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Tubalations, a unique celebration of the rich sound of the tuba, will be staged in January 2010. Some of this characterful instrument’s leading players will gather to lead workshops and give demonstrations of the tuba’s often unrecognized musical potential, before performing together in what will surely be a memorable and highly unusual gala concert.

The aim of Tubalations is to celebrate in the wonderful gift of God’s music the expressive potential of the tuba through performances that cross genres and draws upon a range of disparate musical cultures; through solo and ensemble playing, utilizing the entire register of an instrument that is far more versatile and eloquent than is commonly recognized. Bass sounds form the body of a wide range of familiar musical styles. Tubalations will pay tribute to the vitality within the bulk of those rich and affecting sounds.

The event is the brainchild of Roy Scott, who for the past fifty years has played BBb tuba in the Salvation Army Band at Stotfold, Bedfordshire. Tubalations is a suitable way to mark that personal anniversary, but it is also hoped that the event will raise funds for the Clarence Adoo Trust (www.clarence.org.uk). Clarence, a brilliant professional trumpet player, was totally paralysed in a car accident in 1995 and now needs 24-hour care. The expectation is that Tubalations will raise £2,000 towards those costs.

Amongst the performers who have already agreed to take part are: Sgt Philip Scott (Tuba Soloist) RAF College Band,Cranwell, Carl Woodman (EbTuba), International Staff Band of The Salvation Army and bandmaster of Chatham Salvation Army band; Keith Loxley (Euphonium), Enfield Salvation Army Band and their acclaimed tuba quartet, T4; and Stephen Hopkins (Piano), Hendon Salvation Army Band.  Derick Kane, guest conductor and euphonium soloist, has been principal euphonium of the premier band in The Salvation Army – the International Staff Band – for 33 years and has also been deputy bandmaster of the ISB for 14 of those years. Derick has recorded solo CDs and has premiered many major new works for euphonium.

Roy Scott anticipates that Tubalations will be a platform for generating interest in the instrument amongst members of the public and for renewing and fuelling enthusiasm amongst the participants.

The aim is also to enable people from diverse backgrounds, with varying levels of experience and technical ability, to share an enthusiasm for a distinctive and rewarding kind of music-making. In the process Tubalations aims to bring help to a great man – Clarence Adoo.

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