On Sunday, Dec. 23, Steg traveled to New York City to participate in TubaChristmas, an annual event held in cities throughout the world where tuba and baritone players gather together to play Christmas carols. This was his second TubaChristmas, and he shared the experience with 450 other players in Rockefeller Center.

TubaChristmas was developed to celebrate those who play, teach and compose music for instruments in the tuba family. The first TubaChristmas was held in 1974 as a tribute to the late artist/teacher William J. Bell who was born on Christmas Day in 1902. On that day, more than 300 musicians played and that started a phenomenon that continues to this day.

Steg journeyed to the Big Apple with his parents and Schuylerville music teacher Vicki Young. Young also played during the performance.

“This was an incredible experience for both Nikolaus and me. We were right in the front row of all the tuba and baritone players,” Young said.

The two Schuylerville musicians had practiced musical selections in school ahead of time, and then again with all their tuba teammates in an underground garage below Rockefeller Center.

“We only had two hours to practice as a group,” Steg said. “And when we eventually played in Rockefeller Center, the music echoed throughout the city.”

Following the formal performance, Steg and Young decided to set up their instruments in Times Square. The young musician noted that people stopped to have their pictures taken with them.

“It was great—one of the best things that ever happened to me,” Steg said. “How many kids get to stand in Rockefeller Center and play tuba with 450 other tuba players in front of thousands of people?”

Steg had a great time, and hopes to continue participating in TubaChristmas events. His father found one that takes place in Switzerland, and he said he hopes to play there some day.

In the meantime, he will continue as one of only two tuba players at Schuylerville Elementary School, along with pursuing the many other instruments he plays, including bass guitar and drums.

“I’m looking forward to going to the Jr.-Sr. High School so I can join the pep band,” Steg said.