Staff photo / Bob Coupland
Liberty schools music / band teacher Gabriella Sandy of Niles, and Liberty sixth-grade band student Nolan Sefcik, 11, practice before the start of the 25th annual Tuba Christmas on Sunday at Stambaugh Auditorium in Youngstown.
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YOUNGSTOWN — The annual tradition of Tuba Christmas started nationally 50 years ago, and Sunday’s local performance featured musicians — students, area residents and out-of-state visitors — to celebrate its 25th year.
More than 140 tuba players, ages 10 to 84, gathered on the Stambaugh Auditorium stage to play holiday tunes and engage in an audience singalong.
Wes O’Connor, an Austintown schools music educator, directed the tubaists, many of whom were dressed in brightly colored holiday sweaters and other attire.
O’Connor, who has participated all 25 years, said many of the tuba players come back each year. The event has taken place at Stambaugh for the past eight years. Previously, it took place at Eastwood Mall and the Eastwood Expo Centre.
“What makes this year unique is the 50th year for the national Tuba Christmas and the 25th year for the local event,” he said.
O’Connor said the local performance continues to grow, with more participating each year.
He said the first Tuba Christmas took place at New York City’s Rockefeller Center Ice Rink in 1974 with 300 tuba players performing.
“That first Tuba Christmas was so popular, a worldwide phenomenon started as more Tuba Christmases began popping up,” O’Connor said. “Fifty years later, there are 280 Tuba Christmases held around the world including in Australia, Costa Rica, Canada and many in the United States. Texas has 21 and Ohio and Pennsylvania each have 15 and Michigan has 14. There are hundreds of Tuba Christmases being held today.”
Dani Dier, business manager for Stambaugh Auditorium, said Tuba Christmas is always a big draw and is held in conjunction with a holiday craft show.
“Everyone tells me how much they enjoy the performance. We host this event to raise awareness of the arts, not just the performing arts, but all the arts. That is why we tie the Tuba Christmas concert with the craft show. It is important to bring awareness of all the arts,” she said.
O’Connor said the concert brings performers from all walks of life: middle school, high school, college, professional, amateur and retired.
Liberty sixth-grade band student Nolan Sefcik, 11, said his music and band teachers, Gabriella Sandy and Mike Summers, encouraged him to participate. Nolan, who was among the younger performers Sunday, said this was his first year taking part.
Sandy, of Niles, said she knew Nolan would enjoy the experience since he is part of the sixth-grade band.
Hubbard High School band director Dan Nestich said he has been participating for 20 years and brings Hubbard students. Landon Kettwering, 14, an eighth-grader from Hubbard, said he looked forward to taking part in the concert.
Niles McKinley High School band director Steve Orlando said he has been playing for 25 years and also brings Niles students to participate.
Avah Rodgers, a senior, and Mike Baniecki, a freshmen, were among the Niles students marking their first time being part of the event.
Bob Barnett of Salem, a retired West Branch schools band director after 37 years and now director of the Salem Quaker City Band, said people appreciate the music as many parents of students attend the concert,
David Mollenkopf of East Palestine said Tuba Christmas is one event he looks forward to each holiday season.
Bob Antonucci of Lowellville and band director and music instructor for Lowellville schools, said he enjoys seeing his former students taking part in Tuba Christmas,
Among those joining him this year were Dominick Commisso of Lowellville and Lauren Zetts of Canfield.
In addition to O’Connor, Dr. Yukitada Onitsuka, professor of tuba at Youngstown State University and principal tubaist with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, was the guest conductor.