Schools
Millburn Students Perform at TubaChristmas in New York City
High school and middle school students worked hard in preparing to perform holiday songs at the annual event at Rockefeller Center.
On Dec. 15, Millburn High School and Middle School students attended the 40th Annual TubaChristmas at Rockefeller Center in New York City. These students, along with over 400 other tuba and euphonium players, rehearsed and performed in concert, as well on the ice, playing traditional holiday music.
TubaChristmas, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, are concerts/events which are presented throughout the world. The program was was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902, according to the TubaChristmas website. Through the legendary William J. Bell we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists/teachers whose legacy has given us high performance standards, well structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists.
According to the website, the first TubaChristmas was conducted by Paul Lavalle in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza Ice Rink on Sunday, December 22, 1974. Traditional Christmas music performed at the first TubaChristmas was arranged by American composer Alec Wilder who ironically died on Christmas Eve, 1980. Wilder composed many solo and ensemble compositions for tuba and euphonium.
Millburn Township music teachers Matthew Spatz and Jacob Miller-Hoesly sponsored the district's students and attended the event this year.
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