It was 20 years ago that Dr. and Mrs. Stan Howell introduced TubaChristmas to the Foothills of the Carolinas and since that time it has become a Christmas tradition for many people. This year we will again bring in the season with the grand,and mellow sounds of the big brass – tubas, euphonia, sousaphones and baritone horns – at the Polk County High School, on Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. This is a free concert, free to players and audience, alike.

TubaChristmas has a much longer history with the first performance being in 1974 at the rink in Rockefeller Center, in New York. It was created by Harvey Phillips to honor all the composers and artists who have made these instruments a special part of the music of the season.

The program of carols and other songs of the season will be performed in over 300 cities, not only in the United States, but in other countries. Players will range in age from 8 to 90. Included in the local program will be special numbers by a soloist and a small group from a local college.

Plan now to set aside Saturday, Dec. 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the Polk County High School as a time for you, and your family and friends, to get in the Christmas spirit, sing some carols with the players and just enjoy the afternoon.

– submitted by Betsy Zeek