What: TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Through the legendary William J. Bell we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given us high performance standards. The first TUBACHRISTMAS was conducted by Paul Lavalle in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Traditional Christmas music performed at the first TUBACHRISTMAS was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder who ironically died on Christmas Eve, 1980. He was a loyal supporter of every effort to improve the literature and public image of our chosen instruments. Through Alec Wilder we express our respect and gratitude to all composers who continue to embrace our instruments with their compositions and contribute to the ever growing solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium.
When: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 - @3:30 pm
Where: Rockefeller Plaza -*Carols Under the Tree*- 50th Street side of Plaza
REGISTRATION: 11:00am - 12:30pm Rockefeller Center loading/delivery area. Enter northside of 50th Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues), east of Radio City Music Hall stage door, down ramp
NOTE: IMPORTANT COVID PROTOCOLS: All participants must show proof of full Covid-19 vaccination. Full vaccination is defined as 14 days after the final dose (1 dose of J&J or 2 doses of Pfizer or Moderna). Proof of vaccination and ID must be shown at the top of the loading ramp before you will be permitted to enter the rehearsal/registration site.
ATTENTION All AUDIENCE members and PERFORMERS: Please use gig bag, leave case at home, in your car or bus. Wear warm, (outside concert) bright festive clothing. Bring folding music stand/lyre and wind clips/clothes pins. Participant registration fee is $10.00
CONDUCTOR: Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, conductor of the New Jersey Wind Symphony and former conductor of the Goldman Memorial Band
COORDINATORS: Michael Salzman 516-942-0889, Gary Press 347-229-2264, Thomas Phillips `TubaChristmas` 812-824-8833, Steve Smith - `TubaChristmas` 812-824-883