[3] The Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association was started in the spirit of the tavern master classes between 1966 and 1971 by Robert Ryker, who played tuba with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra with the aid of J. Lesley Varner and Winston Morris.Ryker advertised seeking those interested in forming an organization for tuba players and quickly received support including funding from Conn and Miraphone.Three masters were first declared honorary members: Harvey Phillips (later innovator of Oktubafest and Tuba Christmas), Arnold Jacobs, and William Bell, from whom the inspiration had been drawn.[5] The change was brought about to address concerns regarding the inclusion in its name of women and euphonium players, both of whom had long been members, in order to be more representative of the organization.[2] H. Robert Rÿker (1973), Founder and International President Harvey G. Phillips (1973 North American Chapter President) Daniel Perantoni (1974 National President) R. Winston Morris (1975–1977) J. Lesley Varner (1977–1979) James Self (1979–1981) Brian Bowman (1981–1983) Harvey G. Phillips (1983–1987) Robert Daniel (1987–1989) Donald Little (1989–1991) Martin Erickson (1991–1993) Fritz Kaenzig (1993–1995) Jeffrey Funderburk (1995–1997) Samuel Pilafian (1997–1999) Scott Watson (1999–2001) Skip Gray (2001–2003) Mary Ann Craig (2003–2005) Dennis Askew (2005–2009) David Zerkel (2009–2011) Deanna Swoboda (2011-2013) Jerry Young (2013-2015) Marty Erickson (2015-2017) Kevin Wass (2017-2019)[7] Gail Robertson (2019-2021) James Gourlay (2021-2023)
The ancient instrument the
serpent
was chosen as the first symbol of the association.
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3
]
