, she always gets excited when she gets to play a tuba solo at a pep rally or football.” It was then that they heard Sonata’s tuba music coming from the gym. “Who do you think’s playing tuba music in the gym this time?” Aria asked. “Only one way to find out,” Adagio said before developing a smirk. “And I have a pretty good idea who.” The two girls walked into the gym and saw that sure enough, their sister, Sonata was standing on the stage blowing into her sousaphone like a boss. As soon as she stopped whatever tune she was playing at the time she heard the sound of cheering and looked down to see Aria and Adagio. Sonata chuckled and took a bow. “Well, it looks like I already drew a crowd,” Sonata spoke. “We want more! We want more!” Adagio and Aria chanted. “Alrighty then,” Sonata spoke with enthusiasm. She took a deep breath a blew two Low As into her sousaphone before blowing a Low G and another Low A. “For my next tuba number on my sousaphone, I’ll be playing a rousing tuba rendition of a song that people today would consider, ‘an oldie’,” Sonata informed her audience. Sonata starts blowing a tuba rendition of Touch Me by The Doors into her sousaphone. The more Aria and Adagio her Sonata play, the more they felt like playing their own sousaphones. “I suddenly have the urge to just start oompahing on my sousaphone,” Aria spoke up. “You’re not the only one,” Adagio pointed out. “Man, she is good,” a voice came from behind them. Aria and Adagio turned around and saw Juniper Montage coming toward them. Juniper was also a member of the marching band and she played the tuba as well. “Hey, Juniper,” Aria waved. “What brings you here?” Adagio asked. “Oh, just being drawn in by Sonata’s awesome tuba sounds,” Juniper answered. “I know the feeling,” Aria spoke with a chuckle. “I know I’m really good at the tuba,” Juniper started saying. “But you three and Sunset, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack and Trixie are like… tuba legends in this school.” “Well, guilty as charged,” Adagio said with a look of pride. “Hey, don’t worry about it, Juniper,” Aria said. “You can really bring the oompah just like the rest of us.” “Thanks,” Juniper spoke. “My uncle’s told me that I’m a fantastic tuba player multiple times. He loves hearing me play.” “I’ll bet he does,” Aria said. “Speaking of bringing the oompah, Aria,” Adagio said with a smirk. “You do have an excellent way of doing that on your tuba.” “Yeah? Your point?” Aria asked with a raised eyebrow. “It’s almost like someone could call you, Oompahria,” Adagio explained. Aria’s eyes widened with interest, “Oompahria?” “Hey, yeah, I like that,” Aria said in excitement. “Oompahria Blaze. Has a nice ring to it.” “I like it,” Juniper added. Adagio chuckled, “Alright then, Oompahria.” “Now I really wanna get home and get my oompah on with my sousaphone,” Aria said. As soon as Sonata finished the song she was playing, Adagio, Aria and Juniper started clapping and cheering for her. “Thank you, thank you, you’re too kind,” Sonata said as she took a bow. “Hey, Sonata!” Adagio called out to her sister. “Aria and I are going to head home to practice on our sousaphones. Wanna come with?” Sonata smiled big time, “You know it!” To be continued…
Pep Rally Tuba Solot was Friday night in Canterlot and all of the members of the Canterlot High School Marching Band were gathering in the band room and getting ready to play at their school’s pep rally. Everyone in the tuba section already had their sousaphones set up and were ready to play and getting a little practice in before they got started. The members of the tuba section included Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Adagio Dazzle, Aria “Oompahria” Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Trixie Lulumoon and Juniper Montage. Sunset was especially excited because she was going to play a tuba solo at the pep rally. Aria and Sonata were both playing scales on their sousaphones. Adagio was making sure her sousaphone’s valves were oiled. Trixie was polishing her own sousaphone with a rag. Everyone else was just waiting in anticipation. “Well, it looks like everybody is ready for the pep rally, huh, Sunset,” Applejack commented. “We sure are, Applejack,” Sunset agreed. “Yeah, and it looks like everybody is really getting into it,” Twilight speculated. “Well, Sonata and her sisters do love playing the tuba more than anything else,” Sunset pointed out. “I hear that,” Rainbow Dash added. Just then, Fluttershy came walking with her flute in hand. “Hey, Sunset, are you excited to play your tuba solo at the pep rally today?” Fluttershy asked. Sunset nodded vigorously, “I sure am.” “Well, Sunset Shimmer,” Trixie Lulumoon started speaking. “I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, am happy for you. However, know that next time it will be I, Trixie who will play a tuba solo for a rally or football game.” “Don’t worry about it, Trixie,” Sunset assured. “I already made sure to tell Baton Switch to make you the tuba soloist for the