Merry TubaChristmas programs scheduled

This is the 32nd anniversary of Merry TubaChristmas, which will take place in more than 180 cities across the United States during the holiday season. They were founded by Harvey Phillips of Bloomington, Ind. This will be the 29th year that Winkle, band director emeritus at Chadron State College, has been involved in the programs.

Winkle and Phillips are close friends and co-authors of “The Art of Tuba and Euphonium” published by Summy Birchard, Inc.

The snappy programs allow tuba players to help brighten the holiday season. One of the favorite tunes often performed is “Santa Wants a Tuba for Christmas.” All tuba players are welcome to participate. The participants are asked to pay a $5 registration fee.

The programs Winkle is coordinating, rehearsal information and those helping with the local arrangements follow:

--Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. at the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City. Rehearsal at Central High School at 9 a.m. Mark Bray.

--Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at East Ridge Mall in Casper. Rehearsal at Frontier Middle School at 1 p.m. Scott Reinsbach.

--Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. at Wal-Mart in Chadron. Rehearsal at 4:15 p.m. at Memorial Hall at Chadron State College.

--Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the University of Nebraska-Kearney Fine Arts Building. Rehearsal at 8:45 a.m. at the same location. Dr. Gary Davis.

--Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1:30 p.m. at Conestoga Mall in Grand Island. Dr. Jim Kordik.

--Sunday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. at Monument Mall in Scottsbluff. Rehearsal at 1 p.m. at Scottsbluff High School. Frank Ibero and Randy Rains.

The concert in Chadron will feature a quartet comprised of Michelle Lambert, Jim Grimes, Mike Fulton and Winkle.