The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (HHSO) will produce the first-ever MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS on Hilton Head Island on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Lowcountry Celebration Park (94 Pope Avenue). The performance will take place at 5:15 pm, to launch the Town of Hilton Head Island’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

For the performance (and 3:30 pm rehearsal on the same day), the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra invites euphonium and tuba players of all ages and ability levels to participate. Registration is $10 for adults; the registration fees for middle, high school, and college students are graciously covered by Hilton Head Island MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS underwriters Janet M. Stallmeyer and Donald L. Flora. All registrants will receive a commemorative 2024 MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS button. Participants can also purchase music (32 carols arranged in four parts) for $20 for the 6”x 8” set or $25 for the larger print 8-1/2” by 11” set.

MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS is now celebrating its 51st Anniversary (1974-2024). Created by Dr. Harvey G. Phillips, MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS 2024 concerts will be presented in over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Phillips was inspired to create TUBACHRISTMAS as an annual event honoring his mentor/teacher, friend and associate, the late great tubist William J. Bell (born Christmas Day, 1902). Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect to Phillips, Bell and all the great artists and teachers who represent the heritage of the “most noble of instruments.” Every TUBACHRISTMAS performance features traditional Christmas carols especially arranged (for the first TUBACHRISTMAS, December 22, 1974 on “The Rink at Rockefeller Center”) by American composer Alec Wilder. It is no wonder why the warm toned, smooth organ sounds of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and hearts of every audience, making a TUBACHRISTMAS concert an established Christmas tradition in cities throughout the world.

Advanced registration—by December 2, 2024—is strongly encouraged, to make sure we have sufficient buttons and music. To register and to order music, click on the link below.

Register to Participate and Order Music

Check in on December 7th will be from 2:30 – 3:30 pm at SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road. The rehearsal will be at SoundWaves from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Chairs, stands and other equipment will be moved from SoundWaves to Lowcountry Celebration Park at 4:30 pm. The performance is scheduled to begin at 5:15 pm.

Friends and family of participants are encouraged to bring a chair and enjoy the entire Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

For more information, please e-mail HHSO President and CEO Alan Jordan at ajordan@hhso.org or call the HHSO office at (843) 842-2055.

The 2024 Hilton Head Island MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS is generously underwritten by Janet M. Stallmeyer and Donald L. Flora.