ABOUT
MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS is celebrating its 52nd Anniversary (1974-2025).
Created by Harvey Phillips, MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS 2025 concerts will be presented in over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. First and foremost, may we give respect, thanks, and recognition to Dr. Harvey G. Phillips. Phillips was inspired to create TUBACHRISTMAS as an annual event honoring his mentor/teacher, the late great tubist William J. Bell (born Christmas Day, 1902).
Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect - Harvey G. Phillips and William J. Bell - all the great artists/teachers who represent their heritage. Every TUBACHRISTMAS performance features traditional Christmas carols especially arranged (for the first TUBACHRISTMAS, December 22, 1974 on “The Rink at Rockefeller Center”) by American composer Alec Wilder (died Christmas Eve, 1980). Through Wilder, TUBACHRISTMAS concerts pay grateful tribute to composers who have embraced these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions. Depending on the population of any given geographic area, TUBACHRISTMAS ensembles may attract multiples of 100 participants aged 8 to over 90 years! The warm, rich organ-like sound of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience. It is no wonder that TUBACHRISTMAS has become an established Christmas tradition in cities throughout the world.
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TUBACHRISTMAS concerts are presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc.
COLORADO SPRINGS TUBACHRISTMAS 2025
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TUBACHRISTMAS 2025
Now that Halloween is over, it is time to start thinking about TubaChristmas! This is the 52nd anniversary of TubaChristmas!
The most important thing to let you know is that the rehearsal location has been changed for this year! William J. Palmer High School has graciously opened it's doors to us for rehearsal and a back up performance venue in the event of inclement weather. Parking can be found where signage permits. Cases may be kept here until after the performance but need to be cleared out of the school no later than 5pm.
DETAILS FOR COLORADO SPRINGS TUBACHRISTMAS 2025
SATURDAY DECEMBER 6th, 3:00 P.M., ACACIA PARK-DOWNTOWN
(PRIOR TO THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE AT 6:00 P.M. ON TEJON STREET)
Below are the details you will need to know. TubaChristmas concerts are presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc. We also thank the Colorado Springs Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services for their support.
Registration and rehearsal will be held at William J. Palmer High School Auditorium, 301 N Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.
Parking is available where signage permits and on the streets around the school that are not blocked off for the parade.
Registration begins in the foyer of the auditorium at 12:30 p.m. You will fill out a registration form and pay a $15 fee at this time. Please bring cash for the fee. You will receive a commemorative button.
Rehearsal begins at the school auditorium at 1:30 p.m. and usually runs for about 90 minutes. Please practice your music ahead of time. You will need your “Carols for a Merry TubaChristmas” book, a music stand, a pencil, and a cloth to collect your “water discharge”. Also bring clothespins, or other clips to hold your music at the park in case it is windy. Everyone usually walks over to the park together for the concert, and you can get back into the school following the concert to pick up any stuff that you leave there. Please come prepared for the weather, as we always do our best to perform outside! Also, decorate your instrument to add to the festivities. There are several prizes awarded during the day, including best decorated instruments!
Please note that the school requests no food or drink in the rehearsal space (water bottles OK).
We are very fortunate to have two amazing local music stores, Graner Music and Meeker Music, who support our event! Please visit them for TubaChristmas books and other merchandise!
Meeker Music will have a booth with items for sale during the rehearsal.
Hats - $20
Scarves - $27
Big Book/TC Book - $25
Small Book - $20
If you need more information about Colorado Springs TubaChristmas, contact Andrew at cspringstubachristmas@gmail.com, or fill out the contact form below.
Please invite all your family and friends to the performance!
Playlist for 2025 Colorado Springs TubaChristmas:
#28. Carol of the Bells
#1. Adeste Fideles
#3. Deck the Halls
#4. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
#5. The First Noel
#6. Good King Wenceslas
#9. It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
#24. O Christmas Tree
#19. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
#11. Silent Night
#26. Hark the Herald Angels Sing
#33. Jingle Bells
#14. Joy to the World
#23. We Wish You a Merry Christmas
#15. We Three Kings (may be put in the program if time permits)
#21. Lo, How A Rose E're Blooming (may be put in the program if time permits)
