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Waynesburg musicians join international brass concert of holiday music

By Tyler Wolfe 4 min read

With Christmas right around the corner, there are many holiday events occurring. One of those events will be held in Waynesburg University’s Goodwin Performing Arts Center (GPAC) tomorrow.

Waynesburg University’s 9th annual TUBACHRISTMAS Concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the GPAC on Friday, Dec. 11, and is free to the public and Waynesburg students.

TUBACHRISTMAS Concerts are held in 280 cities across the United States and in several foreign countries every year, with the largest being held in Rockefeller Center in New York City with 400 plus players.

Harvey Phillips created TUBACHRISTMAS in 1947. Phillips was inspired to create the event to honor his mentor and teacher, the late great 

William J. Bell. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather to play respect to William J. Bell, born on Christmas in 1902, as well as to all the great artists and teachers who represent their heritage.

“Not everyone that asks to be a TUBACHRISTMAS host gets to be a host,” said Ronda DePriest, associate professor of instrumental music and director of music. “It’s really important that we are able to be a host in the Waynesburg community.”

This year’s TUBACHRISTMAS at Waynesburg will have around 20 players, consisting of students, staff and community members.

The musicians for the concert only practice for about an hour before the event. Registration for musicians starts at 5 p.m. Then, rehearsal lasts from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m.

“It can be hard with only having one rehearsal only an hour before, and some of the music is in hard keys,” said DePriest. “But they learn quickly and are very talented musicians.”

Some of the musicians play in multiple TUBACHRISTMASEes each year, which helps make the rehearsals go smoothly. 

“The songs, for the most part, are pretty repetitive. So it’s just like when you hear a new song on the radio a couple of times; you start picking up on it by and by and at the end of the day because you have heard it over and over again,” said Marla Holland, sophomore psychology major.

The Waynesburg TUBACHRISTMAS has come a long way since its start several years ago. 

“Our first year, nine years ago, started out with five people and only four horns, with the players rotating instruments throughout the concert, but last year we had over 20 players and a really great night,” said DePriest. “This is a great family event and we are looking forward to seeing community members there.” 

TUBACHRISTMAS is more than just your average concert. All types of Christmas music are played and most of the pieces are arranged so that the audience can sing along.  

“It was an upbeat and interactive experience that I will probably never forget,” said Katie Kondrick, sophomore history major. “I loved how all of my favorite carols were played and how I got to share the joy of Christmas with my friends.” 

Even the players say that they have just as much fun as the audience does.

“This will only be my second year of playing in TUBACHRISTMAS but from last year, I can say that it is a lot of fun for everyone both preforming and listening,” said Tim Raner, junior forensic chemistry major. “It feels like everyone is a family whether or not you know the other people there.”

The only instruments in the concert are the tubas and the euphoniums, and with the smaller size of the GPAC, DePriest says having a little over 20 players really fills the room with music.

“I really enjoyed TUBACHRISTMAS last year and I highly recommend everyone to come and listen,” said Kondrick. “TUBACHRISTMAS was a great kickoff to my holiday season and I can’t wait to go back on Friday to hear what the players have in store for us.”

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