MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS is now celebrating its 50th Anniversary (1974-2023). 

Created by Harvey Phillips, MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS 2023 concerts will be presented in  over 300 cities throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. First and foremost,  may we give respect, thanks, and recognition to Dr. Harvey G. Phillips. Phillips who was  inspired to create TUBACHRISTMAS as an annual event honoring his mentor/teacher, friend  and associate, the late great tubist William J. Bell (born Christmas Day, 1902). 

Every Christmas season, tuba and euphonium players of all ages, from specific geographic areas, gather to pay respect - Harvey G. Phillips and William J. Bell - all the great  artists/teachers who represent their heritage. Every TUBACHRISTMAS performance features  traditional Christmas carols especially arranged (for the first TUBACHRISTMAS, December  22, 1974 on “The Rink at Rockefeller Center”) by American composer Alec Wilder (died  Christmas Eve, 1980). Through Wilder, TUBACHRISTMAS concerts pay grateful tribute to  composers who have embraced these noble instruments with solo and ensemble compositions.  Depending on the population of any given geographic area, TUBACHRISTMAS ensembles  may attract multiples of 100 participating performers aged 8 to over 92 years! It is no wonder  why the warm toned, smooth organ sounds of the tuba-euphonium choir has won the ears and  hearts of every audience, making a TUBACHRISTMAS concert an established Christmas  tradition in cities throughout the world.  

TUBACHRISTMAS ® is a property and presentation of the HARVEY PHILLIPS FOUNDATION, INC. P.O. Box 933 • Bloomington, IN 47402-0933 Tel: (812) 824-8833 • Fax: (812) 824-4462 

e-mail: coord@TUBACHRISTMAS.com • web page: www.TUBACHRISTMAS.com

“...dedicated to developing, expanding, and preserving the music arts...” 

HARVEY PHILLIPS FOUNDATION, INC. 

50th Anniversary MERRY TUBACHRISTMAS® 2023 

Mr. Edwards was born in Fayetteville, NC, on November 19, 1944, and was the son of the late David Phillip Edwards, Sr. and Mary Mildred Dawson Edwards. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Janie Bell Gibson.

Mr. Edwards honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, achieving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Upon completing Airborne School, 2LT Edwards attended and completed Special Forces Training at Ft Bragg, NC, to earn his coveted Green Beret. In 1969, he deployed to Vietnam, where he distinguished himself by earning the Combat Infantrymen’s Badge, Vietnamese Jump Wings, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Combat Medal w/60 Device, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Mr. Edwards was a second-generation general contractor and then a Special Education Teacher. He was highly devoted to his wife, Kay, married for almost 59 years. He was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church. Mr. Edwards took great pleasure in serving and doing for others. He lived his faith by his actions and his words. Mr. Edwards was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed sailing, kayaking, and fishing, but most of all, he enjoyed taking his grandchildren on outdoor adventures.

more info coming soon!