Merry TubaChristmas!

That deep bellowing coming from Thibodaux’s direction can mean only one thing: It’s Merry TubaChristmas 2009 time!

Registration is under way for this year’s free concert, which will be held Sunday, Dec. 6, at Southland Mall’s JC Penney Court in Houma at 4 p.m.

Now in its 36th year, the event was created by Harvey Phillips in tribute to his tuba teacher, the late William J. Bell, who was born on Christmas day. Similar concerts are presented in over 200 cities across the U.S.

Tuba and euphonium players – past and present, young and not-so-young – are invited to join the fun.

The music is probably too challenging for novice students, but all are invited to attend the performance to hear what these instruments should sound like, according to Christina Mendoza, Nicholls’ instructor of brass.

Registration is held Dec. 6, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at T.R. Lindsley Hall on Nicholls’ campus.

The fee to participate is $5.

(The music, “Carols for a Merry TubaChristmas,” is available in advance for $15 at www.tubachristmas.com or the day of the event.)

Rehearsal is set for 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Musicians are urged to bring a folding music stand, if available.

Then it’s off to Southland Mall for the free concert.

Musicians are encouraged to dress in bright, holiday attire. Scarves and hats are ideal.

And decorated instruments add to the fun.

Audience members are urged to come ready for a great holiday experience.

For more information or to RSVP, call Mendoza at (985) 448-4616.