“Melodies of Merriment: Salem Tuba Holiday Band Aims to Spread Joy This Christmas Eve!”

In the early years of Salem Tuba Holiday, conductor John Skelton was approached by a mourning family after a rendition of “In the Bleak Midwinter,” an English poem adapted into a carol.

This family held a profound bond with the tune, and following the loss of a family member that year, the performance held significant meaning for them.

“We can never quite understand why or how something resonates with people; that’s why we offer a diverse selection,” commented organizer Toni Skelton, alluding to the musical repertoire of the concert.

The concert has been cherished in Salem since 1990, initially known as TubaChristmas. However, in 2013, John Skelton, the conductor of Salem Symphonic Winds, chose to organize the event alongside his wife and became its conductor.

This event is set to return on Tuesday, December 24, at noon at the Elsinore Theatre. Doors will open at 11 a.m, and tickets are priced at $10 in advance and $15 on the concert day.

Over their decade-long involvement in directing the Salem Tuba Holiday, John and Toni Skelton have witnessed a spectrum of audience responses, from appreciation and laughter to exasperation over the departure from TubaChristmas, the global tuba concert.

Toni Skelton described this year’s event as a “family gathering in the living room of Salem.”

“There’s a touch of humor, and a bit of information about the instruments,” she explained. Primarily, the concert provides a welcoming atmosphere for attendees to unwind after weeks of festive shopping and preparations.

Toni Skelton frequently hears attendees express that they wouldn’t miss Tuba Holiday for anything.

The performance features a collective of 50 to 60 musicians, both amateur and professional, on tuba or euphonium. Additionally, a vocalist named Jeff Witt joins in for a selection of songs.

This year, the ensemble has rehearsed 22 pieces, of which nine will involve sing-alongs with the audience. Skelton mentioned that members of the group often introduce new songs by local musicians.

Euphonium player Bob Ponto is eager to participate in his second Tuba Holiday concert this year. He has played the instrument, akin to a smaller tuba, for over half a century.

“I intend to continue this as long as they allow me,” he stated with a laugh. He became part of Tuba Holiday last year after maintaining a friendship with John and Toni Skelton for years.

Recently retired from the University of Oregon, where he served as the associate dean for the school of music and dance for nine years, Ponto reflected on his dedication to community music.

“I’m just one of those individuals who’s always been passionate about local music-making,” Ponto remarked.

Even though this is only his second year, Ponto depicted this year’s rehearsals as a reunion where musicians reconnect with those they haven’t seen for months or even the entire year.

What stands out most to him about the group is the shared laughter and camaraderie.

Performers vary from elementary-aged kids to grandparents, with Toni Skelton noting that one of their oldest instrumentalists is in their early 80s this year. Lately, she has observed an influx of middle and high school students joining the ensemble.

When college students come home to Salem for winter break, Skelton often hears them express excitement about participating in the concert.

“It is, in essence, a tuba family,” she shared. “There’s no rivalry, no prizes; they come just to play.”

Ponto conveyed that everyone participating in the concert embodies the festive spirit, stating he would happily perform for an empty theater if no audience appeared.

“If you walked in feeling grumpy, you wouldn’t be leaving that way,” he said, recalling last year’s concert. Both Ponto and Toni Skelton consider the concert to be an uplifting experience during a season that can sometimes pose challenges for individuals.

Skelton expressed that she views the performance as a moment for individuals to set aside their worries and stress associated with the holiday season, particularly since the event occurs on Christmas Eve, symbolizing the culmination of the season.

“We truly aim for people to experience a ‘feel-good’ moment,” she stated.

Reach out to reporter Madeleine Moore: [email protected].

A MOMENT MORE, PLEASE – If you found this narrative beneficial, contemplate subscribing to Salem Reporter if you’re not already a member. This work, crafted by local professionals, relies on community contributions from subscribers. Please take a moment to sign up now – fast and secure: SUBSCRIBE.