Pictured above is Woonsocket seventh grader Blake Howard, baritone player, with the director of TUBACHRISTMAS, Dr. Travis Netzer, NSU Associate Professor of Low Brass.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, Blake Howard and his band instructor, Miss Jacque Bratcher, embarked on an adventure to Aberdeen to take part in the annual TUBACHRISTMAS.
This year was the 44th year of the popular event. It is for tuba and euphonium (baritone) players of all ages and takes part on the Northern State University campus.
The schedule for the day consists of practice from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., lunch, and then performing at four different locations in Aberdeen, playing Christmas carols as a group. The participants are encouraged to dress in Christmas attire and to decorate their tuba or baritone with a Christmas theme if they so choose.
TUBACHRISTMAS started in 1974 in Perry, Iowa and has grown into hundreds of performances through all 50 states. South Dakota’s TUBACHRISTMAS first appeared in Aberdeen in 1985, and is continued today by NSU Associate Professor of Low Brass Travis Netzer and NSU Alumnus Joseph Peterson.
The cost to play with TUBACHRISTMAS was $10. All the money collected, through the participation fee and through tips received while the group is out playing, goes to the Tuba Refurbishment Program that aids local schools with the cost of refurbishing battered tubas.
Seventh grader Howard plays the euphonium (baritone) for the Woonsocket sixth and seventh grade band. He is the son of Jeff and Carrie Howard of Woonsocket.
