An annual festival gathers Suffolk musicians from county schools to celebrate two unique instruments – the tuba and the euphonium.
The Suffolk County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) announced that an anticipated one hundred Suffolk students in grades four through twelve – along with college students, educators and tuba enthusiasts – will perform at the 45th annual Day of Tuba and Euphonium on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Central Islip High School.
This year’s featured artist is euphonium virtuoso Hiram Diaz, faculty member at Carnegie-Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, PA, and a member of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington, D. C.
A Florida native and second-generation Cuban-American, Hiram’s early career included successes in multiple international euphonium competitions, and in addition to his Marine Band performances he is an active chamber musician with ensembles such as High Bridge Brass, American Tuba Quartet, and others.
“We are proud to offer our annual Day of Tuba and Euphonium for the students of Suffolk County,” said Angelina Wasson, SCMEA president and music educator in the South Country School District. “This event was started in 1980 by Long Island Tubist Bill Troiano to honor local legend Howard Hovey and others. Day of Tuba & Euphonium has seen thousands of students perform with world-class musicians that put the spotlight on the uniqueness of the two instruments.”
The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. featuring the Long Island Tuba Quartet, SCMEA’s All-County Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, Mr. Diaz in recital, a Faculty Ensemble and a Massed Tuba Ensemble Finale featuring all performers. The concert is open to the public.
SCMEA sponsors and organizes numerous All-County Music Festivals each year, as well as “Day of” festivals celebrating Jazz, Percussion, Recorder, Horn and Tuba and Euphonium.