When and Where

The 14th TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 3:00 pm in Stephens Auditorium! This is a free and fun-for-all-ages musical event and we're excited to be back 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 2023, we had 251 musicians in our third year at Stephens Auditorium. Our goal is to have even more this year! 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. No photocopies or sharing of music books allowed as per the National TUBACHRISTMAS organization.

Musician Schedule for December 7

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

• Registration begins at 1:00 pm. Please do not try to enter backstage before 1pm as we need to get set up and organized.
• Musicians should enter Stephens at the Stage Door entrance on the south side of the building.
• Registration fee is $10.
• The first 275 registrants will receive a 2024 TUBACHRISTMAS button.
• New this year… Musicians – please wear your buttons so our staff knows that you are a registered player.

We will be selling TUBACHRISTMAS merchandise, including hats ($20) and scarves ($25). We will also be selling “Ames TUBACHRISTMAS” long-sleeve tee-shirts for $15 that feature the elf playing the tuba. If you would like to purchase books, hats or scarves in advance, please contact Mike Golemo. The Ames TUBACHRISTMAS tee-shirts will be on sale beginning November 1 at Dogtown University located at 217 Welch Avenue in Ames. Purchasing items early is encouraged. Items will be available the day of the event ONLY IF SUPPLIES LAST. No items can be held for pick-up the day of the event.

Cash, Checks or Venmo

We accept cash, checks or Venmo 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.

Other Information for All Musicians

• Bring your own music stand.
• If possible, leave your instrument case in your car.
• If you want to wear a mask when not playing, feel free to do so.
• Water bottles are okay to bring.
• No other food or drinks, please, on stage or backstage at Stephens.
• Wear your 2024 button!

Spouses, Partners, Parents and Friends

In past we’ve had spouses, partners, parents and friends (not playing) come to registration and rehearsal with musicians. We ask sincerely for your help with these procedures.

• Spouses, partners, parents 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 stay where they are or can join other family members and friends in any of the general admission seats.

Information for Audience Members

• Doors 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)
• Doors will be closed for audience seating when Stephens Auditorium staff determines the house is full.

Younger Musician Info – Very Important!

Please, no players younger than age 12. It is okay for 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 stay or 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…

Ames Tile
Pat Brown State Farm Insurance
Harlan and Amy Asmus
James and Deanna Kilmer
Northcrest Community
Ames Regional Economic Alliance
David Stuart
Chocolaterie Stam
Hastings and Gartin Law Group
Frank Rieman Music, Inc.
The Salon in Ames
Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames
Dario Zaffarano and Janice Seibel
Jen Burkamper Realty
Greg and Karen Tylka
The Curtis Family
Dogtown University
Stephens Auditorium