tuba christmas, take 2

Will and I went to Tuba Christmas in Kansas City today. Will was very pleased and excited and he asked the same questions multiple times as we drove downtown for the concert:

1. How many tubas will be there?
2. Can I take off my coat at Tuba Christmas?
3. What songs will they play?

Nothing pushes me into road rage like answering pre-school questions on repeat while dodging texters on the highway in freezing temperatures.

We were seated on the side of the Hall. Right in back of the Tubas on the stage were more Tubas in the choral seats. There were a lot of tubas.

Then we got there, and Will lit up. Unlike in Boston where you had to wear your coat because Tuba Christmas was outside at Faneuil Hall, in Kansas City they hold it in the Kauffman Center, Kansas City's iteration of the Sydney Opera House.There were 300+ Tubas there, most of which were high schoolers not going to school. I probably would have picked up my middle school euphonium and played if in high school they had given me a similar opportunity. Will asked me if when he is in Kindergarten, can he get a tuba. Sometimes when I respond to my children "We'll see" I picture in my minds eye all of the Finnish people who I met on my mission who I invited to church or read the Book of Mormon who responded "We'll see." (katsotaan). I hated that. But Will asks tough questions, and I do not really want to commit to future tuba playing right now.

Will looks up at the cool ceiling

The building itself is gorgeous. The wood interior made it feel warm and modern, and reminded me of Finland for some reason. Will and I looked all around. I thought the acoustics were going to be better , but perhaps middle school and high school tubas perhaps are not the best sound test.

Even if the music was not perfect, there was a positive, energizing spirit there. During each song the audience was instructed to sing, and Will belted out the verse if he knew it. Many older people looked up, one was annoyed but most were very happy. It made me want to give him a big hug. I think Will is in the Christmas age sweet spot, and that is going to make this holiday season delicious. He insists on watching holiday classic movies when I give him viewing options (e.g., How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph, Frosty, and we have some other weird ones). We are reading from a child's nativity book every night. He is so excited. Tonight he prayed that we would have a good Christmas.

Me and my tuba/Christmas-loving boy