“TubaChristmas,” a free concert of popular Christmas carols performed by Rolla-area tuba and euphonium players, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the atrium of the Havener Center on the University of Missouri-Rolla campus. Rolla is one of more than 100 cities that will host a hometown TubaChristmas performance this winter.

“TubaChristmas is an opportunity for those who perform on the tuba, enjoy listening to the tuba — or perhaps not even listening to the tuba — to hear great music performed by an instrument that is not normally heard,” says Dr. Don Miller, assistant professor of music and director of UMR bands and orchestras.

The performance will feature an entire ensemble of tubas and euphoniums playing music composed for these instruments, outside the confines of the ‘oom-pahs’ they are often confirned to playing.

Created by acclaimed tuba soloist Harvey Phillips, TubaChristmas was originally developed in 1974 to honor the late William J. Bell, Phillips’ mentor and instructor. TubaChristmas concerts are presented with permission from the Harvey Phillips Foundation Inc. UMR Bands is sponsoring the performance.

Registration begins at 10 a.m. for participants and rehearsal will start at 10:30 a.m. in Room 137 of Castleman Hall. There is a $5 participation fee and the music will be available for purchase at registration.

More information on TubaChristmas and its history is available at www.tubachristmas.com. For more information on TubaChristmas in Rolla, contact Jared Shulse at 816-289-5529 or jdsq4f@mst.edu.