OcTUBAfest celebrates 25th anniversary
Oct. 17, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- The 25th annual "OcTUBAfest," Western Michigan University's annual event for lovers of low brass music, will be presented by the School of Music on Sunday, Oct. 29.
WMU's OcTUBAfest was started in 1976 by WMU professor Robert Whaley. Whaley has taught tuba and euphonium in the School of Music since 1966, and is the last founding member to still be performing with the celebrated Western Brass Quintet. Professor Whaley plans to retire at the end of this academic year.
This year's OcTUBAfest events include a recital by WMU student soloists at 1:30 p.m.; a massed tuba/euphonium ensemble rehearsal; and a grand finale concert at 4:30 p.m. featuring student performers, professor Whaley, and the massed tuba/euphonium ensemble, affectionately known as "Whaley's Wailers."
The finale will also feature some guest artists: Monte Burch, principal tubist of the Grand Rapids symphony; Michael Shannon, principal tubist of the Battle Creek symphony; narrator Jack Perlstein, producer and announcer at WMUK and former tubist with the United States Army Field Band; and the West Michigan Tuba Quartet.
All events will be held in the Dalton Center Recital Hall and are free and open to the public.
Media contact: Kevin West; 616 387-4678; kevin.west@wmich.edu