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Community ensembles to help celebrate holidays with concert Dec. 10 |
| By
Krista M. Hayes |
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Dec 8, 2006 |
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The University of Toledo’s Communiversity Band, together with the musical ensemble of the Toledo area TubaChristmas, will host a holiday concert performance Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. in the Doermann Theater on Main Campus.
The TubaChristmas music ensemble that is made up of area and University tuba and euphonium musicians will kick off the show. Neal Campbell, UT music instructor, will conduct the band.
Started by the legendary Harvey Phillips more than 30 years ago, TubaChristmas is an international event that brings together tuba and euphonium players to perform seasonal favorites in memory of Phillips’ late teacher, William Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902.
The first TubaChristmas was conducted by the late Paul Lavalle in New York City’s Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, Dec. 22, 1974. It is a one-day event that includes a short rehearsal and then a performance that evening.
Under the direction of Dr. Jason Stumbo, UT director of bands, the Communiversity band will conclude the concert with traditional songs of the season, including “Sleigh Ride” and “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, as well as “Winter Wonderland,” “Greensleeves” and “Burgler’s Holiday.”
According to Stumbo, the band is composed of around 50 regular members, both belonging to the Toledo community and the University. The band began preparing and rehearsing for their performance in mid-October.
“We had initially intended to begin performing in the spring of 2007, in order to allow the ensemble personnel to become more regular and to grow in numbers,” Stumbo said. “However, with the great turnout this fall, it was decided to go ahead with a performance. Besides, the holidays provide a perfect opportunity for the band to prepare a program of fun and accessible music.”
Although the band is now performing, Stumbo said that the ensemble is still open to anyone who would like to continue playing his or her instrument.
“It was because of this great response that we are able to perform our first concert only a few short months after our first meeting,” Stumbo said. “The band’s repertoire is ever-evolving, determined by the dynamic of the group itself. Anyone with a passion for music and a desire for something new is encouraged to get involved.”
He added the seasonal performance would appeal to all ages. “If anyone enjoys the music of the season, and if anyone is a fan of the tuba, then this concert will be sure to bring a smile to their face and stir their holiday spirit,” Stumbo said.
For more information on the free, public concert, contact the UT Band Office at 419.530.2217 or Stumbo at 419.530.2217.
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