Tubachristmas Delights Community

Once again, the holiday season was ushered in with the glorious sounds of Keene’s annual Merry Tubachristmas. This event began in Keene 21 years ago, organized by then KSC Music Department Chair, Douglas Nelson. Since that time, hundreds of tuba players, both professional and amateur, have participated in this celebration of the holiday season and the heritage of this noble instrument.

The Keene event was part of the national Merry Tubachristmas 2012 celebration, in which concerts are presented in over 250 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages gather to pay respect to all the great artists/teachers who represent their tuba heritage. Every Tubachristmas performance features traditional Christmas carols especially arranged for the first Tubachristmas 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. Typically, Tubachristmas ensembles may attract participants from 8 to over 90 years of age.

For more information on Keene’s Merry Tubachristmas, please contact Dr. James Chesebrough, Tubachristmas Conductor and Coordinator, 358-2193 or jchesebrough@keene.edu, or check out the Tubachristmas website: www.tubachristmas.com.