Jim Self

[bisontuba]

From ITEA on Facebook...

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jim Self, a cherished member of the ITEA family and a true inspiration to all.

Jim Self’s passing marks the loss of a visionary artist and educator who was one of the most influential tuba players in history. Jim also served as president of ITEA and was a recipient of the 2008 ITEA Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a guiding influence on our organization throughout his entire career, and, for many, a great friend.

“Jim Self represented the highest ideals and levels of artistry, creativity, and generosity. His quest to promote the tuba was nothing short of exceptional. As a composer, he pushed the limits as a solo instrument, encouraged composers to explore more features for the instrument, and developed a world wide reputation. His generosity to ITEA, and many universities only reinforce his dedication to education and the development of future generations and solidifies his legacy as one of the finest champions of our instrument.” Adam Frey (ITEA President)

“Jim Self was a legend, mentor, friend, and teacher to countless musicians. His contributions to the world were nothing short of extraordinary. Recently, my students and I experienced firsthand his professionalism, tenacity, talent, wisdom, and unwavering passion for his art along with his sincere belief in caring for one another. It was deeply inspiring for us all. The ITEA community will remain forever grateful for his guidance, generosity, and benevolence. Jim’s selflessness has enabled organizations and universities to support future musicians through numerous scholarships and endowments. Simply put, he has touched, helped and inspired more lives than words can express.” - Velvet Brown (ITEA Vice President)

“Jim was deeply committed to the tuba and euphonium community. His support of the organization was extraordinarily generous. As president of ITEA, I would often turn to him for advice. Jim was, and will always be, an inspiration and a guiding light to me and countless others.” - Oystein Baadsvik (ITEA Past President )

Please watch Jim as he takes us through his home and career through his eyes.



Jim’s influence on ITEA goes back many decades. In 2014, Jim’s legacy was further solidified with the endowment of the “ITEA Jim and Jamie Self Creative Award.” This award encourages and promotes new thinking from current ITEA members that will have a profound effect on the future of our instruments.

https://iteaonline.org/ac/itea-jim-and- ... ive-award/

Jim also focused on composing and awarding scholarships to many tuba and euphonium players as they build their own careers. Beth Mitchell states, “Jim was thrilled about being busy and always excited, looking toward the “next thing.” He left a tremendous legacy with the scholarships."

Jim will be missed but will live on through his recordings, Award, compositions, and long history of generosity. ITEA’s thoughts go out to Jim’s wife, Jamie and family, and the thousands of students and colleagues he inspired around the globe.

Learn more about Jim and his amazing career here:

https://thelegacyofjohnwilliams.com/202 ... f-podcast/

ITEA encourages all to share their fondest memories and/or media.

[Billy M.]

I really wanted to have a lesson with him. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted in this time.

[tofu]

Truly sorry to hear this. He was a fantastic player and did so much for the instrument and its image. He leaves behind an amazing body of work. Like any Bassett Hound you meet you could not help but like Jim Self.

[catgrowlB]

Very sad to hear about
Jim played on so many classic movies that I grew up with, and he did so much for the tuba in many other ways. Home Alone 1 & 2, Casper, Dennis the Menace, Hook, and many other movies have lots of nice little tuba solos in them. One of my favorite players; he will be missed.

[Bandmaster]

I was so sad to hear about Jim's passing at my rehearsal last Tuesday night. He was my Tuba teacher when I was at Long Beach State University in 1976-77. I kept in touch with him every year at the Los Angeles Tuba Christmas and was really looking forward to visiting with him again next month. Rest in Peace Dear Sir!

[Yadent]

At a British Brass Band rehearsal this past weekend in SoCal, some of us were discussing the passing of Mr. Self. The band's percussionist mentioned that he had met Mr.Self some years ago at an aviation get together as both are/were pilots. They talked about planes, piloting, things non-musical. Finally towards the end of their chat, my band-mate asked Mr. Self about some of the films he had participated in, especially Close Encounters. Mr. Self said that there was 3 tuba players on set for that film and that he was given the part of the voice of the mother ship because, according to the director, his tuba sounded the 'worst'.
I had seen Jim Self play with the Pacific Symphony a few times while I lived in the San Diego area. Was under his baton for 7 L.A. tuba Xmas's, one of which I was able to chat briefly with him in a side room at one of the Forest Lawn locales, when he spied my newly acquired Wilson 3400 and asked how I liked it. Very nice and gracious man.

A link to his flying adventures: https://www.bassethoundmusic.com/jim-se ... g-memoirs/