Central Oregon Community College hosted its fourth annual Tuba Christmas concert on Dec. 7, 2024. In Willie Hall in the Coats Campus Center. A Christmas holiday concert that brought together musicians from different ensembles and bands around Central Oregon. Participants included members of the Bend Pops Orchestra, Cascade Winds and COCC students alongside other talented individuals. The event featured classic holiday tunes played through wind instruments.
For Topher Silvia, a performer and musician in the community, the concert’s most memorable performance was “Jingle Bells”. Silvia described the song as “bombastic” and “really fun.” Other than the music, Silvia said the highlight of the event was the camaraderie among musicians.
“I only knew like two people before I arrived,” said Silvia, “connecting with others who share the same passion is what it’s all about, especially in an ensemble where instruments like the viola are rare.”
First-year COCC Exploratory student, Jack Witts, said he was happy to perform the song “The First Noel”, as it was his favorite childhood Christmas song.
COCC band student and musician, Hon Tu, also said his favorite song they performed was “The First Noel”. Tu emphasised the joy of engaging the audience. “I love inviting kids to play percussion instruments.” Tu remarked that the invitation for the kids in the audience was a good silly moment people needed with everything going on in the world.
The musicians prepared for this concert in a matter of hours. “We began rehearsing at 10:30 in the morning without any prior access to the music,” said Silvia, having only practiced an hour before the show began.
Tu encouraged COCC students to pick up or revisit music. “If you’ve ever played an instrument, even in high school, you should consider returning to it,” said Tu. “Music has a unique ability to bring people together, regardless of skill level.”
Silva echoed this sentiment, saying that COCC students and locals should explore the opportunities available. “There’s so many opportunities in Bend and it’s really rare to be in a place that has different access, so if you used to play or you wanna play, just do it, there’s always a way.”
The event not only provided an opportunity for musicians to connect but also highlighted the community’s engagement in the arts, the concert even played each song twice allowing audience members to sing along on the second time. As the holiday season continues, local ensembles like the Bend Pops Orchestra and Cascade Winds are keeping the festive spirit alive with upcoming performances.