It’s a tradition unlike any other. In 1902, William J. Bell was born on Christmas. A few short years later, he became one of the premier tuba players in the world, making the jump from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to John Philip Souza’s band, the NBC Symphony Orchestra, and later the New York Philharmonic. To say this guy was the best tuba player ever is an understatement, given that he worked with both Sousa and Toscanini. Every year, in his honor and to celebrate the season, tuba players around the world congregate and play Christmas songs on tuba, euphonium, and tuba-related instruments.
This celebration of Bell, Christmas, and the tuba is called Tubachristmas. It’s been a musical tradition since 1974. Wherever there are four tuba players, there can be Tubachristmas. Let’s listen to a little Christmas music in the tuba style, shall we?
I’m not a tuba player, and I definitely am not a singer of carols, but I can definitely get with the spirit. On behalf of all of us at the Shak Media family, I hope that you and yours have a Merry Christmas (or your winter holiday of choice) and a Happy New Year.
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