WEST BRATTLEBORO-A holiday music tradition returns to West Brattleboro on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. “TubaChristmas” brings together players of valved, low-brass instruments, including the tuba and euphonium (also known as a baritone horn), to rehearse and perform Christmas carols specially arranged in four parts for a tuba choir.
TubaChristmas events take place in over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several other countries. The West Brattleboro event will be held at the First Congregational Church, 880 Western Ave. Retired Brattleboro Union High School Band Director Steve Rice serves as host and music director for Brattleboro TubaChristmas.
TubaChristmas events are overseen by the Harvey Phillips Foundation. According to the information they provide, Harvey G. Phillips was inspired to create this annual event honoring his mentor and teacher, the tubist William J. Bell (born Christmas Day, 1902).
Rockefeller Center in New York City was the site of the first TubaChristmas Dec. 22, 1974, where the event continues to be hosted annually. Hundreds of musicians play at these events in large cities.
The Brattleboro version is typically much smaller in scale, with 12 to 20 players. “The warm, rich, organ-like sound of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience,” organizers wrote in a news release.
In our region, other TubaChristmas locations (each on different dates) include Bernardston, Massachusetts; Keene, New Hampshire; and Burlington, Vermont.
Participants should arrive for registration at 12:45 p.m. Rehearsal starts at 1:15 p.m. Each participant needs a copy of the music book, a music stand, and the $15 registration fee. For more information and help obtaining a book or paying the fee, contact Rice at 802-451-9072.
The public is invited to a culminating concert and sing-along in the church sanctuary at 3 p.m. There is no admission fee, and a free-will offering will be collected to benefit the church’s mission to serve the West Brattleboro community.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.