You Won’t Believe Your Ears At This Weird Arizona Holiday Tradition

I'm a band geek. I have no shame in it whatsoever. From my time in Middle school as a French Horn/Mellophone player, to my college days on the University of Florida drumline, I hold music and the marching arts higher than anything else in my life.

The same can be said about millions of kids across America, and they deserve a chance to shine too. The holiday season has given them their chance, now they just have to take it.

What is Tuba Christmas?

The history of Tuba Christmas starts in 1974, under legendary Tubist Harvey Phillips. He was looking for a way to honor his mentor, William J. Bell, when he came across a brilliant idea. Bell was born on Christmas Day, 1902, so Phillips decided to center his celebration around that.

And thus, Tuba Christmas was born! The event brought together every tuba player that was eager to help, and together, they performed a series of traditional Christmas tunes on December 22nd, 1974 at Rockefeller Plaza.

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Tuba Christmas in Arizona

While the first event only took place in New York City, Tuba Christmas has become a worldwide affair, and now you can get in on the action. Every year, Tuba Christmases are planned around the country, before culminating in a cacophony of Christmas Cheer.

This year, five Tuba Christmases will take place in the Grand Canyon State.

• Dec. 7th: Flagstaff
• Dec. 7th: Yuma
• Dec. 7th: Tucson
• Dec. 14th: Tombstone
• Dec. 21st: Phoenix

Any and all brass musicians are invited to come, rehearse, and perform for their community. There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit!

[Tuba Christmas]