If you go
› What: Chattanooga Symphony & Opera family concert, “Tubby the Tuba.”› When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.› Where: VW Conference Center, 7351 Volkswagen Drive.› Admission: $25 adults (non VW employee), $15 students with ID and adult VW employee, $5 children 17 and younger.› Phone: 423-267-8583.› Website: www.chattanoogasymphony.org.
Neil Konouchi is principal tuba for the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.
"Tubby the Tuba" originated as a song by lyricist Paul Tripp and composer George Kleinsinger. Tripp's original story, with illustrations by Henry Cole, was printed by E.P. Dutton in 2006 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the piece.The Chattanooga Symphony & Opera will highlight the world's most famous tuba in a family concert Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Volkswagen Conference Center.
The story of "Tubby the Tuba" centers on a tuba who yearns to play melodies rather than just the background oompahs. He gets a chance with advice from a resourceful bullfrog.
The song originated in 1941 after the attack on Pearl Harbor, but it wasn't until the end of World War II that lyricist Paul Tripp and composer George Kleinsinger had a hit with "Tubby." The song's success led to an Oscar-nominated Puppetoon in 1947 and a 1975 animated feature, the first of its kind to take advantage of computer technology.
Providing Tubby's voice Saturday will be Neil Konouchi, who was named principal tuba of the CSO in the 2014-15 season. Based in Nashville, he is an active studio musician who has appeared on a variety of motion picture and video game soundtracks. He also has recorded and performed with artists including Jack White, Imagine Dragons, Alice Cooper, Vince Gill, Willie Nelson, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
Konouchi is a regular substitute with the Nashville Symphony, a founding member of Halfbrass and a touring member of Mr. Jack Daniel's Original Silver Cornet Band. Before moving to Nashville, he played tuba and bass trombone as a cast member in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. He currently serves as brass captain head for Father Ryan High School.
Conductor Kayoko Dan will include other kid-friendly pieces in the concert, which is specifically designed to introduce instruments and the orchestra to children. An instrument petting zoo and other activities will be available before the performance.