About TUBACHRISTMAS
what is tubachristmas?
TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902 in Creston, Iowa. 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, well structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists. 2023 is the 50th anniversary for TUBACHRISTMAS concerts/events which are presented throughout the world.
Is TUBACHRISTMAS only in Des Moines?
NO, TUBACHRISTMAS events are presented all over the country and a few international under the organization and guidance of the Harvey Phillips Foundation. The first TUBACHRISTMAS was performed in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Click the button below for a list of other events in Iowa and throughout the country.
purpose of tubachristmas
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Bring together tuba and euphonium players of all ages to rehearse and present free public concerts of Christmas Carols; provide players with a rewarding musical experience; instill in us a sense of pride and dedication to music an our chosen instruments; and illustrate the beauty of the tuba/euphonium choir to a public experience.
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Bring about a better understanding and appreciation of the tuba and euphonium by generating an audience which will recognize and support these instruments in solo and ensemble recitals and concerts.
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Pay respect and tribute to the late William J. Bell (born Christmas Day 1902 in Creston, Iowa), and through him, to honor other tuba/euphonium artists/teachers who have contributed to our musical heritage.
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Honor and acknowledge American composer Alec Wilder (died on Christmas Eve 1980) for his compositions and for arranging CAROLS FOR A MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS, and through him pay respects to all composers who have contributed to the repertoire of the tuba and euphonium.
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Celebrate the Season and have a might good time!!
TUBACHRISTMAS® concerts are sponsored by and presented with the permission of the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc.
des moines orginizational team
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Dr. Vince Kenney ConductorVince Kenney currently serves as the Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Low Brass at Drake University, where he directs low brass studies and conducts the Drake University Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and “Bulldog Brass” Pep Band.
As a soloist and member of the North Texas Euphonium Quartet, Vince has presented guest artist recitals and masterclasses at dozens of the finest universities and music conferences throughout the United States, including the United States Army Band Tuba/Euphonium Workshop, The International Tuba/Euphonium Conference, the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Conference (TMEA), the Eastman School of Music, and the South Central, Midwest, and South East regional Tuba/Euphonium conferences hosted by the International Tuba/Euphonium Association.
Dr. Kenney is a two-time finalist in the prestigious Leonard Falcone International Euphonium Competition, and has also performed with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Orchestra Iowa, and the Orquesta Symphonica de Mineria in Mexico City, Mexico.
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Brian Kinnan Event Coordinator
Brian Kinnan is the Director of Information Technology at Data Power Technology Group in Urbandale. He can be seen and heard playing tuba in the Timberline Brass, Des Moines Community Orchestra, and Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, where he also serves as board member, marketing designer, and webmaster. Brian has been coordinator for the Des Moines Area TUBACHRISTMAS since 2006.