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. 2025 is the 52nd 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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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.
