Seven hundred people attended the TubaChristmas XIII concert recently held in the Polk County High School auditorium in Columbus. Coordinator Stan Howell reports that there were 70 performers, including tubas, euphoniums and baritone horns.

Not only did local students and adults perform, but players came from all over the western Carolinas, including several from Winston-Salem.

A special tribute to the recent death of the national TubaChristmas founder, Harvey Phillips, was presented by Howell, director Dr. Bill Bryant and tuba player Bart Collins. Director Bryant led the ensemble in the playing of Komm, Susser Tod (Come, Sweet Death) by Bach.

Jean Howell of Columbus led the carol singing. Cindy Gilbert, Polk County High School band director, was the host and Manfred Walter of Mill Spring was assistant coordinator. Samuel Murray of Columbus, age 12, was the youngest player, and Ralph Morris of Hendersonville, age 85, was the oldest player.

The 2011 TubaChristmas XIV will be held on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at PCHS.