For those without instrumental experience, the tuba is not the first instrument you would imagine by itself.
Its siblings, like the trumpet or trombone tend to get more attention.
Tubaween will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 31, in Haddock Performance Hall in the Lionel Hampton School of Music, The event is University of Idaho’s unique recognition of the tuba.
At UI, Tubaween has been a tradition for around 30 years, said Matthew Shipes, Lionel Hampton faculty member.
“I work with (the event coordinators) all semester, I help them choose pieces, and find accompanists, to play with them on piano,” Shipes said.
He said the student solo recital is only half of the night’s performance. There is also a themed play and a musical presented by the students.
“It’s a very much student-directed, acted, and created play, with a different theme each year. In the past, there’s been ‘Tubatanic,’ ‘Lord of the Tubas,’ ‘The Little Mer-Tuba.’ This year’s theme is ‘A Tuba Carol,’” Shipes said.
He said that not only will the performances consist of students in the tuba studio, but also tuba players in the Vandal Marching Band. He also said that a student-composer, Byron Flood, is writing the music for the event.
“Other than being a good opportunity to play, and for them to get on stage, it also serves as a fundraiser for the tuba and euphonia studio. Donations go toward studio events, and bringing in guest artists to come play and teach at the school,” Shipes said.
He said that there will be a costume contest, and that attendees are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes for a chance to win.
Senior Cristian Mata, majoring in a music education and the director of the student-led event, said he likes how the event creates a camaraderie within the tuba group, as well as the ability to fundraise for better opportunities.
“This job entails picking a theme at the beginning of the year, and then I have a person in the studio who writes the music, and I have to make sure there’s music to go along with it all,” he said.
Mata said that planning the event can be hectic, but that the end-product is worth the stress.
“I really like just getting our studio out there,” he said.
Will Meyer can be reached at [email protected]