Seven current and former Huntington School District recently traveled into Manhattan and participated in the 40th anniversary of Merry Tuba Christmas at Rockefeller Center.
The Huntington contingent included high school tuba players Hector Rubio, Brian McConnell and Thomas Kouttron and baritone players Mike Stafford Spencer Pashkin. Woodhull sixth grader Cole Pillion and his brother, Chris Lau, the Class of 2009 valedictorian also made the trek into New York City and participated in the massive event.
The Huntington group gathered with fellow enthusiasts at the ice rink at The Rink at Rockefeller Center for a rehearsal and performance.
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Mr. Kouttron, a junior at the school, called the gathering an “amazing event.” Tuba Christmas concerts and events are celebrated throughout the world. The initiative was created in 1974 by Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher-mentor William J. Bell, according to the Tuba Christmas website.
The December 15 event drew hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players of all ages from across the country. The tubists lined up under Rockefeller Center’s famous Christmas tree. The musicians played various Christmas carols and other holiday season favorites as spectators sang along.
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The Huntington delegation joined hundreds of tuba players at the complex located at 49th and 50th streets between 5th and 6th Avenues for the afternoon performance.
