Milbank Musicians Play in 50th Annual Merry TUBACHRISTMAS

The 50th Annual Merry TUBACHRISTMAS was hosted by the Northern State University Music Department at Johnson Fine Arts Center in Aberdeen on Saturday, December 9. The tradition began in 1974 at the ice rink at New York City’s Rockefeller Center.  This year, over 200 events featuring tuba and euphonium enthusiasts were held across the nation, and even more took place around the world.

Krista Nies and Nycole Korstjens, Milbank High School students; MHS instructor, Mrs. Susan Karels; Ian Liebe, an alumnus of MHS; and Darin Hagen, Milbank Middle School student participated in the celebration in Aberdeen. The group practiced Saturday morning by performing at the Lakewood Mall, Walmart, and Dakota Prairie Museum. This year, the participants in Aberdeen ranged in age from sixth graders to musicians in their 60s. Karels, Milbank’s band instructor for grades 6-12, accompanied the students to the event.

Submitted Photo:  Front row-Krista Nies ( MHS trombone), Nycole Korstjens (MHS euphonium), Mrs. Susan Karels (MHS director trombone) Second row-Ian Liebe (MHS alumni), Darin Hagen (MMS euphonium)