CSO hears from Tubby the Tuba at family concert

The Chatt an o o g a Symphony & Opera will highlight t he world’s most famous tuba in a family concert Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Volkswagen Conference Center.

T h e story of “Tu b by the Tuba” centers on a tuba who yearns to play melodies rather t han j ust t he backg round 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 moti o n picture and video game soundtracks. He also has recorded and pe r f o r med with artists including Jack White, Im ag ine 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.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Neil Konouchi is principal tuba for the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera.