Baritone/Euphonium — Jeffrey Mayo

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What is the Difference Between Baritone and Euphonium?

The baritone horn consists of a small, mostly cylindrical bore, meaning that the tubing stays mostly the same size throughout the instrument. The bell is small, and the instrument is compact.
The euphonium is a conical instrument, meaning that the tubing mostly gets wider from the lead pipe to the bell. It has a larger bell, larger bore, and tends to produce a more full sound.

Considerations For Those Looking to Play The Baritone/Euphonium

The baritone/euphonium tends to fill the room with sound and has a beautiful tone.
Although it is not as well known, it is one of the most important instruments in the band.
The instrument tends to be pretty easy when starting off, but is challenging to become good at. Consistent practice habits are required to develop on this instrument.
Tongue manipulation (flat vs. arched) is required to develop on this instrument.
Solid baritone/euphonium players usually get a pretty decent bit of scholarship money to college.
Ultimately, students who work hard, practice consistently, and are driven to better themselves will likely have the greatest success no matter the instrument.

Considerations When Buying A Baritone/Euphonium

Beginner –Beginner instruments are designed to get a fundamental sound while being durable; this is so that the student can get used to handling the instrument. They normally have a lacquer finish. They are mostly machine made and have a different metal composition than the upper models. The mouthpiece size is usually small shank, as the bore size (wideness of tubing) is smaller than the upper level models.
Intermediate – Intermediate instruments sometimes have a fourth valve, which allows for some notes to be played between in tune and for more range on the instrument. Intermediate instruments usually have a wider bore (tubing size), higher quality of metal composition, are handmade in some areas, and are usually silver or gold plated. The mouthpiece size is usually large shank, as the bore is larger.
Professional – Professional baritone/euphoniums are usually almost entirely handmade and a fourth valve or compensating system. They have a larger bore size, are made of high-quality brass, and are usually silver or gold plated. They can have specific features, such as different bore sizes, finishes, valve types, and bells. The mouthpiece size is usually large shank, as the bore is larger.
For more information on the compensating system, watch this video - Geoff Durbin - Understanding the Compensating System
Simply put, as you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced, the instruments are made of higher quality materials, progress from primarily being machine made to handmade, slightly larger bore size (tubing), better tuning from note to note, and better resonance. Beginning instruments are built more to get a basic sound and stand through durability so that a musician can learn to take care of it. Intermediate and advanced instruments are more focused on the sound of the instrument.
If you do not know what these differences are or know if they would be valuable to you, consult a professional. I am not claiming to be a professional, but you could contact me as well. A simple google search can also inform you of the basics.

Which Clef?

If you start as a baritone/euphonium performer, you most often begin learning the bass clef. This is also the clef that most literature for the instrument is written in.
At times, trumpet players switch to baritone/euphonium for the need, due to growth, or due to braces. Treble clef parts are used because of the similar fingering system. However, it is recommended that if these students stay on the instrument, they likely need to begin to learn bass clef, as most of the literature for the instrument is written in bass clef.
Bass clef parts are usually abbreviated BC
Treble clef parts are usually abbreviated TC

Recommended Mouthpieces

Always check your shank size before purchasing a mouthpiece.
Beginner – Bach 6 1/2AL; Yamaha 48
Intermediate/Advanced – Schilke 51D; Bach 5G; Yamaha 51C4

Recommended Brand of Instrument

Yamaha
Miraphone
Besson
Wilson

Recommended Listening

Steven Mead
Brian Bowman
David Childs
Sheona White
Harvey Phillips
Misa Mead
Billy Miller
Arisa Makita
Katrina Marzella
Ann-Julie Skarpmo
Toru Miura
Kenneth Amis

Some Recommended Method/Technique/Etude/Collection Books

It is a commonality for many baritone/euphonium players to sometimes use books for trombone.
Rubank Elementary Method
The Rubank Intermediate Method
The Rubank Advanced Method
Voxman – Concert and Contest Collection
Voxman – Selected Studies
Rubank – Supplementary Studies
Arban – Complete Method
Clarke – Technical Studies BC
Clarke – Characteristic Studies
Collins – Advanced Lip Flexibility
Beeler – Method for Baritone Horn
Yaus – Rhythmical Studeis
Mueller – Technical Studies for Trombone
Lin – Lip Flecibilities
Charlier – 36 Etudes
Bordongi – Melodious Studies for Trombone