Double Bell Euphonium

Last night we sat on the floor of the Kennedy Center lobby and heard 300 tubas, sousaphones and other lower brass play "Deck the Halls," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Jingle Bells." But the tune I can't get out of my head this morning is "76 Trombones."

That's because we were introduced to some unusual members of the lower brass family, including a Russian bassoon (a gawky looking mix of wood and metal) and the double bell euphonium (pictured above), as in these lyrics from "The Music Man"'s signature tune : "Double bell euphoniums and big bassoons/each bassoon having his big fat say."

TubaChristmas concerts, the international phenomenon which began in New York City's Rockefeller Plaza in 1974, were created by the late Harvey Phillips as a tribute to his teacher William J. Bell. The appropriately named Bell was born on Christmas Day 1902, and among other highlights of his illustrious career, played with John Philip Sousa. So Christmas and the 4th of July come together in the heritage of this fine musician — just as holiday carols and summer music came together in my head this morning. And why not? It's the season to seek joy in unexpected places.