News – Sheridan Media
For those who celebrate the Christmas Holiday, some musicians would like to wish everyone a Merry “Tuba” Christmas.
This will be the 26th year of the Merry Tuba Christmas performance in Sheridan, and it includes baritones and euphoniums.
The event has been going on nationwide since 1974, when Harvey Phillips, a tuba professor at the University of Indiana, and also known as Mr. Tuba wanted to come up with a way to honor his teacher, who was born on Christmas Day.
Dr. Ariel Downing, who is a music instructor at Sheridan College and the coordinator of this year’s Merry Tuba Christmas event, says the tuba usually does not get much attention in many musical numbers played by a band or orchestra, and this event is designed to give the low brass instrument a chance to shine.
“Generally the tuba isn’t featured as a melody instrument and those of us who have played a tuba think it is, so we play specially arranged carols so that tubas and baritones can all get the melody and sound great and we have a good time doing it.”
Doctor Downing says about 20-40 musicians participate in the Sheridan area event.
This year’s performance will take place on Saturday, December 20th, at the Ignite Wesleyan Church located at 40 West Brundage Lane.
Rehearsal is at 9:30am and the show starts at 1:30pm.
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Last modified: December 19, 2025