Above / The longtime tradition of TubaChristmas is set to entertain during the holiday season at 11AM Sat., Dec. 10 in front of US Bank in downtown Naperville. (PN File Photo)
Here’s a shout out to all tuba and euphonium players!
“You are invited to participate in this very fun activity, available only to you!” notes David Carroll, a band and music instructor in School District 203 for more than 25 years. Carroll is helping to coordinate this year’s TubaChristmas event with Naperville Municipal Band Conductor Ron Keller. The festive holiday concert will begin at 11AM Sat., Dec. 10.
A brief history as featured on the TubaChristmas website
TubaChristmas 2022 marks the 49th anniversary for concerts/events which are presented throughout the world. The idea for the popular concert was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902.
According to www.tubachristmas.com, “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 held in New York City at Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Traditional Christmas music performed at that first concert 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. 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.
Naperville TubaChristmas is set for 11AM Sat., Dec. 10
“We use the same music every year, so once you buy it, it is yours to keep and reuse every year,” explained Carroll. “You can also purchase TubaChristmas hats, scarves, buttons, and other cool items.”
All music and some assorted hats and scarves will be available for purchase at the Concert Center. Anyone who wishes to purchase items early may visit the website, www.tubachristmas.com/order.pdf, but orders must be mailed or via phone call. Be sure to ask about turn-around time.
Purchase music labeled “Bass Clef – 6; or buy the ENLARGED Euphonium/Baritone/Tuba in C – 4 parts in score form.
TubaChristmas registration is 9AM with rehearsal at 10AM inside Community Concert Center / Performance is 11AM at US Bank
“Both adults and students participate, so be prepared to rehearse it only once before we perform it,” added Carroll. “I would recommend that students wait until at least 5th grade because the music can be a bit difficult. Feel free to decorate your instrument!”
Details for participants and attendees
Registration begins at 9AM Sat., Dec. 10, at the Community Concert Center, located at 55 Concert Lane, behind US Bank and on Washington Street. The rehearsal begins at 10AM inside the Community Concert Center.
Under the direction of Dr. Ron Keller and Dr. David Carroll, the TubaChristmas performance will begin at 11AM on the south side of US Bank, corner of Washington Street at Jefferson Ave.
Participant registration fee is $10 per musician. Music is $23. Cash only.
Parking is available in the City Parking Deck just south of Concert Center or in spaces around Central Park.
The public is invited to fill the front yard in front to US Bank for this one-hour holiday performance that includes seasonal songs and Christmas carols. Bundle up and enjoy!
Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert is Dec. 11
The Naperville Municipal Band that dates back to 1859 is scheduled to perform its annual NMB Holiday Concert at 3PM Sun., Dec. 11, on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall.
Open seating is available throughout the concert hall. Admission is free.
Click here for a PN Photo Gallery when Santa Claus came to town for the 2021 NMB Holiday Concert.
Take your seat in The Wentz and listen to traditional sounds of the holidays during a concert program created by Assistant Conductor Emily Binder.
Wentz Concert Hall is located in the North Central College Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Avenue, just steps from downtown Naperville. Think dinner before or after the show.
For more information about the Naperville Municipal Band and upcoming concerts, visit napervilleband.org.
Updated at 2:30PM Nov. 27, 2022 / For 2022, one TubaChristmas concert is planned. Because of construction at the Fox Valley Mall, that second concert will not be performed this year.
