8th Annual Commerce TUBACHRISTMAS

Over 50 area tuba and euphonium players will present the eighth annual Commerce Merry TUBACHRISTMAS concert on Saturday, Dec. 10.  The performance will take place outdoors on the square in downtown Commerce at 12:30 p.m., and this year's conductor is A&M-Commerce alumnus and honorary tubist, Timothy Emsley.

The concert is free of charge and open to the public and is presented by the Texas A&M University-Commerce music department and the Harvey Phillips Foundation.

Jeff Baker said, “There will be wassail available at the square. It’s a family-friendly environment where we encourage everyone to sing along with the carols and help us judge the decorating contest!”

TUBACHRISTMAS concerts are performed annually in over 150 cities throughout the United States and Canada.  These concerts are presented as a tribute to the late, great William J. Bell who was born on Christmas Day in 1902.  “Bill” Bell is recognized by all musicians as one of the most preeminent tuba players throughout the world.  This year's concert will be dedicated to the memory of Harvey Phillips (1929-2010), founder of TUBACHRISTMAS, who passed away on Oct. 20, 2010.

Persons of all ages who play the tuba, sousaphone, euphonium, or baritone horn are cordially invited to perform in this concert.  Registration is from 10:15-11 a.m. and is followed by a music rehearsal from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.  The registration and rehearsal will take place at the Texas A&M University-Commerce Music Building.  Participants should dress in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions.  The music performed will be from CAROLS FOR A MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS, which is used at all official MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS concerts.  The books may be purchased at registration for $20.

The registration fee for participants is $10.

For questions and updated information regarding the 2016 Commerce TUBACHRISTMAS, contact: Dr. Jeff Baker, assistant professor of Tuba and Euphonium, at [email protected] or 903-886-5290.