TUBACHRISTMAS

[excerpt from www.tubachristmas.com]
TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist/teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. 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 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. He was a loyal supporter of every effort to improve the literature and public image of our chosen instruments. [end]

Our own Roman Steele has been participating in TUBACHRISTMAS for years, and now we know why. Several of us made it to the show Tuesday, December 14th, 2010 at noon and filed into the very large First Baptist Church in downtown Nashville. I arrived just in time to get my Zoom H1 set up away from most traffic and in the middle of the balcony. Then I began to snap pictures as I could. But for the most part I just listened. Boy was I glad we went. The rich tones and strength of sound enveloped me and I was instantly won over to the versatility and power of the Tuba.

Roman plays a Contrabass Bugle, but many members of the Tuba family were represented. Sousaphones, Concert Tubas, Recording Bass, Marching Baritones, Euphoniums and others were all there and working.

I have pulled a few choice segments from the recording so you can get a feel for the power and grace of these often under-appreciated instruments. Enjoy portions of O Little Town of Bethlehem, Carol of the Bells, Jingle Bells (concert style) and Santa Wants a Tuba for Christmas along with various stills of the event.

Thanks for listening,
jane