next football game.” “And for that, Trixie thanks you,” Trixie continued speaking in the third person. “And assures her tuba playing friends that she will play a Great and Powerful tuba solo on her Great and Powerful sousaphone.” Aria leaned in and whispered to Adagio, “Why does she speak in the third person again?” Adagio shrugged, “Just a quirk, I guess.” Sonata blew five second low B Flat on her sousaphone. “Well, I for one enjoy playing my sousaphone and concert tuba whether it be by myself or with other people,” Sonata pointed out. “And I am so ready to blow my big horn at the pep rally today!” Adagio smirked, “Yeah, we’ve noticed.” After Adagio finished oiling the valves on her sousaphone, she lifted up her instrument and put it on. She then started blowing a B flat scale on her sousaphone. She was unaware that from a distance, she was being watched by a boy with brown hair and holding a trumpet in his hand. The boy seemed to be captivated by Adagio’s tuba playing along with her looks. “Hey, Wiz,” a voice spoke to the boy. He turned to see Flash Sentry standing behind him. He too was a bass drummer along with Pinkie Pie. He was also very close friends with Sunset and the other tuba girls. “Come on, we gotta get some practice in before the rally,” Flash pointed out. “Right, uh, sorry, Flash,” Wiz Kid said nervously. Flash and a few others had already guessed that Wiz Kid had a huge crush on Adagio and that he wasn’t about to let that slip just yet. A little later, it was time for the marching band to perform at the pep rally. And they did, indeed, do a stupendous field show. Sonata, on her part, made sure to play her tuba loud and proud as did her sisters and their other tuba playing friends as well. As soon as the field show was done, it was time for Sunset Shimmer to perform her solo. The band was walking off the football field and conversing. “Ah don’t know about yall, but I think we totally rocked the field show,” Applejack commented. “Are you kidding?” Rainbow Dash chimed in with a big smile on her face. “That’s not even a question! We totally rocked it!” “Yeah, great job, Girls,” Sunset congratulated her tuba playing friends. She turned to Sonata. “And you too, Sonata. You and your sisters were really getting into it.” “Well, you’ve got that right,” Adagio commented. “Aw, thanks,” Sonata said sheepishly. Aria, on the other hand, looked to the sousaphone she had around herself and couldn’t help thinking, “I love playing my tuba.” It was then that the voice of Principal Celestia was heard over the speaker, “And now, we conclude this evening’s pep rally with Sunset Shimmer playing her tuba solo.” “Well, wish me luck, Girls,” Sunset spoke up. “Go get em, Sunset,” Applejack said. “Yeah, you’ve got this,” Twilight added. Sunset went out onto the field with her sousaphone before facing the bleachers. She took a deep breath and started blowing into her sousaphone’s mouthpiece. The solo was tremendous. The crowd was enamored by Sunset’s excellent playing. In the bleachers, Moondancer, a close friend of Twilight and Sunset's watched as Sunset continued blowing her sousaphone. "She is good," Moondancer commented. As soon as Sunset was finished with her solo, the crowd gave a massive round of applause. Sunset took a bow before walking off the field. Sonata squealed in excitement, “That was amazing!” “That was so awesome!” Rainbow commented in excitement. “That was very impressive,” Twilight added. “Yall did well, Sunset,” Applejack agreed. Sunset smiled, “Thanks, Girls.” “Hey, Girls,” Twilight got everyone’s attention. “Now that the pep rally is over, do you want to go over to my have and jam on our sousaphones for a bit.” “Great idea, Twilight!” Sonata said in excitement. “We’re totally in,” Aria added with a smirk. “Yeah, Ah don’t know about yall, but I ain’t ready to stop playing yet,” Applejack spoke up. “Me neither,” Rainbow added. “Um, I don’t suppose I could join you,” Fluttershy asked nervously. “Even though I play the flute in the band, I do play the tuba outside of school.” “Of course, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said happily. “Mind if me and Trixie join you too?” Juniper asked. “Not at all,” Twilight said with a smile. “Hey, Rarity, wanna join us with your clarinet?” Sunset called to her clarinet playing friend. “Oh, thank you, but no, Darlings,” Rarity politely declined. “I’m all musically funned out for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.” “Alright, thanks, anyway,” Sunset spoke. “Well, her loss,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “Oooh, can I join in?” Pinkie asked in a hyper voice. “I can be your drummer! I love drumming along with tuba music!” “Of course, Pinkie,” Sonata answered with a big smile. "We love having you drum with us." Pinkie squealed in excitement, “This is going to be so much fun!” “Then it’s settled,” Twilight spoke up. “We’ll meet up at my house in a little while for a little more musical fun.” “Yeah!!!” The young musicians all cheered. To Be Continued...
