Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Wilmington, N.C. - University of North Carolina Wilmington Department of Music professor Daniel Johnson will direct the Second Annual OctubaFest Concert on Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Cotton Exchange Stage as part of Riverfest in downtown Wilmington. The concert, scheduled from 2:45 to 3:15 p.m., will feature polkas, marches, and songs from the Germanic tradition performed by the Wilmington Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble.

Wilmington's OctubaFest concerts are based on similar concerts first organized at Indiana University by professor emeritus Harvey Phillips. These performances honor the rich heritage of the tuba and euphonium in annual fall events of music and celebrations. The events were originally presented in 1973 as a series of five public recitals showcasing the solo and ensemble repertoire for tuba and euphonium.

Johnson performed as part of the OctubaFest concerts at Indiana University and now brings that tradition to Wilmington as part of RiverFest. This marks the second year that Wilmington will participate in the annual OctubaFest celebration. "The rich, organ-like sound of a tuba-euphonium ensemble is ideal for this type of performance," says Johnson. "OctubaFest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and appreciate these beautiful and often misunderstood instruments. At the same time, it is an exceptional fall tradition that allows us to give a special musical gift to the community."

All tuba or euphonium musicians interested in participating should contact Johnson at 910.962.7559 or johnsond@uncw.edu.

For more information about upcoming events presented by the UNCW Department of Music please visit www.uncw.edu/music.