The annual “Merry TubaChristmas” event was held in Aberdeen this past Saturday. Participants practiced in the morning followed by performances at the Lakewood Mall, Walmart, KO Lee Library, and Shopko. Each year a Christmas dress-up contest is held. Drake Rogers of Milbank received 2nd place for his lighted sousaphone. This year player ages ranged from the 70’s down to a 5th grade student.
Milbank was the proud recipient of a 2017 Tuba Christmas Restoration Grant. The grant was used to help renovate the tuba with 2/3 of the cost being provided by Taylor Music of Aberdeen and the Tuba Christmas freewill offering. The remaining 1/3 cost was covered by the Milbank School District.
Milbank participants taking part in this year’s “Merry TubaChristmas” event included Joe Harstad,
Ben Harstad, Ian Liebe and Dave Stengel on euphonium; and Trystan Fischer, Drake Rogers and Brandon Hansen on tuba.
“TubaChristmas” was established in 1974 as a tribute to the late William J. Bell, born Christmas Day, 1902. The annual holiday celebration is a chance to express respect and gratitude for the contributions of many great performers, teachers, and composers and to dazzle audiences with “Heavy Metal” sounds they don’t often hear.
“TubaChristmas” performances have been important in helping gain recognition and respect for the tuba and euphonium, and to build public awareness for their existence and musical potential. The mass choir made up of tuba and euphonium players heard at “TubaChristmas” has attracted considerable public and national media attention.
The Milbank students were accompanied to the event by Susan Karels, Milbank Grades 6-12 Band Director.
