Drobnak to Perform and Lecture at AETYB 2024

Ken Drobnak, a free lance tuba artist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, will give an Artist Tuba Recital and Lecture on the History of the International Tuba Euphonium Association at AETYB 2024 in Santiago, Spain. 

The 2024 Congress of the Spanish Association of Tubas and Euphoniums will take place in Santiago, Spain, at the facilities of the Professional Conservatory of Music of Santiago de Compostela from 3 July to 7 July. The host is Mr. Hugo Portas Ricoy, Professor of Tuba & Euphonium at the Conservatory.

Drobnak will present a recital of three works: Solo Pomposo by Al Hayes (Henry Fillmore), Sea Dreamsby Barbara York and Nautical Myths and Legends also by Barbara York. Composed in 1911, Solo Pomposo is believed to be the oldest work for tuba composed by an American composer while the Nautical Myths and Legends is one of the final works composed by Barbara York, who passed in 2020. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fillmore (1881-1956) was a trombonist and prolific composer of marches. He likely invented the "Trombone Smear" in his solo works for trombone and band. Fillmore studied at the Cincinnate College Conservatory of music and worked in the family "Fillmore Publishing House." He conducted theater and circus bands but moved to Florida in 1938 after a negative medical diagnosis. He began working with bands in Florida, and served at The University of Miami. Barbara York contributed numerous works to the low brass repertory and remains a beloved composer by the community. Written in 2002, Sea Dreams was her first composition for Tuba and Piano.

The International Tuba Euphonium Association celebrated its 50th Anniversary at ITEC 2023, which was held at Arizona State University. As the association's Historian, Drobnak led a panel discussion on the history of TUBA and ITEA at the conference. He will give a lecture (in English) on the history of ITEA (founded as Tubists Universal Brotherhood Association) with a focus on the earlier years. Drobnak has authored several articles for the ITEA Journal on the association's history.

Drobnak's History Lecture is tentatively scheduled at Noon on 4 July and his Artist Recital is tentatively scheduled on 5 July. Check back here for the final schedule!

Spanish Association of Tubas and Euphoniums

Since its creation in 2012, AETYB  has been working to organize conferences to promote the development of our instruments at all levels. Excellent examples of this are the conferences organized to date in Madrid (2013, presentation of the association), Barcelona (2014), Valencia  (2016), Madrid (2018, ITEA Super Regional), Malaga (2022), and the AETYB  2024 Congress , which will take place in Santiago de Compostela next July.

These congresses offer recitals, competitions, premieres, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, concerts, talks, and more . They bring together leading national and international artists, students, educators, amateur musicians, composers, instrument makers, repairers, publishers, and tuba and euphonium enthusiasts from around the world, providing a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, cultural promotion, and the development of music for our instruments. AETYB congresses  have always been highly successful, both for being a leading forum for sharing experiences, knowledge, activities, and aspirations, and for the quality of their content, tailored to tuba and euphonium players of all levels.

Performance Videos on YouTube

Sea Dreams by Barbara York

Pirates from Nautical Myths and Legends by Barbara York

Sea Monsters from Nautical Myths and Legends by Barbara York

© 2026 Ken Drobnak