Annual TubaChristmas performance scheduled for PCHS Dec. 3

Published 10:00 pm Friday, November 4, 2016

The Polk County students who will participate at the TubaChristmas concert are Jacob Grigg, Jillian Snyder, Miranda Ramsey, Deomi Millet, Luke Cash, Zack Byre and the band director Ms. Cindy Gilbert. Not pictured, Casie Williams. (Photo submitted by Manfred Walter)

The Polk County students who will participate at the TubaChristmas concert are Jacob Grigg, Jillian Snyder, Miranda Ramsey, Deomi Millet, Luke Cash, Zack Byre and the band director Ms. Cindy Gilbert. Not pictured, Casie Williams. (Photo submitted by Manfred Walter)

The Christmas season is quickly coming and this will be the 19th year for Polk County and western North Carolina to enjoy the free performance of TubaChristmas, on Saturday, Dec. 3, 1:30 p.m. at the Polk County High School.

Merry TubaChristmas is celebrating its 43nd anniversary (1974-2016). Created by Harvey Phillips, Merry TubaChristmas 2016 concerts will be presented in over 280 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Phillips was inspired to create TubaChristmas as an annual event honoring his mentor/teacher, the late great tubist William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day, 1902.

Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect – through William J. Bell – to all the great artists/teachers who represent their heritage.

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Every TubaChristmas performance features traditional Christmas carols especially by American composer Alec Wilder. Through Wilder, TubaChristmas concerts pay grateful tribute to composers who have embraced these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions.

Depending on the population of any given geographic area, TubaChristmas ensembles may attract multiples of 100 participants aged 6 to over 90 years! The warm, rich organ-like sound of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience. It is no wonder that TubaChristmas has become an established Christian tradition in cities throughout the world.

Plan to join the music and singing on Saturday, Dec. 3, 1:30 p.m., at Polk County High School. This is a free concert.

– article submitted by Betsy Zeek