Tuba players travel to Kauffman for Tuba Christmas

Brianna Calderon, Reporter

Twenty-four student musicians participated in the ninth annual Tuba Christmas celebration on Friday, Dec. 8, at the Kauffman Center in downtown Kansas City.

They joined over 500 tuba and euphonium players from area middle school and high schools to celebrate performers and composers who have brought recognition to their instruments.

The very first Tuba Christmas was on Sunday, Dec. 22, 1974, when over 300 tuba and euphonium players gathered at New York City’s Rockefeller Center to honor the achievements of William Bell, musician and teacher, whom many young musicians look up to.

The original group played traditional Christmas carols composed by Alec Wilder that are still played today.

Although the same music and instruments are played, Tuba Christmas is no longer just a one-night performance.

According to Hank Lancaster, senior, “They split it [Tuba Christmas] into different days because so many people go.”

Tuba Christmas now costs $10 to participate and has grown into an all day experience where students rehearse, perform, and enjoy themselves.