Sousaphone

The Sousaphone (スーザフォーン) is a brass instrument in the same family as the more widely known tuba. Created around 1893 by J.W. Pepper at the direction of American bandleader John Philip Sousa (after whom the instrument was then named), it was designed to be easier to play than the concert tuba while standing or marching, as well as to carry the sound of the instrument above the heads of the band. Like the tuba, sound is produced by moving air past the lips, causing them to vibrate or "buzz" into a large cupped mouthpiece. Unlike the tuba, the instrument wraps around the player's waist, making it easier to carry while marching. It typically has three piston valves, but there are also models with four valves to increase range. It is most commonly used in marching bands.

Trivia

 * Hazuki Katou's, Satsuki Suzuki's and Mirei Suzuki's sousaphones are based on Yamaha YSH-301 model.