Band Parent POEM

EUPHONIUMS

They are not that well known outside of the band hall,
Orchestras do not use them, nor jazz bands you recall,
Its not that they are disliked, just forgotten, that's all.
Alas, the poor euphoniums.

When played well they pour out some quite beautiful tones.
But they rarely get music they can play on their own,
They just double the tubas, or else the trombones.
Alas, the poor euphoniums.

The trumpets play up high, where the melodies dwell,
The tubas play the bass line, and are real huge as well.
But stuck there in the middle, all the euphs seem just dull.
Alas, the poor euphoniums.

Even when they're together, they don't all feel in place,
For they were cursed at Babel, its a very sad case,
Half of them read in treble while the others read bass.
Alas, the poor euphoniums.

They have suffered sad slights since the day they were born,
Even friends wrongly say they are "baritone horns".
Any wonder they sound just a wee bit forlorn?
Alas, the poor euphoniums.

Copyright George Yenetchi, 1997