Helicon
Circularly wound tuba carried over the shoulder.
What it means
The helicon is a bass instrument of the tuba family whose tubing is wound in a circle so that it can be carried over the shoulder. The large, upward-pointing bell rises above the player's head. The name goes back to the Greek “helix” for “winding.”
Musical use
The helicon was developed in the 19th century for military music, because bass instruments can be carried comfortably while marching. Its sound is deep and powerful and gives wind bands their foundation. From the helicon later came the sousaphone, whose bell points forward and which is used in American marching bands and early jazz. In orchestras the bass tuba or contrabass tuba is played instead.
The helicon should be distinguished from the upright bass tuba, which rests on the lap, and from the sousaphone with its forward-pointing bell. It also differs from the French horn, which despite the name has a much higher range.
Performance practice
On the helicon, watch your posture, since the instrument sits heavily on the shoulder; keep your hands free for the valves and breathe deeply. Play with a round, even tone and let the bass carry rhythmically securely, especially in a march.