CRESTON TO CELEBRATE TUBACHRISTMAS®

November 12th, 2025. CRESTON, IA -  In partnership with parents and staff of Creston Community School District, Creston Arts presents TUBACHRISTMAS® to celebrate this holiday season and honor Creston’s very own tubist, William J. Bell.

This community performance invites low-brass musicians — tuba, sousaphone, trombone, baritone, and euphonium players — of all ages and experience levels to come together for an afternoon of festive music-making. In the spirit of giving, admission for audience members is a non-perishable donation to support the Creston Community High School Student Pantry, helping local students and families during the holiday season.

The performance for the public will be held at 4:30 p.m. December 6 in the Creston Community High School Auditorium, 601 W. Townline Road, Creston.

The concert will be conducted by Zoe Meyer, Creston Community Middle School band director. A special invitation is extended to local band alumni, regional musicians, and families looking to enjoy a joyful, uniquely heartwarming holiday tradition. 

Musicians interested in performing can find registration details at www.crestonarts.org. The schedule is as follows: 

• 1:30 p.m. — Registration/Check-in

• 2 to 4 p.m. — Rehearsal

• 4:30 p.m. — Public performance

As in past years, performers can expect prizes! For more details about registration at www.crestonarts.org. 

About TUBACHRISTMAS®

TUBACHRISTMAS® was conceived in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born in Creston, Iowa, on Christmas Day, 1902.

Through the legendary William J. Bell, we reflect on our heritage and honor all great artists and teachers whose legacy has given us high-performance standards, well-structured pedagogy, professional integrity, personal values, and a camaraderie envied by all other instrumentalists.

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. He was a loyal supporter of every effort to improve the literature and public image of our chosen instruments. Through Alec Wilder, we express our respect and gratitude to all composers who continue to embrace our instruments with their compositions and contribute to the ever-growing solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium. Learn more about Tuba Christmas at https://tubachristmas.com/.

About Creston Arts

Creston Arts is a 501(c)3 non-profit that has served the Creston Area since 1977. Our mission is to enrich the lives of Southwest Iowans by bridging the community to the arts through coordination, advancement, promotion, and administration of all phases of the arts in Creston and the surrounding area. For more information, a calendar of upcoming events, or to make a donation to further our mission, visit www.crestonarts.com or call 641-351-7634.

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