NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR

The 11th TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 3:00 pm in Stephens Auditorium! This is a free and fun-for-all-ages musical event and this year in beautiful Stephens Auditorium.

What is TUBACHRISTMAS?

It's like a Messiah sing-a-long for low brass players. Show up, register, rehearse, then play a concert. No advance registration is needed.

Only tubas, euphoniums, baritones and sousaphones allowed. Any player 12 years old and older is welcome.

In 2019, we had 127 musicians participate and we filled the stage at Ames City Auditorium. Our goal is to have even more this year at Stephens! There is nothing better than the rich and glorious sound of a large tuba/euphonium choir!

The Music We Play

For music, we use the Carols for a Merry TUBACHRISTMAS book. These are available at the event, or if you'd prefer not to sight-read, you can purchase one in advance. Bass clef and treble clef "large print" books are $25. You can purchase a book in advance by contacting Mike Golemo, TUBACHRISTMAS coordinator & conductor, at mgolemo@mchsi.com or at 515.291.9341. Mike is the Director of Bands at Iowa State University.

Musician Schedule for December 4

1:00 - 1:45 pm Registration (ends promptly at 1:45)
1:50 - 2:30 pm Rehearsal (on the stage at Stephens)
2:30 - 3:00 pm Break
3:00 - 4:00 pm Concert

Registration - The Details

There is no advance registration. It’s all done on December 4th beginning at 1:00 pm. To register, enter Stephens through the “stage door” at the loading dock on the south side of the building. Follow the signs.

We’ll have copies of the Registration Form for you to use. Or, you can bring your completed form to save time. Here’s the link to the 2021 Registration Form.

Registration requires a tax-deductible contribution of $10. All registrants will receive a 48th anniversary TUBACHRISTMAS 2021 commemorative button.

A limited number of TUBACHRISTMAS hats and scarves will be for sale for $15 at the event. We also have a limited number of headbands for sale at $10. If you would like to purchase one of these in advance, please contact Mike Golemo. All are available in either red, green, or blue, but there will be a limited number. Reserve yours early!

Cash or Checks Only

We can only accept checks or cash for registration, music books and clothing items. Checks can be made payable to Ames TUBACHRISTMAS and MUST include your driver’s license number.

Be Festive! Decorate Your Instrument!

Wear bright and festive clothing. Adorn your instrument for the event (garland, holiday lights, ornaments, bows or reindeer antlers… you get the idea).

Special Recognition

There will be prizes for the most decorated instruments, the oldest and youngest participants, and the farthest distance traveled to the event.

COVID-19 Protocols for Musicians

  • Masks are encouraged at Registration and when you are not playing.
  • Bring your own music stand.
  • Use your own Carols for a Merry TUBACHRISTMAS book.
  • Bell covers are not required, but are okay to use.
  • Chairs will be spaced as much as possible. However, the number of players will not be known until the day of the event.
  • We encourage all players to be vaccinated.
  • Water bottles are okay to bring. No other food or drinks, please.
  • If you are not feeling well on the day of TUBACHRISTMAS, we ask that you not play this year. Stay home, get better and we’ll see you next year!

Spouses, Partners and Friends - New Procedures

In the past we’ve had spouses, partners and friends (not playing) come to registration and rehearsal with musicians. With our new facility comes some new procedures and we ask sincerely for your help with these.

  • Spouses, partners and friends cannot enter the registration area or remain backstage at Stephens.
  • These folks will be escorted to a special seating area that they will need to use during rehearsal. Stephens staff has asked that folks not wander or walk around the building until the event begins.
  • At 2:30 pm, when doors open, folks in this special seating area can join other family members and friends in any of the general admission seats.

Information for Audience Members

  • Masks are encouraged
  • Door open at 2:30 pm
  • General admission seating – no ticket required
  • Please no food or drink in Stephens
  • Parking is available in lots south of Stephens Auditorium
  • ADA Accessible Seating is available in Stephens (more information)

Younger Musician Info – Very Important!

For our younger musicians (please, no players younger than age 12), it is okay for one (and only one!) parent/guardian to accompany you to registration and rehearsal. There will be a special seating area that parents/guardians will need to use during the rehearsal. At 2:30 pm, when doors open, these parents/guardians can join other family members and friends in any of the general admission seats.

Sincere thanks to our donors who made this year’s Ames TUBACHRISTMAS possible…

Jim and Deanna Kilmer
Harlan and Amy Asmus
Erv Klaas
Beate Schmittmann
Dario Zaffarano and Janice Seibel
David Stuart
Ames Tile
Jen Burkamper Real Estate Re/Max
Ames Chamber of Commerce
Northcrest Community
Chocolaterie Stam
The Salon
Rieman Music
Hastings, Gartin & Boettger LLP
Pat Brown State Farm
Wild Birds Unlimited
EatStreet Food Ordering & Delivery
Stephens Auditorium