This Year's 'TubaChristmas' Featured The Civil War Era Helicon

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DENVER (CBS4) - Hundreds of tuba players invaded Skyline Park on Sunday for the 40th annual TubaChristmas.

It's not every day a band made entirely of tubas plays, but the largest and lowest pitched in the brass family is the only star during TubaChristmas.

"Tuba Christmas is held all over the country," organizer Bill Clark said.

(credit: CBS)

Clark was among the first musicians who participated in the first TubaChristmas back in 1974.

Founded by the Harvey Phillips Foundation, it focuses on developing and preserving musical arts, and according to Clark, gives tuba players a time to shine.

PHOTO GALLERY: TubaChristmas In Denver

"It's a chance for tuba players to play the melody for a change instead of 'oompa' in the back of the band or orchestra," Clark said.

Virgil Hughes show CBS4's Mark Taylor the helicon (credit: CBS)

New this year was the introduction of the Civil War era helicon played by 90-year-old Virgil Hughes, who says the helicon was created so musicians could play on horseback.

"This way you hang it on your shoulders, you play it with your right hand, and you have your left hand to guide your horse," Hughes said.

(credit: CBS)

Musicians this year didn't play on horseback at Skyline Park, but they did provide a new sound for all to enjoy. It's one players and music fans hope comes back year after year.

LINK: TubaChristmas