Photo by Tim Schoon.
The University of Iowa Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, under the direction of School of Music faculty member John Manning as Santa, will team up with Toys for Tots in the annual “Holiday Tubas” performance at 12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 10, on the steps of Old Capitol.
The music will be the usual mix of season favorites. In addition to enjoying the unique sound of the tuba ensemble, audience members can contribute toys that will be distributed to needy children. Toys for Tots will accept all new, unwrapped toys appropriate for children up to 15 years of age.
This year, “Holiday Tubas” will feature a new arrangement of “Silent Night,” a tribute to Harvey Phillips, an Indiana University professor who founded a similar “Tuba Christmas” event in honor of his teacher, Iowan Bill Bell.
Ensemble members customarily decorate their instruments, and some wear costumes of their own. As part of a “Fill the Steps” campaign, Manning has invited members of the community who play tuba, sousaphone, and euphonium to participate.
Check out last year’s scene:
