TUBACHRISTMAS celebrates 30 years of Kalispell performances

TUBACHRISTMAS toots its own horn with a Dec. 15 free performance of Christmas carols by tuba, euphonium and baritone players at the Red Lion Hotel in Kalispell. 

“We have been doing a TUBACHRISTMAS  celebration in Kalispell for 30 years,” said director Allen Slater. “If you have never heard an ensemble like this, you are in for a real treat.” 

The global event was established in 1974 by Harvey Phillips to honor his teacher, Bill Bell, a tuba player who was born on Christmas Day in 1902, according to the Harvey Phillips Foundation. The first performance was held in New York at the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink. 

Any tuba or baritone players are invited to participate in the Kalispell celebration. Registration will be from 3:15 to 4 p.m. the day of the concert at the hotel located at 20 N. Main St. There is a $15 registration fee to help defray costs. Rehearsal will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with a break prior to performance. 

Last year, there were about 50 players, which was a “banner year” for the annual concert, Slater said. 

“I think our youngest player was 12 and I think our oldest was 82,” he said. 

There is no cost to attend the performance, which begins at 7 p.m. in the hotel ballroom. 

“The only suggestion is to come early because last year there was standing room only,” Slater said.