THE 22ND ANNUAL MINNESOTA TUBACHRISTMAS CONCERT AND SING-A-LONG
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13TH, 4 PM
Imagine over one hundred tubas festively decorated playing "Joy to the World!" The 22nd annual Minnesota TUBACHRISTMAS Concert and Sing-a-Long, directed by Carol Jensen, will take place Sunday, December 13th at 4 PM in the historic sanctuary of Central Presbyterian Church, 500 Cedar Street, downtown St. Paul. Tubas and euphoniums of all shapes and sizes will fill the historic sanctuary, playing holiday favorites and accompanying the audience in a sing-a-long of traditional carols. TUBAChristmas concerts are held throughout the world and have achieved a sort of cult status.
TUBAChristmas was conceived in 1974 by tubist Harvey Phillips, as a tribute to the late performer/teacher William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day, 1902. Bell was a legendary tubist who was persuaded by John Philip Sousa to join the Sousa Band as principal tuba at the age of 18 without an audition. Later he became principal tuba of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic and was selected by Arturo Toscanini to play in the NBC Orchestra. The first TUBAChristmas was conducted by the late 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 in 1980. Wilder composed many solo and ensemble compositions for tuba and euphonium.
All tuba, sousaphone, euphonium and baritone players are warmly invited to join in the event. Decorate your instrument and bring a folding music stand! Registration is at 2 PM, with a rehearsal at 2:30 PM. Registration is $5 and music books are $15. Central’s organist Kathrine Handford will make a guest appearance for a few of the arrangements. A free-will offering will be received. Additional information about TUBAChristmas can be found at www.tubachristmas.com.
A chili supper, made by Central's gourmet chef Barb Westman, will be served after the concert in the Dining Room for $6.00.