Tubas ditch 'oompah music' for holiday classics
When 50 big brass instruments broke out in an Americana march in the middle of “Jingle Bells,” it was clear — Tuba Christmas was here.
The 44th annual concert drew players of the tuba and euphonium to perform 40-minute shows last weekend at two venues — one outside U.S. Bank in downtown Naperville and another near the food court inside Fox Valley Mall in Aurora.
Ron Keller, longtime director of the Naperville Municipal Band, said the number of performers wasn't the highest for the traditional concert, which once drew 80 musicians. But it was still a spirited songfest featuring classics such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Go, Tell it on the Mountain” and “Joy to the World.”
Keller said the tuba is known for “oompah music,” but is actually capable of a much more mellow sound that makes holiday tunes come to life.
The band has been hosting a Tuba Christmas performance each year to introduce people to the instrument's not-so-bombastic sound and to showcase its smaller cousin, the euphonium or baritone, as well.
“It's kind of brought the tuba out of the dark ages,” Keller said.