TubaChristmas began in 1974 with a performance by 300 tubas on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Musician Harvey Phillips wanted to honor his tuba teacher (who had a birthday near Christmas) and demonstrate that the tuba can be more than a bass line. Forty-five years later (in 2018), groups of tuba players around the world celebrate the art and craft of their instrument with a holiday concert each year.
DC’s TubaChristmas concert is typically held during the second week of December at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Follow the DC TubaChristmas Facebook page to find out when the date is announced each year. If you miss this year’s concert, you can watch it and past performances on the Kennedy Center website.
The tubists at Merry TubaChristmas each year span generations and levels of mastery. Middle school groups join retirees for this compilation of tuba players from the surrounding area. The musicians gather together a few hours before the concert to rehearse as a group for the first time. Given all this, you cannot exactly say that the Merry TubaChristmas performance is flawless, but it is without a doubt incredibly fun. So many musicians participate that they do not all fit on stage and overflow into the balconies for a surround sound tuba experience.
Attendees and musicians are encouraged to wear festive holiday attire; Santa hats, Christmas sweaters, and blinking Christmas lights would not be out of place. During the concert, each song is played twice. The first round is fantastically all tuba, while the second is a sing-along with audience participation. The concert program includes song lyrics. However, the songs are often not played in order, and inevitably they decide to play something not listed in the program. This only adds to the fun, quirkiness of the evening.
The Merry TubaChristmas concert is without question the most unique Christmas concert in the DC region and is one of my favorite Christmas activities. It is perfect for adventurers needing a break from holiday stress or who don’t take the holidays too seriously. Arrive early to get a good seat, and be ready to sing along with this delightful performance.
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Address
Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW
Metro Station
- Foggy Bottom-GWU (OR, BL, SV)
Cost
Free
Hours
The 2019 performance will be on Monday, December 9 at 6:00 pm
Length of Adventure
1 hour
Website
http://www.kennedy-center.org/artist/B11232
You convinced me. I’ll make this part of my holiday plans next year!
Yes! I really don’t think I’m overhyping it. You’ll love it!