MHS Musicians Attend 45th Annual Merry TUBACHRISTMAS

The 45th Annual Merry TUBACHRISTMAS , a mass choir of tuba and euphonium players, was held in Aberdeen on Saturday, December 8. Performances were presented at the Lakewood Mall, Walmart, and Target. Players ranged from age 10 to 70s, including Milbank musicians Ty Kettwig, Ian Liebe, Drake Rogers, Joe Harstad, and Will Karels.

TUBACHRISTMAS was conceived in 1974 as a tribute to the late William J. Bell, born Christmas Day, 1902.  This annual holiday celebration is a chance to express respect and gratitude for the contributions of many great performers, teachers, and composers and to dazzle audiences with “Heavy Metal” sounds they don’t often hear.

TUBACHRISTMAS performances have been important in helping gain recognition and respect for the tuba and euphonium. The first week of December a World Guiness Book of Record performance was held with 835 tubas and euphoniums participating in the Kansas City event.

The Milbank students were accompanied to the event by Susan Karels, Milbank Grades 6-12 Band Director.

Front row: Ty Kettwig-6th grade euphonium: Mrs. Karels-MMS/MHS band director: Ian Liebe-8th grade euphonium

Second row: Drake Rogers-sophomore tuba: Joe Harstad-junior euphonium: Will Karels-freshman tuba