EAC Sophomore to conduct
Staff Reports
TOMBSTONE – As the holiday season fills the air with festive cheer, the historic town of Tombstone is set to resonate once again with the deep, harmonious tones of tubas and euphoniums. Just three days away, the 13th annual Tombstone Tuba Christmas promises a free public concert that has become a beloved tradition, drawing low brass musicians from across Cochise County and beyond to celebrate the season in the shadow of the OK Corral.
Organized by local music enthusiast Lorie Sheridan, this year’s event marks a milestone in its decade-plus run, building on the legacy of TubaChristmas — a national phenomenon conceived in 1974 by renowned tubist Harvey Phillips as a heartfelt tribute to his mentor, William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day in 1902. What started as a single gathering in Indiana has since swelled to hundreds of events worldwide, with Tombstone’s edition fostering community spirit through music since at least 2012.
“We are a week away from Tombstone Tuba Christmas 2025!” Sheridan announced in a recent invitation to participants that her enthusiasm was palpable, even through email. “I know some of you have said you can’t make it this year, but I thought it still wouldn’t hurt to send you the invite!” Despite any last-minute hiccups, the call is out to all tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, and baritone players of any age and skill level to join the fun.
A highlight of this year’s lineup is the debut of young conductor Isaac McDowell, whose fresh energy is already generating buzz. A 2024 graduate of Buena High School and Buena Fine Arts Academy, McDowell served as Principal Clarinet in the High School Regional Orchestra that same year. Now a sophomore at Eastern Arizona College pursuing a K-12 Music Education degree, the Sierra Vista native has collaborated with Sheridan’s bands in the past. “I am excited about our conductor this year,” Sheridan shared. “I have had the chance to have him work with my bands.”
The day’s festivities kick off with registration at 9:30 a.m. at the Tombstone American Legion hall, located at 225 E. Allen St. Participants are asked to bring exact cash for the $15 registration fee—preferably not all in coins, as change may be limited. A 10 a.m. rehearsal follows at the same venue, setting the stage for a midday break.
Lunch options are straightforward and affordable: For $8, the American Legion will serve up hearty baskets of either chicken strips or hamburgers, complete with fries. Soft drinks and other beverages are available at the hall’s bar. Those preferring to venture out are encouraged to explore Tombstone’s array of restaurants, from casual diners to historic saloons evoking the town’s Wild West roots.
By 12:30 p.m., musicians will reconvene to assist with setup at Tombstone City Park, just a short stroll away at 311 E. Allen St. The main event—a 1 p.m. concert open to the public—will fill the park with yuletide favorites arranged for massed low brass. Attendees are reminded to lend a hand with chair setup and teardown; coordinator Larry Bowers will provide specifics on the day.
Sheridan extended a special nod of gratitude to Bowers for his seamless coordination with the American Legion. “Please help with the chairs, both setting up and tearing down (Larry will let us know what he needs),” she noted.
To infuse the performance with holiday magic, participants are urged to decorate their horns with festive garlands, lights, or bows and don bright, colorful attire—think reds, greens, and sparkling whites against the desert backdrop.
For out-of-towners planning to stay, Sheridan included a handy list of nearby accommodations, ensuring visitors can make a weekend of it amid Tombstone’s gunfight reenactments and ghostly tours. Options range from boutique inns to budget motels, all within easy reach of the event sites.
Whether you’re a seasoned brass player, a curious spectator, or simply seeking a unique way to usher in the holidays, Tombstone Tuba Christmas offers a resonant reminder of music’s power to unite. As Sheridan put it, “Looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday!”
For more details or to RSVP, contact Lorie Sheridan at (520) 234-7094. Visit tubachristmas.com for the broader story behind this tuba-tastic tradition. Gates open at 12:45 p.m. for the free concert — arrive early to snag a prime spot under the winter sun.
