Event honors first conductor

Polk County High School’s auditorium fills with euphonic sound around the first of December each year and this year is no exception as TubaChristmas XV is set to take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 with momentous celebration for those who have led it over the years.

After 15 years, the man who initiated TubaChristmas in Polk County, Stan Howell, will retire. Howell, with his wife, Jean, has guided the hands of volunteers who organize the event since its inception. Jean Howell has handled registration.

“When we arrived in the community we wanted to do something with music that didn’t take rehearsal after rehearsal, but would allow us to give something special to residents,” Stan said of the event last year.

The first Tuba Christmas was held in 1998 with 39 participants and was to be held outdoors at the Polk County courthouse.

When rain moved through, the event was moved to the Stearns Auditorium. Since, the concerts have been held in the Polk County High School auditorium. Players range in age from 11 to mid 80s and have hailed from the Carolinas to Pennsylvania.