The steps of McMurran will come alive with the sound of tuba and euphonium music this Saturday, Dec. 21, as the “TUBACHRISTMAS,” concert makes its return to Shepherdstown.

Event organizer Kathleen Corpus, said that TubaChristmas will include its usual traditional Christmas arrangements as performed by a new and unique group of musicians.

“We set it up the same, but its always different,” Corpus said.

As she explained, TubaChristmas sees the arrival of musicians from all over, who come together just once for the special performance.

“I have no clue who is going to be there until registration,” she said.

“These are not musicians who normally play together.”

As in years past, TubaChristmas in Shepherdstown will feature players of various ages and backgrounds.

“People as old as 80 or 90 and as young as 12 come here,” she said.

Corpus, whose son is a musician, said TubaChristmas is something every tuba player tries their hand at least once.

“Every tuba and euphonium player knows what TubaChristmas is,” she said.

For the third year Shepherd University music professor Erik Jones will serve as conductor.

Corpus organized the event along with tuba player and Shepherd University professor Keith Alexander, who she said jumped at the chance to bring the TubaChristmas tradition to Shepherdstown.

Corpus, who is a professor of family and consumer sciences and business administration, said the local event was originally held as part of Shepherdstown’s 250th anniversary celebration.

“What a great way to bring Shepherdstown, Shepherd University and the hospitality program together,” she said.

She said the event has continued as a way to continue showing the town’s hospitality during the holiday season.

“These are just people who want to show up and bring a little Christmas cheer,” she said.

Corpus said she’s expecting between 35 and 40 musicians this year.

TubaChristmas will again be held on the steps of McMurran Hall, weather permitting.

In the event of inclement weather the performance will take place in Reynolds Hall, located next door to McMurran on Shepherd University’s campus.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m., before rehearsal beginning at 10:30.

The concert will begin at 1 p.m.

Attendees for the hour-long concert can stand or are welcome to bring lawn chairs for the sidewalk.

Contact Corpus at 620-339-6330 or corpus03@comcast.net for more information about the event.

Learn more about the national “TUBACHRISTMAS” organization by visiting www.tubachristmas.com.