Potsdam, NY, Nov 04, 2011 — A Potsdam woman was one of the founding members of the Women's Air Force Band back in the early 1950's. Beverly Washburn was also the first female tuba player in an Air Force band and the ensemble's assistant conductor.

The WAF Band was organized in 1951 at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Washburn was one of the first eighteen women musicians in the ensemble. In its ten-year lifespan, the group toured the country and marched in three presidential inaugurations.

As she prepared for the 60th reunion of the musicians in Arizona next week, Washburn spoke with Todd Moe about her tuba-toting military career.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Dec 02, 2010 — Local tubists will oompah their way through Christmas carols in Potsdam this Sunday. "Merry Tuba Christmas" is an event held in more than 250 communities around the world to celebrate tubas, baritones and low-brass music for the Holidays. Ron Berry is organizing the concert in Potsdam. He told Todd Moe that this year's "Merry Tuba Christmas" will be dedicated to its founder, Harvey Phillips, who passed away in October at the age of 80. Phillips created the annual event 37 years ago as a tribute to the late great tubist William Bell.  Go to full article