Saturday, Dec. 1, marked Austin’s third Annual “Merry Tuba Christmas” concert at the Oak Park Mall. Once again, it was a great success as the event continues to grow! This free program was brought to the community by Valerie Pitzen of Austin Park & Recreation and co-sponsored also by Shan Kehret of Oak Park Mall management, along with the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. We were treated to the sounds of 41 excellent musicians as they played tubas, sousaphones, euphoniums and baritones for an audience that filled the entire Mall Center Court area. It’s great to see these instruments and players get full concert attention each year. Tuba Christmas was started in 1974 in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza. Tuba Christmas concerts happen in hundreds of cities around the US and many foreign countries, as well. Every chair in the mall was filled, people were listening from the stage with Santa, many were seated on the floor, and lots were standing, too! Thanks to all the talented players, who ranged from ages 11 years old to 85 years young. We want to also thank our guest conductors Brad Mariska and Dennis Conroy. Many, many thanks to several Austin businesses, merchants and individuals who gave generous donations again this year. The date has already been set for next year’s Tuba Christmas concert, which will mark the 40th celebration of Tuba Christmas. Mark Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, on your calendars.

Valerie Pitzen, Cheryl Corey,

Heidi Stegenga and Eileen Chao

Austin