TubaChristmas returns to Algonquin Commons
The oompah of tubas enlivened Algonquin Commons shopping mall in Algonquin Saturday.
In a TubaChristmas event put on by Cambridge Music Outreach, 31 tubas, euphoniums and one ophicleide serenaded a fluid crowd of close to 70 shoppers during the free outdoor concert.
Paul Schmidt of Lindenhurst was playing his ophicleide, which was made in 1835. The instrument, a predecessor to the tuba, was invented in 1821. Schmidt has been playing tuba for more than 40 years, picking it up as a kid, and he has played the ophicleide for 29 years. Schmidt passes out a card with the history of the instrument whenever he performs. Ophicleide (pronounced offi-clyde) is Greek for “serpent with keys.”
It is the 42nd anniversary for TubaChristmas concerts/events, which are presented throughout the world. It was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas in 1902.
The first TubaChristmas was conducted by Paul Lavalle in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Dec. 22, 1974. For information, visit www.tubachristmas.com.