When and Where

The 13th TUBACHRISTMAS in Ames will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 3:00 pm in Stephens Auditorium! This is a free and fun-for-all-ages musical event and we're excited to be back in beautiful Stephens Auditorium.

What is TUBACHRISTMAS?

It's like a Messiah sing-a-long for low brass players. Show up, register, rehearse, then play a concert. No advance registration is needed.

Only tubas, euphoniums, baritones and sousaphones allowed. Any player 12 years old and older is welcome.

In 2022, we had 230 musicians in our second year at Stephens Auditorium. Our goal is to have even more this year! There is nothing better than the rich and glorious sound of a large tuba/euphonium choir!

The Music We Play

For music, we use the Carols for a Merry TUBACHRISTMAS book. These are available at the event, or if you'd prefer not to sight-read, you can purchase one in advance. Bass clef and treble clef "large print" books are $25. You can purchase a book in advance by contacting Mike Golemo, TUBACHRISTMAS coordinator & conductor, at mgolemo@mchsi.com or at 515.291.9341. Mike is the Director of Bands at Iowa State University. No photocopies or sharing of music books allowed.

Musician Schedule for December 2

1:00 - 1:45 pm Registration (ends promptly at 1:45)
1:50 - 2:30 pm Rehearsal (on the stage at Stephens)
2:30 - 3:00 pm Break
3:00 - 4:00 pm Concert

Registration - The Details

There is no advance registration. It’s all done on December 2nd beginning at 1:00pm. To register, enter Stephens through the “stage door” at the loading dock on the south side of the building. Follow the signs.

We’ll have copies of the Registration Form for you to use. Or, you can bring your completed form to save time. Download the form here: 2023 Registration Form. Please do NOT use the Registration Form from the National TUBACHRISTMAS website.

Registration fee is $10. The first 295 registrants will receive a 50th anniversary TUBACHRISTMAS 2023 commemorative button.

This year we are selling special "50th Anniversary" commemorative hats and scarves that are white with gold print. We also have a limited number of "older style" TUBACHRISTMAS hats and scarves (red, green and blue). New this year -- we are selling "Ames TUBACHRISTMAS" long-sleeve steel blue tee-shirts that feature the elf playing the tuba. If you would like to purchase any of these items in advance, please contact Mike Golemo. All clothing items are $15 each and purchasing items early is encouraged. Items will be available the day of the event ONLY IF SUPPLIES LAST. However, no items can be held for pickup the day of the event.

Cash or Checks Only

We can only accept checks or cash for registration, music books and clothing items. Checks can be made payable to Ames TUBACHRISTMAS and MUST include your driver’s license number.

Be Festive! Decorate Your Instrument!

Wear bright and festive clothing. Adorn your instrument for the event (garland, holiday lights, ornaments, bows or reindeer antlers… you get the idea).

Special Recognition

There will be prizes for the most decorated instruments, the oldest and youngest participants, and the farthest distance traveled to the event.

Other Information for All Musicians

• Bring your own music stand.
• If possible, leave your instrument case in your car.
• If you want to wear a mask when not playing, feel free to do so.
• Water bottles are okay to bring. No other food or drinks, please.

Spouses, Partners and Friends

In past we’ve had spouses, partners and friends (not playing) come to registration and rehearsal with musicians. With our new facility comes some new procedures and we ask sincerely for your help with these.

• Spouses, partners and friends cannot enter the registration area or remain backstage at Stephens.
• These folks will be escorted to a special seating area that they will need to use during rehearsal. Stephens staff has asked that folks not wander or walk around the building until the event begins.
• At 2:30 pm, when doors open, folks in this special seating area can join other family members and friends in any of the general admission seats.

Information for Audience Members

• Doors open at 2:30 pm
• General admission seating – no ticket required
• Please no food or drink in Stephens
• Parking is available in lots south of Stephens Auditorium
• ADA Accessible Seating is available in Stephens (more information)

Younger Musician Info – Very Important!

For our younger musicians (please, no players younger than age 12), it is okay for one (and only one!) parent/guardian to accompany you to registration and rehearsal. There will be a special seating area that parents/guardians will need to use during the rehearsal. At 2:30 pm, when doors open, these parents/guardians can join other family members and friends in any of the general admission seats.

Sincere thanks to our donors who made this year’s Ames TUBACHRISTMAS possible…

Ames Tile
Pat Brown State Farm Insurance
Harlan and Amy Asmus
James and Deanna Kilmer
Northcrest Community
Ames Chamber of Commerce
Beate Schmittmann
David Stuart
Chocolaterie Stam
Hastings and Gartin Law Group
Frank Rieman Music, Inc.
The Salon in Ames
Wild Birds Unlimited in Ames
Erv Klaas
Dario Zaffarano and Janice Seibel
Dogtown University
Stephens Auditorium