OREGON TUBA ASSOCIATION ARCHIVE
The Oregon Tuba Association began as a
series of casual conversations between Jim Newel, the owner of a unique shop
he called the "buy and sell center", and various customers. Jim bought and
sold musical instruments, among other things, so he made the acquaintance of
a broad cross-section of local musicians, from country fiddlers to rock band
musicians. Jim sold everything from penny whistles to the latest electronics
and drum sets. But his favorite instrument is the Tuba. Jim was a tuba
player in the service and, with his other skills as a machinist, loved to
work on tubas. Particularly, to remodel them, or create a tuba from assorted
parts. From time to time, he and his tuba playing customers would lament the
fact that there was really no place for ex-tuba players to play. About 1975
they began hearing about tuba players gathering in Times Square on Christmas
Eve to play Christmas carols. Jim, being a "let's do something about that"
kind of guy, commissioned a young man who was here from York, England to
arrange a book of "CAROLS FOR LOW BRASS". David Grosvenor was studying for
his master’s degree in music performance at the university of Oregon. He was
not only a very good tuba player, but also a gifted arranger. He produced a
book of Christmas carols in 4-part harmony that is unsurpassed. Not only the
traditional versions we know, but the English versions as well. That book is
still in use every Christmas here in Eugene AND in York, England. He and Jim
then gathered a nucleus of their tuba friends and planned a gathering for
the Eugene downtown area in December 1978. The rest, as they say, is
history.
After a couple years of that, the
event was growing in popularity in the community and with local tuba
players, so several decided that they should organize a year around
performing group. From that has come the present Oregon tuba Association.
Some of the original members of the Ensemble were John Hunenk, Howard
Williams, Gordon Slate, Jim Newel, Dave Mckee, Chuck Wilming, Bryan Dwyer
and Bob Yates.
The original president was David
Grovenor, then Jim Newell, John Hunenk, Jeff Olson, Jeff Turey, and
currently Warren Wellford.
This web page will contain many
pictures. I will try to identify as many people and events as I can. If you
have more accurate information or identification than I do, please contact
me. I have been in the Oregon Tuba Ensemble from the beginning, but I didn't
keep notes. I didn't realize this would last so long and be so much fun!
David Grosvenor, the first director and arranger.
1978-1980
David Grosvenor, the only tuba player in a suit! Is
that Claren Lewis back there?
Yep, Santa was there too!
1981-1983
Dr Richard Vagner conducting, about 1983... and about
1993
Gene Slayter(with euphonium) and Richard Vagner in
early 1980's.
Gene took over as Richard's health failed. Both great conductors!
Jim Newell looking for his chair....and ready to play.
David Grosvenor in brown, me with the big silver bell.
John Hunenk is addressing the crowd in the covered bleachers.
This is a composite of the gang in 1985
1987 with Gene Slayter conducting . note the Astoria
quartet setting up on the balcony.
Nice sound too!
The Oregon Tuba Ensemble in red, setting up in the front.
Really, I'm not advertising my head for lease!
Sign up and get your music! About 1987
1987 or 1988 John addressing the audience.
Anyone know who this is?
Jim consulting
Jim consoling Jim contorting?
Gene Slaytor OK, Who's the ham with the BAT?
TYPICAL SCENES OF THE 1980'S
Me (Dave Mckee) with my BAT.
Why, that's Bob Yates standing like a brick..... .....
in the fog!
Not sure what year.
Who's the cat in the black jacket?
Good good times!!!
Note, the Astoria quartet on the balcony, left. And
above!
The crowd gathers...
The tubas gather....
The Sousaphones gathered The conductor warmed up...
John told some jokes... and we began Late 1980's
THE OREGON TUBA ENSEMBLE
By the early 1980's, the Oregon Tuba Ensemble was
formed and began playing in parades, concerts for the hearing impaired and
other community gatherings. Here are some pictures of those events.
The Albany Veterans Day parade, about
1990. The truck was stuck in low gear,
so at the end of the parade, it took an hour to get back to the car....like
to froze too!
Mid 1990's dedicating a parking lot?
Heck, I don't know!
In the 1990's Jim Newel and others built
a parade trailer. Nice!
Taking it up to Oak ridge for the timber
days parade. Lots of fun...and cold!
A little low in the fourths, I think....
Or is it just light in the front?