Talking to Sharon Pearson, host, about TubaChristmas in Colebrook, is like meeting someone just declared free of cancer... the energy, the enthusiasm, the joy, the life, is transparent in every word. There is also no escaping how proud she is of her father, Douglas Nelson, who's the group's conductor. She partnered with her musician/composer/professor father 10 years ago to bring TubaChristmas to Colebrook after Dad had participated in other TubaChristmas events and thought he would like to bring one of his own to NH.

TubaChristmas was started in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher and mentor William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day, 1902. Today, the term 'TubaChristmas' is owned by the Harvey Phillips Foundation who has licensed it to scores of cities to enjoy traditional Christmas music arranged for performance by tubas, baritone horns and euphoniums. Colebrook is one of only six NH communities participating this year.

If imagery of a tuba's 'ohm pa pa, ohm pa pa' comes to mind, you couldn't be more wrong about this concert. Ms. Pearson reports that the combination of the three instruments played by 20 musicians provides a "very rich, full sound... very beautiful" and calls it "a spirited event," perhaps the largest music event in Colebrook. Every year it has standing room only crowds. The pre-Christmas concert makes a special effort to mix it up: every year the program is a little different, with lots of variety and a special piece of music or two.

Musicians come from as far away as Plattsburg, NY to play every year. Performed at Trinity United Methodist Church, the venue's acoustics, stained glass windows and organ, commingled with the smaller group of musicians and the proximity of the listeners make it a cherished event for the performers as well as the attendees. "Players feel so anonymous at big events."

The audience is invited to sing along during familiar pieces and Conductor Nelson offers light narration and some history about the instruments. (What do you know about euphoniums, hmm? 'Nuff said!)

The Great North Woods Committee for the Arts provides the publicity and hall rental. Calex Environmental generously covers all the franchising and music rental costs. Community volunteers feed the musicians who drive in from several states to hold a same day practice and concert, only to drive home again afterwards.

This is a great family event. The whole crowd can feel the connection when Sharon and her father play something special together. "It really personalizes it, makes the performance all the more family oriented." Ms. Pearson reports that area folk now eagerly look forward to the concert. "It's become a Christmas tradition for many families."

The concert is always held the last Saturday before Christmas Eve. This year's date will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, December 19, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 28 Bridge Street, Colebrook, NH.