Low Brass Invasion Hits Gustavus

A low brass invasion is taking place on the Gustavus Adolphus College campus this weekend.

Tubonium 8.5, the annual celebration of two instruments — the euphonium and the tuba — has brought college and high school musicians from across the state along with guest artists to the campus for the two-day conference. Developed and managed by Gustavus adjunct professor of music Paul Budde, the 8th annual Tubonium will take place in Schaefer Fine Arts March 18 and 19, 2011. The sessions and performances are open to the public with tickets available at the registration in Jussi Björling Recital Hall Lobby.

Along with performances by the Gustavus Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble and the High School All-Star Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, guest artists Marcus Dickman, euphonium and James Gourlay, tuba, and the members of the Atlantis Quartet will be presenting seminars, masters’ classes and solo performances as part of the conference. Marcus Dickman will perform with members of the Atlantis Quartet at 4:00 p.m., Friday, March 18 in Björling Recital Hall. Tubist James Gourlay will be accompanied by pianist Barbara Young in presenting the final performance of the conference at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 19.

A special “extra” for this year’s conference includes Marcus Dickman, euphonium and James Gourlay, tuba. On Friday, March 18, the artists and pianist Barbara Young will join the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras as a part of their spring concert in Christ Chapel at 7:30 p.m. As a part of that Spring Winds concert, the trio will perform three movements from David Gillingham’s Diversive Elements.

The performances and sessions in Schaefer Fine Arts and Björling Recital Hall are open to the public. Tickets which allow entrance to all events for the day are $25 and are available at the registration desk in the recital hall lobby. The Spring Winds concert in Christ Chapel on Friday night is free and open to the public.