MINOT (AP) - A band of 20 volunteers treated residents here to Christmas tunes played on tubas, euphoniums and baritones.

The band, made up of musicians 14 to 70 years old, performed at the Dakota Square Mall on Saturday.

The concert was directed by Tim Wollenzien, of the International Music Camp, north of Dunseith. The musicians, who came from throughout the state, had only a few hours to practice together.

"The volunteers came here for fun and for the great opportunity to make music," Wollenzien said. "It took a little effort to organize and get everybody together but we all had a great time."

Merry TubaChristmas concerts are put on each year around the country. The first was held in New York in 1974.

"Being one of the youngest here, it was a good opportunity playing with a wide range of ages," said Justin Whetham, from Berthold. "I have been playing the baritone for five years."

Whetham's grandmother, Sandy Mehlhoff, said she likes the big, brassy sounds of the instruments.

"I enjoy listening to Justin play," Mehlhoff said. "Every year, the music gets better and better."

Dave Stern drove 140 miles from Fortuna to play with the volunteer band. He was Wollenzien's high school music teacher.

Tubists and other low brass players don't always get the spotlight. TubaChristmas concerts are different, Stern said.

"It gives tubas and euphonium players a chance to shine by themselves," Stern said.

Jared Gratzek, a junior at Minot High School, took the top honors for the best holiday-decorated instrument.

"I have only been playing the baritone for five weeks and I enjoy doing things like these concerts," Gratzek said.