What is TubaChristmas?

2022 is the 48th anniversary for TUBACHRISTMAS concerts/events which are presented throughout the world! TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Through the legendary William J. Bell we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given us high performance standards, well structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists. The first TUBACHRISTMAS was conducted by Paul Lavalle in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Traditional Christmas music performed at the first TUBACHRISTMAS was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder who ironically died on Christmas Eve, 1980. Wilder composed many solo and ensemble compositions for tuba and euphonium. He was a loyal supporter of every effort to improve the literature and public image of our chosen instruments. Through Alec Wilder we express our respect and gratitude to all composers who continue to embrace our instruments with their compositions and contribute to the ever growing solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium.

INTERESTED PERFORMERS:

For all tuba, euphonium, baritone, and trombone players high school age and older: registration begins at 4:00pm, with a brief rehearsal to start at 4:15pm followed by our performance at 5:30pm. Please note that the organization that officially sanctions TubaChristmas events across the nation, the Harvey Phillips Foundation, requires a participation fee of $10 (cash or check; we are not able to process credit/debit cards).

We ask that performers bring a folding stand. Chairs and music will be available for use. Participants are encouraged to dress in bright, festive, holiday colors and decorate your instrument.

QUESTIONS: Contact TubaChristmas Coordinator: Mark Springer 320-266-7470 mspringer@stcloudstate.edu