Campus & Community
Tubists toot their own horns at OcTUBAfest 2002

By Susan Green

It's hard to dismiss the stereotypical image of the tuba, a funny looking, unwieldy instrument that emits somber sounds.

OcTUBAfest, a three-part concert series beginning Friday, Octuba 25, will change your misconceptions about the instrument. The concerts, held in the School of Music Recital Hall, are free and open to the public.

Organized by Jason Roland Smith, assistant professor in the School of Music, OcTUBAfest, is a celebration of the tuba and euphonium, the soft, low instrumental voices of a band. This is the second year Smith has organized the concert series.

"The purpose of OcTUBAfest is to give euphonium and tuba students a chance to perform in public and to hear world-class tubists," Smith said. "It is also an opportunity to recruit tuba students to the School of Music."

The brainchild of Harvey Philips, distinguished professor of music emeritus at Indiana University, to demonstrate the range and versatility of the tuba, OcTUBAfest is celebrated nationally and internationally.

This year's concert series will feature prominent tuba soloist Velvet Brown.

OcTUBAfest Concert I
Friday, October 25, 8 pm
OU Tuba-Euphonium with special guest OU Trombone Ensemble

OcTUBAfest Concert II
Sunday, October 27, 4 pm
Velvet Brown, Guest Tuba Artist

OcTUBAfest Concert III
Sunday, November 3, 4 pm
Jason Smith, Faculty Tuba Artist
Special Guest Ohio Brass Repertoire Ensemble (Debut Performance)

Susan Green is a media specialist with University Communications and Marketing.