Contributed File Photo: Come join us or just experience TubaChristmas in Tombstone.
Low Brass players invited to TubaChristmas
Contributed Article
TOMBSTONE – TubaChristmas in Tombstone returns for its 10th year on Saturday, Dec. 10. The free concert begins at 1 p.m. at Tombstone City Park, located at the corner of 3rd and Allen Streets.
The performance features low brass players of all ages from across Cochise County and the state of Arizona. Anyone who plays the tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, or baritone is invited to participate.
“This concert is a unique experience for both the audience and our performers, who range from beginner to very well-seasoned players,” said Lorie Sheridan, Joyce Clark MS Band Director and euphonium player, who is coordinating the annual event with Tombstone resident and euphonium player Larry Bowers. “You don’t often hear this many low brass voices at once. It’s neat to see beginners sitting next to people who have been playing their entire lives.”
Each year, a new conductor is selected to lead the ensemble. This year, our director will be Michael Hodges. Michael graduated from Buena High School in Sierra Vista. He attends Northern Arizona University and is finishing a degree in music education. Michael is currently student teaching in the Deer Valley Unified School District and will be the music teacher at Deer Valley Middle School starting in January.
Low brass players interested in performing at TubaChristmas should plan to attend the rehearsal at Tombstone High School, located at 1211 N. Yellow Jacket Way, the morning of the concert. Registration begins at 9: a.m. and rehearsal starts at 9:30 a.m.
All performers should bring their $10 registration fee, official TubaChristmas music book (available for purchase in both bass and treble clef, and used at the event every year), horn, and stand to rehearsal. Performers are also encouraged to wear festive attire and decorate their horns.
TubaChristmas was conceived in 1974 by the late tubist Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas day in 1902. Since then, TubaChristmas concerts have been performed annually at countless venues throughout the world.
For more information about Tuba Christmas, visit www.tubachristmas.com. For more information about the event in Tombstone, call Sheridan at (520) 234-7094
