Holiday Tuba Tradition - Despite cold lips, the show goes on

As it has for many years, The University of Iowa Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble braved the elements to perform holiday favorites for a chilled but enthusiastic crowd on the last day of fall semester classes.

The Dec. 11 concert carried on a years-old tradition that includes University and community members. The performance takes place on the steps of the Old Capitol (although it moved to the steps of Macbride Hall in the years immediately following the Old Capitol fire). In some years the frigid temperatures have forced the group to perform in tag-team fashion, with members

periodically retreating indoors to unfreeze their valves, and this year was no exception, as temperatures hovered in the low teens. To heighten the festive spirit of the event, ensemble members decorated their instruments and some wore costumes. School of Music faculty member John Manning directed the group in his Santa costume.

In addition to performing the usual mix of season favorites, along with such holiday tuba “classics” as “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer” and “Underdog,” the group teamed up with Toys for Tots to collect toys for children in need.

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video by
Kirk Murray

© The University of Iowa 2009