MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS®
Easley, South Carolina • December 18, 2026
TUBACHRISTMAS® Comes to Easley, South Carolina!
This holiday season, Easley Bands is excited to bring the tradition of TUBACHRISTMAS® to Easley!
On Friday, December 18, 2026, tuba and euphonium players from Easley and the surrounding communities will come together for an afternoon of music-making, culminating in a festive public performance at the Downtown Easley Amphitheater at 5:30 PM.
TUBACHRISTMAS® is unlike your typical holiday concert. Musicians of different ages and experience levels come together for a single rehearsal before taking the stage as one unified low-brass ensemble. Tubas, euphoniums, sousaphones, marching baritones, and other members of the tuba and euphonium families combine to create the rich, unmistakable sound that has made TUBACHRISTMAS® a holiday tradition for more than 50 years.
Join the Ensemble
Performers may play concert or marching variations of instruments in the tuba and euphonium families, including sousaphones and marching baritones.
Friday, December 18, 2026
Registration Opens: 2:00 PM
Rehearsal Begins: 3:00 PM
Registration & Rehearsal Location: Easley High School Band Room
Performance: 5:30 PM
Performance Location: Downtown Easley Amphitheater
Rain Location: Easley High School Auditorium
Performer Registration: $15
All participants need music for the performance. CAROLS FOR A MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS® can be purchased for $20. Preorders with your registration are recommended, and limited copies will be available for purchase on site.
We will also have limited TUBACHRISTMAS® merchandise for sale on site. Merchandise preorders with your registration are welcome and encouraged to guarantee your merchandise.
Participants will rehearse together at Easley High School before traveling to the Downtown Easley Amphitheater for the evening performance.
Come Listen
You don't have to play a tuba to be part of TUBACHRISTMAS®!
Family, friends, community members, and holiday music lovers are invited to join us at 5:30 PM at the Downtown Easley Amphitheater for the performance.
Come experience a holiday tradition more than 50 years in the making — right here in Easley.
The History of TUBACHRISTMAS®
TUBACHRISTMAS® began in 1974, when renowned tubist Harvey Phillips created the event as a tribute to his teacher and mentor, William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas Day in 1902.
Bell was one of the most influential tuba performers and teachers of his generation. Through TUBACHRISTMAS®, his legacy represents not only his own contributions to music, but also those of the many great performers and educators who have helped shape the traditions of tuba and euphonium playing. Their influence continues through high standards of musicianship, strong music education, professional integrity, and the special sense of camaraderie shared among low-brass musicians.
The first TUBACHRISTMAS® took place on Sunday, December 22, 1974, at the Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink in New York City and was conducted by Paul Lavalle.
The traditional Christmas music performed at that first gathering was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder, a longtime champion of the tuba and euphonium. Wilder composed numerous solo and ensemble works for the instruments and strongly supported efforts to expand their musical repertoire and elevate their visibility with audiences.
Wilder passed away on Christmas Eve in 1980, but his contributions remain an important part of the TUBACHRISTMAS® tradition. His legacy also represents the many composers who have continued to write for tuba and euphonium, helping build the rich and ever-growing collection of music available to low-brass musicians.
More than 50 years after that first gathering in New York City, TUBACHRISTMAS® continues to bring musicians of all ages together to celebrate the season, honor the traditions of tuba and euphonium playing, and share the unmistakable sound of low brass with their communities.
About the Harvey Phillips Foundation
The Harvey Phillips Foundation, Inc. is the nonprofit organization behind TUBACHRISTMAS® and is dedicated to developing, expanding, and preserving the musical arts.
The Foundation supports music education and performance through scholarships, new musical works, public performances, educational programs, and advocacy — with special attention given to instruments and musicians that may not traditionally receive widespread support.
Through TUBACHRISTMAS® and its other programs, the Harvey Phillips Foundation continues Harvey Phillips' legacy of musicianship, education, community, and a lifelong appreciation for the tuba and euphonium.