Finley Duo Plays at Tuba Christmas
in Manhattan
A talented pair of J. Taylor Finley Middle School musicians recently traveled into New York City and participated in the 41st annual Merry Tuba Christmas extravaganza at Rockefeller Center.
Seventh graders James Obermaier and Cole Pillion were among the more than 500 musicians from across the country that trekked into Manhattan for this year’s sprawling event. The oldest player was 89 and the youngest a mere eight years old. Similar events were held in more than 200 cities around the world.
Messrs. Obermaier and Pillion are members of Finley’s band program led by music teacher Frank Battista. The duo said they had a “terrific time” in the Big Apple. Participation in the annual event is limited to tuba and sousaphone players. Many musicians were accompanied by their families for the day or even the weekend in Manhattan.
Tuba Christmas concerts and events are festively 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 14 event drew hundreds of tenor and bass tuba players of all ages from across the country. The tubists lined up under Rockefeller Center’s fabled Christmas tree. The musicians played various Christmas carols and other holiday season favorites as spectators sang along. Selections included Jingle Bells, Deck the Halls, The First Noel, Silent Night, We Three Kings, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and a variety of other popular tunes.
Messrs. Obermaier and Pillion eagerly joined a throng of tuba players at the complex. The Finley musicians gathered with fellow enthusiasts for a rehearsal and performance at the Rockefeller Center ice rink located at 49th and 50th Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Chris Wilhjelm, former conductor of the famed Goldman Memorial Band, led the skilled group.