So, who will be playing in the 18th concert of TubaChristmas, on Dec. 5, 1:30 p.m., at Polk County High School?

If you look over the stage you may find tubas and euphoniums played by students from middle school through college and university. There will also be adults from every walk in life. Some of them have been playing in local bands and others had to stop for their working years. After retiring, when it is time to pick up old hobbies, it may be 40 years since they used the mouthpiece. Ages have run from 9 to 99 years and last year the longest distance traveled was 114 miles.

The soloist for “O Holy Night” will be Mr. Alexander Canup from Western Carolina University. He will be accompanied by Mr. John Gardner from Tryon. Gardner has been active in the musical life of Polk County since 2009 as a pianist, organist, and choral singer. He serves on the board of directors of the Foothills Music Club and has appeared in their public musical programs. He sings in the bass section of the Community Chorus, which will present its annual Christmas concert on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 13.

All of this music is under the direction of Jamie Hafner, from Brevard. This is his second year in this position. Come, smile, sing and enjoy the start of the holiday season at TubaChristmas, at the Polk County High School auditorium.

– Submitted by Betsy Zeek