Of all the instruments in Sussex Tech High School marching band, Rob Johnson admits he might play the most awkward one. Weighing more than 30 pounds, his big, shiny tuba is hard just to lug around, he says, not to mention to play while staying in cadence.

Practicing the versatile instrument since fifth grade, the 16- year-old junior says he has a pretty good handle on it now. In fact, his blooming musical ability has not only earned him the distinction of the brass instrument section leader; it has also started to garner attention from colleges in neighboring states.

Joining other young musical prospects at Penn State University this summer, Rob participated in a grueling band camp to hone his technique. Performing at the Eisenhower Performance Hall on campus, he was glad to be one of very few students experienced in playing the tuba.

“The instrument isn’t for everyone – most kids choose the saxophone or trumpet,” he said. “There are a lot of great players out there, but with the tuba … not so much,” he said with a laugh. Finishing the program before the start of school, he said it gave him confidence to play his best in what is shaping up to be a busy year.

Rob is fundraising with other Sussex Tech Ravens band members, hoping to attend this year’s Gator Bowl Championship in Jacksonville, Fla., held Jan. 1.

If the music program raises enough money to attend the event, he said, Sussex Tech could be featured on network television news. He is also looking forward to joining his school at an annual Veterans Day Festival in November, where the Ravens’ marching abilities will also be on parade.

While Rob says practicing the tuba and performing at events rank among his favorite activities, his instrument has also led him down another path. The one thing he likes better than a perfect recital, he said, is teaching others to love music.

“When you’re just starting out, a lot of times playing music is hard.

“Whether it’s reading the notes or learning a new song, it can be frustrating. That’s one thing that I like helping people with. If you keep on trying, it’s going to click eventually and everything is going to work out,” he said.

“One of my favorite things is helping people reach that point,” he said.

With a desire to major in music education in college, Rob says one day he hopes to become a band director.

“I really like music, and I like to tell people all about it,” he said, “so I figure what could be better than having a job where I can teach people about music all the time?”

Earning honors, including being named All County First Chair Tuba, said Rob’s mother Ginny Dugge, Rob is already well prepared for what will be an intense musical curriculum in college.

“He has always been very dedicated to playing,” said Dugge. “When he first came home and told me he was going to be playing the tuba, I said, ‘Couldn’t you have picked a smaller instrument?’”

“Now I just figure it’s better than carrying around a string harp,” she joked.

Perfectly matched with the tuba, Rob says no other instrument could have been as useful or fun as playing the brass goliath. Even though it might mean a few more pounds to carry around while marching, he says the instrument’s wide tonal range and bright, shiny looks make it second to none.

“It can do everything from being loud and booming to playing really low notes about the same tone as the human voice,” he said. “Looking back on it right now, I know it was definitely the right choice.”

Johnson said while practice has helped him develop his musical abilities, he would not have been as successful without the support of his family, his teachers and his grandparents.

For more information on how to help the Sussex Tech Ravens be featured in the upcoming Gator Bowl, visit www.sussexvt.k12.de.us/web. The band will be under the direction of Marching Leader Harvey Bullock.